Every so often a book aligns so closely with national headlines it almost seems that its publication was timed. Such is the case with Who Is Government?, from author and editor Michael Lewis, which comes to the defense of a federal workforce currently under attack.
One of the eight heroic government workers profiled in this book is Ron Walters, head of the VA’s National Cemetery Administration. I knew before I read the chapter about Walters that I wanted to write about this book, but my resolve to do so deepened after I read about him and his profoundly important work.
As it happens, my beloved sister-in-law works for VA (the Department of Veterans Affairs), and has worked for the federal government for many years. Over much of that time, I have witnessed her dedication to the missions of the departments she has served, and heard stories about her colleagues who were equally committed. In recent weeks, on the family text thread, I learned about sad and scary stuff that later showed up in the headlines.
In this week’s edition of The Newsletter, we bring you the second of a two-part series about books that confront topics we hold dear. As always, below, a News Digest that delivers information of relevance to you and the place you call home. Also, as always, a local community group doing good work in your county, and a recipe to nourish your body and soul.
| View in Browser |
By Eric Johnson
Published Mar 31, 2025
Who Is Government?
What Good is Government?
Michael Lewis is a journalist closely associated with Brad Pitt—who starred in two movies made from Lewis’s previous books Moneyball and The Big Short. Will this new book about government workers spawn a Hollywood blockbuster? Will it spawn an uprising to defend much-maligned federal employees? We shall see.
Unlikely Tales of Bureaucratic Heroism
|
Santa Cruz County's Homepage |
| Direct your browser to https://santacruz.californialocal.com/ to catch up on the latest news in California and Santa Cruz County. Bookmark the link and visit often, there's a lot happening in your community! | |
Recipe of the Week
Our friends at Sacramento Digs Gardening publish a recipe from their gardens every Sunday, which we feature here so you can start your week with some yum.
See more recipes in their Taste Spring! cookbook.
Winter meets spring in strawberry-orange compote
Get to Know a Group
|
Santa Cruz Baroque Festival |
The Santa Cruz Baroque Festival has been active since 1974, presenting early music as it sounded in its own era. Members strive for artistic excellence while transmitting the joy of Baroque music to future generations.
|
From Our Media Allies |
→ View All |
 |
Jimmy Panetta Stresses the Dire Impacts of Budget Cuts on Local Health |
|
Proposed cuts by the Trump administration would be devastating for new mothers, children, immigrants, seniors and lower and middle class community members, Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-19th District), who represents much of Santa Cruz County, told a packed town hall meeting … |
|
Donations Provide a New Dining Area at Salvation Army |
|
Donations from local agencies have led to the completion of a new outdoor dining area at the Salvation Army in Watsonville. |
 |
New Pesticide Alerts Draw Praise, Criticism in Pajaro Valley |
|
After five years of activism from Pajaro Valley residents and others across the state, California residents can now get text and email alerts about pesticide use near their homes, schools and workplaces as part of a SprayDays website that launched … |
|
More Home Insurance Options, Higher Rates Coming to Santa Cruz County |
|
New state rules are expected to make it easier for Santa Cruz County homeowners to find home insurance by early 2026, but already costly premiums are expected to rise. |
 |
Redwood Trail Hike at Big Basin Redwoods State Park |
|
Out and about in the early spring air! Contiguous days of delightfully warm weather under blue skies has been inspiration to hit local trails. Monday's hike at Big Basin Redwoods State Park included a spin around the Redwood Trail near … |
 |
Supervisor Cummings on CA Coastal Commission |
|
Justin Cummings, Third District Santa Cruz County Supervisor, talks about efforts to retain his seat as chair of the powerful California Coastal Commission. He also explains other ordinances under discussion at the county level. |
 |
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground Reopening Delayed |
|
California State Parks has announced the delayed reopening of the seasonal campground at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, now scheduled for Aug. 1, instead of the previously set April 1 date. This delay, attributed to adverse weather and supply chain … |
