Jondi was a wonderful person and an excellent journalist who served the Santa Cruz County community for decades. We will always miss her and keep her in our hearts.
For Santa Cruz County, 2025 saw some progress on some fronts and some disappointments on others.
Take a look back on 2025 with this month-by-month review.
JANUARY
Cabrillo Ethics Bowl Team to Compete at Nationals
Cabrillo College’s Ethics Bowl team has qualified to compete in the 2025 Association for Practical and Professional Ethics Intercollegiate Ethics Bowl National Competition in Norfolk, Virginia, in February.
At the California Regional Competition at Stanford in December, four of the 27 teams competing advanced to the National Competition.
Cabrillo College was the only community college team to compete against teams from four-year universities including UCLA, UC Santa Cruz, UC Davis, UC Riverside, San Diego State University, and San Jose State University.
Olivia Flores Voted President of PVUSD Board
The seven-member Pajaro Valley Unified School District board has three members following the November election and new leaders.
Then the board chose a new president, Olivia Flores and vice president/clerk Dr. Misty Navarro.
Flores, a graduate of Watsonville High with a degree in architecture, was elected in 2022 on a platform of “Safety, Education and employing well-paid certificated teachers in every classroom.” She has three children and owns a design and construction business with her husband.
Navarro is an Aptos parent and an emergency medicine physician who has worked for Salinas Valley Health for the past 16 years.
FEBRUARY
PVUSD: $5 Million Cuts Include Mental Health Staff
In a meeting that had high school students staying up til 10 p.m., the Pajaro Valley Unified School District trustees voted to cut more than $5 million from the budget, including mental health clinicians students said are needed.
The cuts come as the district is expected to lose $10 million next year due to declining enrollment and the state is not renewing grants provided during the Covid-19 pandemic to help students with issues related to online instruction.
The cuts were clearly painful for all involved, notably newly seated trustee Gabriel Medina, a film producer who voted no.
Cabrillo College President to Retire
“Cabrillo College is a special place in a vibrant region,” said Wetstein. “The faculty and staff at Cabrillo are amazing and have built a caring culture for our students. I have thoroughly enjoyed the time that I have served as its leader … I will always cherish the friendships I have made at Cabrillo and in the Santa Cruz County community.”
Wetstein leaves a 29-year career in public higher education and plans to move to Stockton where he and his wife Cindy have a home — and spend time traveling.
Isaiah Ackerman: 1,000 Career Points
Reaching 1,000 points in four years of high school basketball is a rare and distinct accomplishment — and Isaiah Ackerman, a senior at Aptos High School, has done just that.
He’s averaging 18 points a game this year.
Last year, Ackerman shared the MVP title with Ben Dotten of Santa Cruz, and he’s certainly in the running this year.
PVUSD Administrators Win Regional Awards
Four Pajaro Valley Unified School District administrators have been honored as regional Administrators of the Year by the Association of California School Administrators.
This prestigious recognition highlights their exceptional leadership and contributions to educational excellence.
The honorees are: Heather Bailey, Elementary Principal of the Year; Rich Arellano, Business Services Administrator of the Year; Lisa Sandoval, Central Office Administrator of the Year; and Claudia Monjaras, Curriculum & Instruction Administrator of the Year.
MARCH
New Principals at Valencia & Renaissance
Currently he is the academic coordinator for both Rio Del Mar Elementary and Calabasas Elementary.
Lynch started his education career in 2012 as a paraprofessional in a special education program.
He became an elementary school teacher in 2015 and he also has experience teaching 7th grade.
He has spent most of his career at Aptos High School, joining the staff in 1996 as an academic learning coordinator, then social studies teacher and assistant principal.
He has coached the basketball teams at Aptos High, both the boys and girls and won several league championships.
APRIL
Mar Vista Elementary Expands to Grade 8
With 80% voting in favor, Mar Vista Elementary School will become a transitional kindergarten through eighth-grade (TK-8) school in 2025-26.
The Pajaro Valley Unified School District made the announcement March 26.
PVUSD conducted town hall meetings, informational sessions, surveys, and engaged with parents, educators, and community members to make sure families had all necessary information to make an informed decision.
Aptos High Debate Team Heads to State
The regional tournament brought together teams from across the area, all showcasing their public speaking skills, critical thinking, and teamwork.
The Aptos High team impressed judges with their persuasive arguments, poise, and collaborative approach.
