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By Chris Neklason
Published Apr 28, 2025

Gov. Gavin Newsom joined CAL FIRE Chief Joe Tyler and firefighting personnel last week to announce that, as peak fire season approaches, California is adding a second C-130 airtanker to the world’s largest aerial firefighting fleet. Gov. Gavin Newsom joined CAL FIRE Chief Joe Tyler and firefighting personnel last week to announce that, as peak fire season approaches, California is adding a second C-130 airtanker to the world’s largest aerial firefighting fleet.

The News: April 28, 2025

The Headline: CALocal Forks ‘The Newsletter’

We have noted that the stack of information we send out every Monday in our weekly edition of The Newsletter has grown. Starting now, instead of distributing one really big collection of carefully curated information per week, we’re going to send you two pretty big collections. 

Below as always find a News Digest drawn from trusted sources in your neighborhood; a profile of a local nonprofit; Announcements from your elected public servants and other government entities; and yes! A recipe! On Thursday, look for Explainers and other original content from California Local.

The Throughline: Scanning the news in the ten counties we currently serve, our friend and CEO Chris Neklason often notices that a theme emerges. It might be because it’s tax time or Grand Jury season or flu season. This week, as you scan the Digest localized for your county, you are likely to find news about work being done to prepare for fire season. Scroll to learn more.

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.

Healthy spring salad is packed with antioxidants

This pretty spring salad is loaded with nutrition from blueberries, spinach, Brussels sprouts and other vegetables.
New! Blueberry spinach salad with honey-Dijon vinaigrette

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Santa Cruz County's Homepage
Our overview page for Santa Cruz County is updated daily with the latest state and local news, weather alerts, local government announcements and local blog posts and news snippets from community groups and individuals.
Direct your browser to 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!

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O'Neill Sea Odyssey logo O'Neill Sea Odyssey

O’Neill Sea Odyssey offers a hands-on science program about the ocean to kids in grades 4-6.

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From Our Media Allies

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The Pajaronian logo Janet Johns Named Artist of the Year

A free “profile performance” will be staged on May 9 for the Santa Cruz County Arts Commission’s Artist of the Year Janet Johns.
Santa Cruz Local logo Millions in Mental Health Services Slashed in Draft County Budget

A $793.5 million General Fund draft budget for the County of Santa Cruz includes layoffs and millions in cuts for mental health services.

San Lorenzo Valley Post logo Birdwatching: A Feathered Adventure in the Santa Cruz Mountains

Looking for an outdoor hobby? Birdwatching in the San Lorenzo Valley is at its best during the spring and fall migration seasons, when diverse arrays of species pass through or settle in the area.

Santa Cruz Local logo Santa Cruz Wharf Repair Money, Timing Remains Uncertain

California disaster officials have agreed to pay for some Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf repairs, but it’s not clear how much money the city will receive and when they will get it, Santa Cruz city staff said. 
The Pajaronian logo Santa Cruz Area Museums Hit by Cuts

Federal cuts by the Trump administration to museum and library funding nationwide have hit hard in Santa Cruz County, where the Santa Cruz Museum of Art and History (MAH) and the Santa Cruz Children’s Museum of Discovery have lost a …
The Pajaronian logo Photo Story: Tandy Beal & Company Host Student Concerts

Ka-Hon Latin Percussion Ensemble delivers their blend of Central and Latin American music Thursday at the Mello Center for over 1,300 students as part of the annual Student Concerts put on by Tandy Beal and Company. For around 50 years …
Sacramento News and Review logo California Workforce Board Executive Director Kaina Pereira on Developing a Strong Statewide Workforce

In a recent interview with Sacramento News & Review Publisher Jeff vonKaenel, California Workforce Development Board Executive Director Kaina Pereira shared his vision for workforce development boards and highlighted both the challenges and opportunities they face.

The Pajaronian logo Student Exhibition 2025 Comes to Cabrillo

The Cabrillo Gallery is presenting Student Exhibition 2025, showcasing a cross-section of student talent.