|
Housing Proposal Reduced to 5 Stories on Water Street in Santa Cruz |
|
Neighbors on Wednesday night got a first glimpse at new designs for a five-story affordable housing complex proposed at a former Japanese restaurant at 525 Water St. in Santa Cruz. |
|
San Lorenzo Valley High School Hosts Successful 2025 College and Career Fair |
|
San Lorenzo Valley High School played host to more than 45 different colleges, universities, state agencies and local businesses at the annual SLVHS College and Career Fair on March 19. |
|
Lithium Battery Storage Proposal Near Watsonville Faces Hurdles |
|
In the wake of the Moss Landing battery storage fire in January, some Santa Cruz County activists have battled a New Leaf Energy Inc. proposal to build a more modern battery storage site at 90 Minto Road near Pinto Lake … |
|
Ceiba School to Remain at Site After Watsonville City Council, PVUSD Trustees Waive Zoning Rules |
|
Ceiba College Preparatory Academy will remain at its location at 215 Locust Street, and Pajaro Valley High School will not need to make room for Renaissance High School students, who will not be displaced by Ceiba. |
 |
Second Harvest Grapples With Federal Funding Cuts |
|
The Second Harvest Food Bank of Santa Cruz is facing major problems serving its clientele after getting hit with cuts by the Trump Administration, according to CEO Erica Padilla-Chavez. |
 |
CHP Celebrates Largest Academy Graduation |
|
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) promoted 125 cadets to the rank of officer. The graduation ceremony on March 21 marked the successful completion of a 26-week intensive training schedule at the California Highway Patrol Academy in West Sacramento. |
|
Recent Local News |
→ View All |
|
|
Recent Statewide News |
→ View All |
|
|
Government Announcements |
→ View All |
|
Connecting our future: Skypark and Town Center |
|
In the April edition of the Mayor's Column, Mayor Timm shares exciting developments on two of our communitys most beloved spaces: Skypark and the future Town Center.
City of Scotts Valley (03/31/2025)
|
|
|
Undeclared Allergen in Trader Joe's Hot Honey Mustard Dressing with Use By Date of 05/27/2025 Issued by Fresh Creative Foods |
|
Fresh Creative Foods is voluntarily recalling a single item with a specific use by date, produced at a regional facility and distributed to limited Trader Joe's locations. The product is Trader Joe's Hot Honey Mustard Dressing, with a Use By Date of 05/27/2025 due to labeling error. The incorrect
United States (03/30/2025)
|
|
|
Now Accepting Applications for Social & Community Service Grants |
|
City of Watsonville (03/28/2025)
|
|
|
|
Cromer Food Services, Inc. Recalls Chicken Salad on White Sandwich Due to Undeclared Milk Allergen |
|
Cromer Food Services, Inc. is recalling all lots of our CFS Cromer Food Service brand Chicken Salad on White Sandwich with UPC 31166 & UPC 13172 because it contains undeclared milk.
United States (03/27/2025)
|
|
|
|
Egg Hunt Eggstravaganza, April 19! |
|
City of Watsonville (03/27/2025)
|
|
|
|
Frito-Lay Issues Limited Recall for Tostitos Cantina Traditional Yellow Corn Tortilla Chips for Undeclared Milk |
|
Frito-Lay today issued a recall of a limited number of 13 oz. bags of Tostitos Cantina Traditional Yellow Corn Tortilla Chips that could include nacho cheese tortilla chips, and therefore may contain undeclared milk.
United States (03/26/2025)
|
|
|
|
Nixle Alerts |
|
To receive Nixle alerts, text your ZIP code to 888777 to opt-in or sign-up to stay informed on critical events that directly affect you.
City of Scotts Valley (03/25/2025)
|
|
|
|
The Bakery Group Issues Allergen Alert on Undeclared Milk, Soy and Yellow FD&C #5 In Specific Bread and Hamburger Buns |
|
The Bakery Group of Dallas, Tx is recalling 629 cases of Dense Brioche Pullman loaves, #654203 and 104 cases of 4.5in Brioche HB Buns, #54500 because they may contain undeclared Milk, Soy and Yellow FD&C#5. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to Soy, Wheat Milk or Yellow FD&C#5 run the
United States (03/25/2025)
|
|
|
|
After Hours Laser Tag |
|
Grab your friends and join us for After Hours Laser Tag and pizza at the Main Library
City of Watsonville (03/24/2025)
|
|
|
|
Help us Reduce the Risks of Natural Disasters - Take the Survey Today! |
|
The City of Watsonville and nine other jurisdictions and unincorporated areas of the county are working to create a Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan.
City of Watsonville (03/24/2025)
|
|