Central Fire Chief Jason Nee to Retire
Central Fire Chief Jason Nee, 50, will retire this year. He joined Central Fire in 1999. He lives in Santa Cruz with his wife of 22 years and has two children, a son in college and a daughter who is a high school senior.
He also has a chocolate lab named Coco.
Aptos High: Dr. AHS Out
In a petition on Change.org, parents say, “Dr AHS has led the school with grace, passion and strength. She’s been an unwavering support for all who come in contact with her. This would be a devastating loss for the Aptos High Community.”
So far, 600 people have signed the petition.
They are asking Dr. Heather Contreras, superintendent of the Pajaro Valley Unified School District since May, to reverse her decision.
MAY
Aptos High School Boys Golf Team Finishes Season 7-3
Aptos High School boys golf team finished the regular season with a 7-3 record.
“We had our final match, Senior Night and our Golf Awards Banquet all yesterday afternoon evening,” reported head coach Paul Zech.
The team bid farewell to nine seniors.
PVUSD Board of Education Appoints Measure M Bond Committee
Pajaro Valley Unified School District announced the formation of the Citizens’ Oversight Committee (COC) for the Measure M Bond.
The committee will play a vital role in ensuring transparency and accountability in the expenditure of funds from the voter-approved $315 million Measure M facilities bond. The committee represents a broad range of stakeholder groups, as required under California Education Cod.
They are Lourdes H. Barraza, Bill Beecher, Colleen Bugayong, Jessica Clements, Adriana Mata, Maria Meade, Murry Schekman, and Luz Sotelo.
JUNE
Jondi Gumz Bids Farewell
However, I feel I must step back to focus on my own health. I’ve been living with breast cancer since 2018, disappointed that two nodules returned despite the lumpectomy that year. In March, the respiratory virus RSV knocked me for a loop, left me with coughing fits for which I’ve tried every remedy, in vain.
At this point, I’m looking for joy and those grandkids are just what I need. So, if you don’t see my name, this is the explanation.
Au revoir, until we meet again.
Author, Activist John Robbins Dies at 77
SOQUEL — John Robbins, a bestselling author and activist who relinquished the Baskin-Robbins fortune to become a leading voice for food consciousness and sustainability, died June 11 at his home in Soquel. He was 77.
Robbins is best known for his 1987 book “Diet for a New America,” which revealed connections among diet, animal welfare, human health and the environment.
Published in 1987, it sold more than a million copies and helped ignite the modern plant-based movement. But to those in Santa Cruz County, Robbins was also a neighbor who lived quietly in Soquel as an embodiment of the principles he wrote about.
The Robbins family issued a statement asking for privacy and understanding
CEO Palacios Announces Retirement Plans
Santa Cruz County’s Executive Officer Carlos Palacios announced June 19 that he will be retiring in December.
The County Board of Supervisors announced the decision by Palacios, who has served for nearly 10 years as the county’s top executive and more than three decades in local government leadership. Palacios was the first first Latino CEO in county history.
“It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve the people of Santa Cruz County,” Palacios said. “I am incredibly proud of the progress we have made together — from responding to crises to building a stronger, healthier, and more equitable community. None of it would have been possible without the tireless work of county staff, the partnership of community organizations, and the leadership of the Board of Supervisors. I look forward to supporting a smooth transition and seeing what the future holds for this remarkable county.”
Palacios was appointed in 2017 after 20 years as city manager of Watsonville, where he began his career in local government in 1992, was promoted to city manager in 1996 and led the city through some challenging times, growth and controversy.
Larry Jacobs & Sandra Belin Named 2025 ‘Farmer of the Year’
Co-Owners of Jacobs Farm del Cabo honored at Santa Cruz County Farm Bureau 108th Annual Meeting/Dinner
Larry Jacobs & Sandra Belin, co-owners of Jacobs Farm del Cabo, were selected as the 2025 “Farmer of the Year” by the Santa Cruz County Farm Bureau. The award is presented annually to the farmer or farmers who have contributed beyond their normal farming duties to help the community.
“Larry Jacobs and Sandra Belin are deeply committed to growing organic food and protecting our land and soils to assure that there continues to be a place to plant and grow healthy flavorful food in the future,” the Farm Bureau stated in a press release announcing the award.
Jacobs and Belin co-founded Jacobs Farm in 1980, a northern California organic farming operation specializing in culinary herbs. Currently they farm in three counties: San Mateo, Santa Cruz and Santa Clara, growing culinary herbs, tomatoes and pumpkins.