The Pajaronian logo Freedom Rotary Boosts Local Park

Flodberg Park lies in the center of a neighborhood at the end of Alvarado Street, a tiny place with a grassy field, a blacktop, a play structure and tables for picnics.
Press Banner logo Fiber Internet Switched-on for Rural Residents in Santa Cruz Mountains

During a midday ceremony last Friday at the Summit Store’s parking lot, in the heart of the Santa Cruz Mountains, community members joined with telecom and government officials to celebrate the completion of the first phase of Surfnet Communications’ rural …
Press Banner logo Fire Districts Launch Regional Fire Service Consolidation Feasibility Study

The City of Santa Cruz, Scotts Valley Fire Protection District, Central Fire District and the Santa Cruz Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to conduct a Regional Fire Service Consolidation Feasibility Study. This study …
Santa Cruz Local logo Vacant Shops Prompt New Rules in Downtown Santa Cruz

In response to recent shop vacancies in Downtown Santa Cruz, the Santa Cruz City Council Tuesday advanced plans to encourage shopping and discourage empty storefronts.
Good Times logo Apple Upgrade

A local farm is being modified to serve as a learning center for young students about progressive farming methods.
San Lorenzo Valley Post logo Lupine and Wild Iris at Quail Hollow Ranch

Lupin near the Discovery Loop at Quail Hollow Ranch Park in Felton, and the wild Iris are having a field day!
The Pajaronian logo Pajaro Valley Chamber of Commerce & Agriculture Announces 2025 Awards

Every year, the Pajaro Valley Chamber of Commerce & Agriculture selects the people, organizations and events that help shape the vibrant community that is Watsonville.

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Recent Local News

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● Cliona Ward Update
An update on the status of longtime resident Cliona Ward who was arrested by immigration officials and held at a detention center in Tacoma, Washington. Possibly for months. Read more.
(04/29/2025) Santa Cruz Sentinel
● Martinelli’s Recalls Apple Juice
Local agricultural giant Martinelli & Co. is voluntarily recalling more than 170,000 bottles of apple juice due to possible contamination. Read more.
(04/29/2025) Santa Cruz Sentinel
● VegFest Coming to Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds
The Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds will be hosting the celebration of the vegan Santa Cruz VegFest on May 31. Read more.
(04/29/2025) Lookout Local
● Santa Cruz Mayor Fred Keeley Skates Along
Mayor Fred Keeley will celebrate his 75th birthday on wheels thanks to the Santa Cruz Roller Derby on May 10. Read more.
(04/29/2025) Lookout Local
● Highway 1 Overnight Closures Coming
Work on new Highway 1 overpasses will result overnight closures for several nights in two sections, one in Capitola and one in Aptos. Read more.
(04/28/2025) Lookout Local
● Changing Santa Cruz
With empty storefronts and a frenzy of building, Wallace Baine considers the future of downtown Santa Cruz. Read more.
(04/26/2025) Lookout Local
● Spotlight on San Lorenzo Park ‘Day in the Park’
The second annual 'Day in the Park' was held on April 26 at San Lorenzo Park. Read more.
(04/26/2025) Santa Cruz Sentinel
● Santa Cruz County Health Director Abruptly Resigns
Santa Cruz County Health Director Monica Morales has resigned, effective June 3, following news about staffing cuts at the Health Services Agency. Read more.
(04/25/2025) Lookout Local
● Top Education Official Reprimands Pajaro Valley Unified School District Board
Santa Cruz County Superintendent of Schools Faris Sabbah has send a letter critical of the Pajaro Valley Unified School District Board of Trustees following a turbulent meeting considering an ethnic studies curriculum. Read more.
(04/25/2025) Santa Cruz Sentinel
● Santa Cruz Resident Detained at San Francisco International Airport
On April 21, long time Santa Cruz resident and green card holder Cliona Ward was detained by immigration agents at the San Francisco International Airport. Read more.
(04/24/2025) Lookout Local
● State Claims Dominican Hospital Service Charges "Excessive"
Dominican Hospital in Santa Cruz is one of several hospitals named by state health officials as charging excessive fees and may have price caps imposed as a result. Read more.
(04/24/2025) Lookout Local
● Eight-Story Building in Proposed in Santa Cruz South of Laurel Area
A pre-application has been submitted to the City of Santa Cruz with a proposal to build an eight-story mixed-use building on the south side of Laurel Avenue. Read more.
(04/24/2025) Santa Cruz Sentinel
● UCSC Raises Rents
Students living in UC Santa Cruz family housing were shocked to learn rents at the new housing facility would be $600 per month higher than they are paying now. Read more.
(04/23/2025) Lookout Local
● Downtown Santa Cruz Farmers Market Moving to New Location
The downtown Santa Cruz Farmers Market will be moving to a new location at Cedar Street between Walnut and Church Street on May 21. Read more.
(04/23/2025) Lookout Local
● Barry Swenson Dies at 85
Builder and developer Barry Swenson, who was instrumental in the rebuilding of downtown Santa Cruz following the 1989 earthquake, has died at the age of 85. Read more.
(04/23/2025) Santa Cruz Sentinel
● Santa Cruz County Youth Poet Laureate Named
San Lorenzo Valley High School student Finn Maxwell has been named as the next Santa Cruz County youth poet laureate. Read more.
(04/22/2025) Santa Cruz Sentinel
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Recent Statewide News

