If some people have their way you’ll see giant oil derricks when you look out on our Bay. Seriously. You won’t see them at Mar-a-Lago, but right here in our protected marine life zone and all up and down the coast.
Am I being alarmist? No, not according to our cover story by Richard Stockton who talked to experts and has become a coastline expert himself, writing about it and taking long walks all along it.
Little by little the Evil Empire is whittling away at the protections environmentalists have worked long and hard to construct to keep our coastline pristine. And if anyone remembers the oil spills around Santa Barbara in 1960 and 2015, you know just how important protecting the natural environment is.
Yes, there are those who argue that more oil will lower gas prices and bring in huge profits for oil companies and their shareholders. But, as the article suggests, those are relatively short term profits that not only defile the coast, but destroy a lifetime of profitable income from tourism.
Do people want to travel from all over the world to look out on oil derricks?
And again, lest you think I’m exaggerating, take a look at Utah’s Bear’s Ears National Monument, which was cut down on July 13 from1.36 million acres to 121,100 acres so that mining companies can make use of the parkland for profits.
This is sacred land for Native Americans and for all Americans, as is our Monterey Bay. But that’s not how the current administration in Washington sees it.
Read Richard’s story and see if there’s anything we can do to protect our own refuge.
Have you ever watched a Pajaro Valley Unified School District Board meeting? There’s a cult of people, myself included, who tune in for sheer entertainment value. For years there has been the kind of rudeness and infighting that shows just how crazy government can be.
Well, the shock of the week there is that a convicted violent felon who doesn’t live in the district is running for the Board. Todd Guild has the story here.
Finally, Elizabeth Borelli, our Wellness columnist talks to local markets about whether it’s safe to eat salad, in light of recent epidemics and lack of federal monitoring.
She says you should still eat your veggies but pay attention to where they are from.
Thanks for reading.
Brad Kava | Editor
PHOTO CONTEST
ALWAYS AMAZING There’s always something to see and photograph around Santa Cruz. People from other places don’t always get it. This duo was spotted on West Cliff Drive. Photography by Sharon Ferguson
GOOD IDEA
Santa Cruz City Schools will offer free meals to all students for the 2026-2027 school year, thanks to the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs. All students will be served a healthy breakfast and lunch at no charge, regardless of household income or any other factor, under the California Universal Meals Program at every district school: Bayview, Gault, Westlake, Delaveaga & Monarch Elementary Schools; Mission Hill & Branciforte Middle Schools; Santa Cruz, Harbor, Soquel & Costanoa High Schools; and Delta School, AFE, & Ark Independent Studies. All families should complete the quick application at sccs.net/freelunch.
GOOD WORK
Have a persistent squeaky brake? Inconsistent shifting? Rusty chain? Flat tire? Have your bike checked by a mechanic for free at the Santa Cruz Farmers Market today, Wednesday 1-4pm. This is through Ecology Action and is a real testament to what a community group can do for people. You can book a time for a repair by searching Ecology Action bike repair farmers market. If all appointment slots are full, please email tk******@****ct.org to be put on the wait-list. Bike on!