Violence in Moss Landing Leaves Aptos Man Dead
MOSS LANDING — Monterey County Sheriff’s Office detectives announced the arrest of Joshua Timothy Holdsclaw, 29, for voluntary manslaughter after he reportedly got into an altercation with Aptos resident Trenton Paul Black and Black died.
According to the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office, On June 11th, 2025, shortly before 9 a.m., Monterey County Sheriff’s Deputies and California State Parks Officers were notified of an incident in which two boats had collided in the Moss Landing Harbor. Witnesses reported seeing one boat operator climbing onto the other’s boat and a fight ensued.
At one point, one subject was reported to have fallen into the water while the other assaulted him with a stick. Witnesses reported one of the involved parties, identified later as Joshua Timothy Holtzclaw, had exited the water with his boat. He was detained by deputies for questioning.
Detectives were able to conduct interviews with Holtzclaw and multiple witnesses, and it was determined that the two boats had collided, Black boarded Holtzclaw’s boat and the were fighting when Black fell into the water.
Witnesses stated it appeared Holtzclaw began striking Black with a stick. Black remained in the water and Holtzclaw left the area.
A passing vessel attempted to rescue Black by tossing a life preserver, but they were unsuccessful.
Grand Jury Urges Changes to Building Permit Process
The Santa Cruz County Grand Jury is urging the Board of Supervisors to modify the rules for building permits, consider reducing fees, streamline the process, and hire an ombudsman to help the public navigate the system.
A building project may involve a few regulations or many—such as soils reports, fire road access, water diversion, or environmental habitat considerations. The Grand Jury interviewed architects, civil engineers and contractors who have worked extensively in Santa Cruz County and elsewhere. It also spoke with homeowner applicants and county staff involved in permitting.
The focus was on the “complexity, costs and extended time frames associated with the permitting process,” according to the report.
Grand Jury Targets Human Trafficking
Human trafficking goes largely unrecognized and unreported in Santa Cruz County, according to the final report to be released by the 2025 Santa Cruz County Grand Jury.
The report concluded that a lack of training for adults and education programs for youth is the main culprit, along with poor coordination between agencies that could address the problem. To address it, the Grand Jury mad 10 recommendations, including forming a countywide trafficking coalition, coordinating with neighboring counties, creating a hotline number to report suspected incidences, and regulating massage parlors better.
The Grand Jury interviewed both victims and frontline workers who help those victims. Human trafficking is a growing problem, the report notes. According to the United Nations, women and girls make up 71 percent of victims worldwide.
The World Cup events scheduled for 2026 in Santa Clara County are bound to have a significant impact here in Santa Cruz County. The development of a year-round event center in Santa Cruz will also likely have an impact, according to the Grand Jury.
Undocumented workers can also be victims of human trafficking. Many have little education and complaining about abuse brings attention from law enforcement.
Mental Health, Substance Abuse Programs in Grand Jury’s Final Report
The final 2024-25 Santa Cruz County Grand Jury’s final report recommends increased county funding to treat behavioral health and substance abuse issues, and more coordination between programs that address these issues — including financially.
According to the Grand Jury, in the past five years, two state-mandated reports have recommended the Santa Cruz County Health Services Agency do a better job of identifying and managing patients with behavioral health and substance abuse issues. These patients, termed high-cost beneficiaries, are about 15 percent of the client base in Santa Cruz County and account for 55 percent of claimed services.
High-cost beneficiaries present a complex challenge for Santa Cruz County. In California counties, on average, HCBs account for 4.5 percent of patients and 34 percent of claimed services. Many HCBs have healthcare through Medical, and the county is financially responsible for any costs in excess of Medi-Cal payments for clients with severe behavioral health and/or substance use disorders.
As a result, HSA’s 2023-2024 budget required an additional funding of $18.6 million from the county’s general fund.
JULY
Watsonville Council Codifies Right to Assemble
Watsonville’s City Council codified residents’ right to protest on city property without a permit at the July 8 City Council meeting.
The council amended the city’s municipal code relating to parades and events on city property, the purpose being “to protect the First Amendment rights of Watsonville residents to peaceably assemble and/or protest in the city’s public places and to establish the lest restrictive and reasonable time, place and manner regulation of these activities.”