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● Welcome to the First Fire-Resistant Neighborhood. Now What About the Rest of California?
Dixon Trail is the first purpose-built “wildfire resilient neighborhood” in the United States. Making that a reality for the millions of Californians who already live in harm’s way is a daunting and costly challenge that lawmakers are only just beginning to grapple with. Read more.
(04/29/2025) CalMatters
● Judge Restricts Border Patrol in California: ‘You Just Can’t Walk Up to People With Brown Skin’
‘You just can’t walk up to people with brown skin and say give me your papers,’ a federal judge told Border Patrol attorneys at a hearing challenging recent immigration sweeps. Read more.
(04/29/2025) CalMatters
● California Sent Investigators to ICE Facilities. They Found More Detainees, and Health Care Gaps
A California law empowers state investigators to check on conditions at ICE detention centers. A new report raises concerns about health care inside them. Read more.
(04/29/2025) CalMatters
● California Rolls Out Pesticide "Spray Days" Alerts
Residents living near farms can now sign up to be alerted when pesticides will be applied by the a new system recently launched by the California Department of Pesticide Regulation. Read more.
(04/28/2025) Monterey Herald
● Trump Cuts Millions in California Crime Prevention Grants: ‘This Was a Sledgehammer’
Groups that support California crime victims and attempt to reduce gun violence lost millions of dollars in grants when the Trump administration pulled funding. Read more.
(04/28/2025) CalMatters
● Legislator Introduces Bill to Prohibit Offshore Drilling Along Central, Bay Area Coast
A new bill in Congress proposes banning new offshore fossil fuel drilling along the coast from Monterey to Mendocino County, U.S. Rep. Jimmy Panetta, D-Carmel Valley, said this week. The Central Coast of California Conservation Act would prohibit new exploration, development or production leases for natural gas or oil along the Central Coast, and a portion of the North Coast. Read more.
(04/27/2025) Local News Matters
● How the State Sent Californians’ Personal Health Data to LinkedIn
The state’s health insurance exchange transmitted pregnancy and domestic abuse data during a marketing campaign. It is reviewing its website practices. Read more.
(04/27/2025) CalMatters
● They Feared a Loved One in a Psychotic Moment. Why California Police Wouldn’t Come
Police agencies — under scrutiny and worried about their own liability — increasingly won’t respond to someone in a mental health crisis unless that person is committing a crime. So who will transport people in psychosis to get help? And who will keep those around them safe? Read more.
(04/27/2025) CalMatters
● Fraud in California Community Colleges Triggers Call for Trump Investigation
Following CalMatters reporting, California’s Republican representatives are calling for the U.S. Department of Education and Attorney General Pam Bondi to investigate how California’s community colleges are handling financial aid fraud. Read more.
(04/24/2025) CalMatters
● California Railroads: Unions Push to Shorten Trains, but Companies Warn of Higher Costs
Unions are pushing for shorter freight trains to make railways safer, but that could raise the cost of goods and delay passenger rail service. It also may not be legal. Read more.
(04/24/2025) CalMatters
● Biden Let California Get Creative With Medicaid Spending. Trump Is Signaling That May End
California uses Medicaid to pay for a range of nontraditional health care services, including housing. The Trump administration wants to scale back those programs. Read more.
(04/24/2025) CalMatters
● Algae Bloom Killing Animals in California Waters
A huge algae bloom is responsible for the deaths of sea lions, pelicans and whales off the California coast. Read more.
(04/24/2025) The Sacramento Bee
● Cal Fire Unveils New Aircraft
In an April 24 press conference. CalFire unveiled the latest addition to their fleet of firefighting aircraft, a new C-130 Hercules. Read more.
(04/24/2025) The Mercury News
● California is World's Fourth-Largest Economy
The California economy continues to grow, now ranking as the fourth-largest on the planet. Read more.
(04/23/2025) Los Angeles Times
● Real ID Deadline Is May 7
You need a Real ID to fly, and the deadline to get one in California is May 7. Read more.
(04/23/2025) Los Angeles Times
● CalFire Releases Interactive Urban Tree Canopy Mapping Tool
A new online urban tree canopy mapping tool for California has been released by CalFire. Read more.
(04/23/2025) YubaNet
● Abundance Meets Resistance: Are Democrats Finally Ready to Go All in on Building Housing?
California Senate Housing Committee Chair Aisha Wahab is a staunch progressive who is clashing with pro-development activists and other Democrats who want to build more, faster. Read more.
(04/22/2025) CalMatters
● How Trump Tariffs Could Upend California Farms, Wine Businesses and Ports
From higher costs to export worries, California’s agricultural and wine industries face many possible tariff effects. But some hope for opportunity. Read more.
(04/22/2025) CalMatters
● UC  Has Been Enrolling More in-State Students. Proposed State Cuts May Halt That Growth
The UC has grown its enrollment of California undergraduates by 16,000 in the last five years. University officials say they won’t be able to continue that growth if state funding is cut. Read more.
(04/22/2025) CalMatters
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Government Announcements