While the code appears to be no less restrictive regarding parades or events, protests are mostly exempted from the permitting process. For “expressive events” and “spontaneous events,” the city only asks for four hours notice, if possible, and requires pedestrian and traffic laws to be obeyed; Traffic can’t be obstructed.
Protests are also prohibited if the property has already been rented for another purpose.
Santa Cruz County Fair Hires New CEO
WATSONVILLE — The 14th District Agricultural Association/Santa Cruz County Fair Board of Directors is proud to announce the hiring of Dori Rose Inda as its new Chief Executive Officer/Fair Manager.
Prior to that, she was the founder and executive director of the Watsonville Law Center, which expanded access to legal services for underserved residents in the Pajaro Valley.
She has also worked as a social worker supporting homeless individuals and foster families.
“Dori’s commitment to our community and her track record of strong, effective leadership made her the clear choice to lead the fair into its next chapter,” said Rachel Wells, president of the fairground’s Board of Directors.
The new fair manager has lived in Watsonville since 1993. She holds a B.A. from the University of California, Berkeley and a J.D. from Santa Clara University School of Law.
Aptos Celebrates Fourth of July with the 64th Annual World’s Shortest Parade
The World’s Shortest Parade kicked off the July 4 holiday in Aptos and the party continued at Aptos Village Park with live music from the Joint Chiefs and lots of other fun.
The parade’s grand marshall were ask of Santa Cruz County’s firefighters. Since 2021, Central Fire District of Santa Cruz County has faithfully served the communities of Aptos, Capitola, La Selva Beach, Live Oak, Rio Del Mar, and Soquel. Santa Cruz County Fire Department includes stations in Big Creek, Corralitos, Davenport, and McDermott.
In the San Lorenzo Valley and Scotts Valley areas, there are multiple fire protection districts. The primary fire departments serving these areas include the Scotts Valley Fire Protection District and the Ben Lomond Fire Protection District.
Additionally, the Zayante Fire Protection District and the Felton Fire Protection District also serve portions of the San Lorenzo Valley.
This year’s winners are:
- Best of Theme: Art Factory
- Band: Ukulele Club of Santa Cruz
- Old Time Favorite: Agricultural History Project Tractors
- Children’s Group: Studio E
- Crowd Pleaser: Santa in July — by Lint Cabinetry
- Best Float: Pajarosa
- Best Individual: Mr. Gallegos
- Animals: Corralitos 4-H
- Most Patriotic: K & D Landscaping
County Unemployment Rate Rises
Labor statistics released in mid-July show a slight rise in unemployment in Santa Cruz County to 6 percent, with less people working in farms, manufacturing, trades and transportation, and even financial activities.
California’s overall unemployment rate is 5.7 percent. The county’s unemployment rate was 5.6 percent in May and 5.5 percent last June. Santa Cruz County’s unemployment rate peaks every year around January, when it exceeds 7 percent due to less jobs in agricultural sectors. Historically, during the months of April through August, it will be at its lowest.
During the summer of 2023, unemployment dipped well below 5 percent. Last summer, unemployment never rose much above 5.5 percent. The rate fellow below 5 percent in May, but has already started to climb in June.
Blaze at Sushi Garden
CAPITOLA — Firefighters from the cities of Santa Cruz and Watsonville, as well as the Scotts Valley Fire Protection District and the Ben Lomond Fire Protection District all responded to a fire that engulfed the Sushi Garden at 820 Bay Ave.
Immediately, a call went out for a second alarm, requesting more units based on the size and complexity of the fire.
Both the first and second floors burned. After the fire was out, firefighters reported no injuries and the building unoccupied.
Members of the Capitola Police, Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Department and Pacific Gas & Electric also responded to the fire.
Soquel Man Killed in E-bike Accident
WATSONVILLE — A 78-year-old man from Soquel died in a bicycle crash on July 9. The identity had not been released to the public by press time.
At approximately 1:32 p.m., CHP officers responded to a crash on Manfre Road east of Larkin Valley Road. The victim was operating a silver Specialized Level 3 Ebike eastbound on Manfre Road at an undetermined speed.
For reasons still under investigation, the cyclist went off the road and crashed into a dirt embankment south of Manfre Road. The cyclist was pronounced deceased at the scene by medical personnel. The cause of the collision is still under investigation.
It is unknown if alcohol and/or drugs were factors in this crash. A Specialized Level 3 Ebike has an advertised top speed of 20 mph.
Compromise Doesn’t Settle Much in Rail Trail Dispute
The fight over a land encroachment by Castle Mobile Estates and Blue & Gold Star Mobile Home parks and the Regional Transportation Commission continues, but in July the two sides agreed to allow the Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission to survey the mobile home lots that apparently encroach on the Coastal Rail Project.
The announcement was made in a statement on July 19 from the residents of the mobile home parks.
“After extensive conversations among Capitola City Councilman Gerry Jensen, and housing advocate Cami Corvin, resident of Castle Mobile Estates, many of the residents have made the collective decision to allow the Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) limited access to the property for surveying purposes,” the statement reads. “Many of our residents, including those who would face serious financial hardship, deserve to have their potential burdens fully understood and documented should the RTC move forward.”
Corvin, who is mentioned in the statement, has been leading the fight against the county. The struggle stems from the fact that quite a few of the mobile homeowners’ property lines encroach onto the Regional Transportation Commission’s property where the RTC is building Segments 10 and 11 (from 17th Avenue to State Park Drive) of the Monterey Bay Scenic Trail alongside the railroad tracks.
Body Found in Lake Believed to be Missing Teen
WATSONVILLE — The search for missing 15-year-old Nicholas Magana-Zamora has ended in tragedy with an announcement that the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office found a body in College Lake on July 27 and believe it is him.
“While official identification is pending, preliminary indications lead investigators to believe the decedent is the missing juvenile,” said a press release from the sheriff-coroner on July 29.
The teen was reported missing on July 24. He was described as an “at-risk juvenile. As the search continued, authorities found his phone, bike, shoes and footprints near the lake shore. His body was found days later. No foul play is suspected.
“The Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office extends its deepest condolences to the family of the decedent during this heartbreaking time. We would also like to express our sincere gratitude to the community for its support and cooperation throughout the search,” a press stated.
Members of the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue Team were aided by nearly a dozen other agencies, and many local volunteers in the search effort.
AUGUST
Aptos Little League All Stars’ Season Ends at NorCal
PETALUMA — After two-straight win-or-go-home victories, The Aptos Little League 12 All Stars’ attempt to reach the Little League World Series ended with a 6-3 loss to Maidu Majors in the Elimination-bracket final of the NorCal Tournament.
Aptos opened the NorCal Tournament with a 9-0 win over Los Banos. Pitchers Kiran Yager, Miles Lee, and Beau Pieracci combined for the shutout.
Kiran dominated the first three innings before giving way to Miles and then Beau closed it out.
Rail-to-Trail Plan Mostly Derided at Meeting
The Regional Transportation Commission seemed mostly unsatisfied with the latest draft concept report on the rail and trail project, with members voting to have the draft come back to them in December, and, they hope, less expensive.
The draft, properly titled “Milestone 4,” includes both a draft project concept report and a financial analysis. The top concern was cost. The project would cost nearly $4.5 billion. And how much would a trip on the train cost, and how much would the public have to pay in taxes to keep the trains running?
A lot. A one-way ride would likely be $10, possibly more. How much the train will cost taxpayers can only be guessed. Federal and state funding would be available, but how much is unknown.
According to the study, if residents needed to pay half the project’s cost, a 2.25 percent sales tax would be necessary. If grants could cover as much as 80 percent, a 1.5 percent tax would pay for it. Either way, it would raise the total sales tax to more than 11 percent and as high as 12.5 percent for most of the county.
There would also have to be significant use of the train. It would hold about 230 people and would need to be filled more than 13 times a day to meet even the low end of the projected ridership need.
Commissioner and District 2 Supervisor Kimberly DeSerpa was critical.
“Ten dollars a ride, times two, that’s $20 a day,” she said. “It’s just not affordable for people. The other thing I’m concerned about is that people who live in rural areas will get virtually no benefit. The costs are staggering and I don’t think they make sense.”
Cabrillo Stage’s Sweeney Todd, a Powerful Hit!
The opening night of Cabrillo Stage’s “Sweeney Todd” finished with a thunderous standing ovation from a packed house after a masterful performance by Adam J. Saucedo in the lead role.
From the moment he bursts onto the stage, you know you are in for a treat. His partner in crime, Mrs. Lovett, is played to perfection by Angela Jeffries. The vocal prowess, comedic timing and emotional depth of these two make for stunningly entertaining theatre.
The opening night’s packed house agreed, delivering a thunderous standing ovation.