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Image of City of Scotts Valley seal. City of Scotts Valley   (04/28/2025)

2024-25 Q3 Strategic Plan Update
The Quarter 3 Results from the City of Scotts Valley's 2024-25 Strategic Work Plan are available now to the public.
Image of United States seal. United States   (04/28/2025)

Food Co. Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Milk in Monkfish Liver - Ankimo
JJWV Marketing Corporation of Santa Fe Springs, California is recalling Ankimo Monkfish Liver because it may contain undeclared milk. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to milk run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume this product.
Image of City of Scotts Valley seal. City of Scotts Valley   (04/28/2025)

Investing in Safety and Strengthening Community Through Service
In the May edition of the Mayor's Column, Mayor Timm takes a moment to highlight and appreciate the amazing work of Scotts Valley's Police Department.
Image of Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission seal. Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission   (04/28/2025)

RTC Hosting Community Workshops in May for the Zero Emission Passenger Rail and Trail Project
This May, the Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) is hosting Community Workshops for the Zero Emission Passenger Rail and Trail Project (ZEPRT) focused on community-specific information that has been under development over the past months. Each workshop will begin with a brief presentation at 6:15 p.m., followed by an open house where attendees [...] The post RTC Hosting …
Image of Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission seal. Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission   (04/28/2025)

Full Overnight Closures of North and Southbound Highway 1 Set to Begin Sunday, May 4 For Capitola Ave. Bridge Construction
A project to construct north and southbound auxiliary lanes and bus-on-shoulder improvements on Hwy. 1 between the Bay Avenue/Porter Street and State Park Drive interchanges continues with a focus on construction of the wood and metal framework, or falsework, which will be built to support construction of the Capitola Ave. Bridge Overcrossing. In April 2024, [...] The post Full Overnight …
Image of United States seal. United States   (04/28/2025)

Trader Joe's Sesame Miso Salad with Salmon Voluntarily Recalled Due to Undeclared Milk Allergen
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - April 28, 2025 - A limited quantity of Trader Joe's Sesame Miso Salad with Salmon is voluntarily being recalled because the topping packet may potentially contain an undeclared milk allergen. The product may contain milk that is not declared on the label. 500 units of the sal
Image of State of California seal. State of California   (04/28/2025)

Dawn Addis CA Assembly 30:
Sen. Menjivar & Asm. Addis Hold Presser on Climate Superfund Act Targeting Corporate Polluters
Sen. Menjivar & Asm. Addis Hold Presser on Climate Superfund Act Targeting Corporate Polluters sanchema Mon, 04/28/2025 - 09:49 Tuesday, April 29, 2025
Image of United States seal. United States   (04/25/2025)

Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Company, LLC Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Almonds and Cashews in Mauna Loa Dark Chocolate Covered Macadamias (0.6OZ and 4OZ)
Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Company LLC of Kea'au, HI is voluntarily recalling Mauna Loa Dark Chocolate Covered Macadamias (0.6oz and 4oz bags), due to the possible presence of undeclared almonds and cashews.
Image of City of Watsonville seal. City of Watsonville   (04/25/2025)

May - Celebrate Bikefest all Month Long with Modo
Bikefest will be celebrated throughout the county all month long. Join the Bikefest challenge and attend one or more of the many bike-related events this month.
Image of United States seal. United States   (04/25/2025)

My Life Inc Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Milk in ML Natural Premium Quality Lactoferrin as Apolactoferrin
April 25, 2025, My Life Inc. of Federal Way, WA is recalling approximately 65 bottles of ML Naturals Premium Quality Lactoferrin as Apolactoferrin 300mg. capsules dietary supplement, lot FL2407511L19, expiration date 10/2027, because it may contain undeclared milk. People who have an allergy or seve