Historic Treasure Could Be Lost
It will be remembered by many in the community as a lost treasure, nearly reclaimed and momentarily grasped until it slipped away and now might be forever lost. The Redman-Hirahara House’s historic designation is being removed and the home likely razed.
On Aug. 5, the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors approved removing the Redman-Hirahara House from the county’s Historic Resource Inventory.
The decision, according to a press release, considered the house’s significant deterioration, failed restoration attempts, and the changing neighborhood due to nearby commercial development. The next steps will be to coordinate with a professional historian to document the site for archival preservation, funded by the property owner; offer the structure to the public for salvage or relocation; and begin the process of removing the home from state and national historic registries.
“It felt pretty inevitable, but it’s still sad. It’s a shame,” said Stephen Pederson, a former board member of the Redman-Hirahara Foundation, the local group that almost saved the house.
The farm home, built in 1897 for James Redman by famous architect William Weeks, was owned by the Hirahara family when Pearl Harbor was bombed. President Roosevelt’s Executive Order 9066 forcibly removed Japanese-Americans from their homes and imprisoned them in camps, which included the Hirahara family.
Fortunately, the Watsonville community continued to pay the taxes on the home and take care of it so that the family was able to move back in when the war was over. It was also discovered by the Redman-Hirahara Foundation that the barn, which has since completely fallen down, had once been a dormitory to house other Japanese-Americans who had no place to live after the war.
Affordable Housing Project Opens
WATSONVILLE — Aug. 12 marked the official opening of Sparrow Terrace in Watsonville, a brand-new housing complex that will feature 72 affordable apartments for low-income families, farmworkers and formerly homeless people.
The estimated cost of the development was $56 million. It was developed by the MidPen Housing Corporation, said Senior Associate Project Manager Carlos Lurado.
The project was paid for by a total of eight funders, which range from the city of Watsonville, the Housing Authority of the County of Santa Cruz, and even international-banking leviathan Wells Fargo.
Sparrow Terrace offers a total of 72 low-income apartments, with 41 of the homes designated for farmworkers and formerly homeless people.
Santa Cruz Homelessness Drops Countywide
The 2025 homeless Point-in-Time count reveals a mixed but hopeful picture for Santa Cruz County, as overall homelessness dropped 20% from last year to the lowest total since the count began.
The total number of people experiencing homelessness fell from 1,850 in 2024 to 1,473 in 2025, according to the Housing for Health Partnership, which coordinates the annual effort.
However, while the countywide numbers show progress, the count also highlights stark disparities among cities.
The city of Santa Cruz saw a 31% increase, rising from 659 people counted in 2024 to 862 this year. Nearby Capitola saw a 42% increase, from 50 to 71 individuals.
In contrast, other jurisdictions reported steep declines: the city of Watsonville’s homeless population dropped by half, from 673 to 335, while Scotts Valley’s count plummeted 84%, falling from 44 to just 7.
“These mixed trends highlight the complex nature of homelessness in our region,” said Robert Ratner, director of the Housing for Health Partnership. “While we are encouraged by the countywide reduction and significant progress in places like Watsonville and Scotts Valley, the sharp increases in Santa Cruz and Capitola are deeply concerning and underscore the urgent need for targeted, localized interventions.”
SEPTEMBER
Lawsuit Filed to Save Redman-Hirahara House
Aptos resident and local activist Becky Steinbruner has filed suit against Santa Cruz County, the Board of Supervisors, the city of Watsonville, and Elite Developments in an effort to save the historic Redman-Hirahara House from demolition.
On Aug. 5, the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors approved removing the historic home on Lee Road, located off Highway 1, from the county’s Historic Resource Inventory and began a process to delist it from the National Register of Historic Places, paving the way for eventual demolition.
According to a county press release, the decision considered the house’s significant deterioration, failed restoration attempts, and a changing neighborhood due to nearby commercial development. Next steps include coordinating with a professional historian to document the site for archival preservation, funded by the property owner; offering the structure to the public for salvage or relocation; and beginning the process of removing the home from state and national historic registries.
Steinbruner’s suit, originally filed in Santa Cruz County Superior Court on Sept. 4, seeks a restraining order to halt all of that. It lists seven causes of action describing how the county failed to conduct a proper archaeological analysis of the property, a structural evaluation of the house, a professional analysis of the cost of restoring it, and an environmental review of the dangers of demolishing it.
For instance, according to the suit, the county failed to include potential impacts of asbestos if the house is demolished in its environmental review.
Local Journalist, Jondi Gumz, Dies
Local journalist and Scotts Valley resident Jolande Gumz died in her sleep at home on Sept. 11 after a long battle with cancer. She was 72.
Jondi was an editor and reporter at the Santa Cruz Sentinel for 27 years and at the Times Publishing Group for the last five years. Her beats included education, business, local government and community news. She served for four years on the Scotts Valley Unified School District Board and was active in the high school Parent Club.
Born Sept. 2, 1953, in Madison, Wis., she was the daughter of Marcus and Norma Gumz. Her first love was always reporting. She enjoyed talking to people and telling their stories. Her work won numerous national, regional and local awards and citations, including a Casey Medal for her series on changes in bilingual education. She endowed a college scholarship at her alma mater, Baraboo High School, for students pursuing writing careers.
She retired from the Sentinel in 2019 and spent a year deciding that retirement was boring. She went back to work for the Times Publishing Group, which covers community news in Aptos, Capitola, Soquel and Scotts Valley.
Burglaries On The Rise, Residents Warned
The Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office is alerting residents throughout the county, particularly in the Aptos area, about a recent increase in residential burglaries.
According to the sheriff’s office, multiple homes have recently been targeted during the early morning hours while residents were inside asleep.
“Our detectives are actively following up on leads, and our patrol deputies are aggressively patrolling the affected neighborhoods,” says a social media post from the sheriff’s office. “We are asking for the community’s help in staying alert and taking extra precautions to deter criminal activity.”
Aptos High Girls Volleyball Sweeps Monte Vista Christian
Aptos High School’s varsity volleyball team defeated Monte Vista Christian in four sets, 3-0 (25-19, 25-13, 25-22), in their first away match of the season on Sept. 3.
Freshman opposite Ellie Hardesty recorded three kills and three blocks on six attempts, hitting .500. Sophomore outside hitter Sienna Fozzati contributed six aces and five kills on 17 attempts, hitting .230. Junior outside hitter Ella Dueck added 10 kills, two aces, and six digs.
The victory follows a home loss to Homestead on Aug. 28 when Aptos fell 0-3 (22-25, 16-25, 17-25). In that match, Dueck led the team with 13 kills.
Public Shown Plan for Beaches as Sea Rises
Seawalls, raised boardwalks, dune restoration and other measures will be needed to protect local beaches from sea-level rise caused by climate change, according to a new study. The findings were presented Thursday by California State Parks and Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks.
The California Department of Parks and Recreation evaluated a range of approaches for Santa Cruz County beaches, including fortifying existing facilities, relocating vulnerable infrastructure and hybrid strategies combining natural and engineered solutions.
The problems facing the beaches include cliff erosion, shoreline retreat, tidal inundation, wave overtopping, and temporary beach loss from storms. In order to mitigate this, solutions ranged from habitat restoration to the relocation and even removal of some infrastructure.
County Wins Appeal on 37-Foot Walk
Public access to Rio Del Mar Beach has prevailed. A decision handed down Sept. 25 by the 6th District Court of Appeals gives Santa Cruz County a right-of-way easement through what’s known as the 37-foot walk.
Originally 37 feet wide, the 786-foot long walkway runs along the seaward side of a block of homes from 202-300 Beach Drive. It has narrowed due to erosion and the creation of a seawall.
The county has long maintained that the path is essential for safe access to the beach from the nearby parking lot, but it runs behind the homes and the homeowners use the area as patio space.
Watsonville Reviews Safety of Freedom Boulevard
Watsonville has begun the process of making Freedom Boulevard safer for everybody, motorists, pedestrians and bicyclists.
Watsonville was granted $390,000 from Caltrans to study the city’s most dangerous corridors. After a review, the city decided to focus on Freedom Boulevard.
There were 109 collisions on Freedom Boulevard from 2019 to 2023, nine of which resulted in severe injury or death. About 25 percent involved either a bicyclist or a pedestrian. The primary factors were right-of-way violations, unsafe speeds, driving under the influence and improper turning.
A previous study in 2018, analyzing data from 2011 to 2017, counted 320 injury collisions at the intersections of Airport Boulevard and Freedom Boulevard, and Freedom Boulevard and Green Valley Road.
Erika Vazquez of the Watsonville Police Department said there are several factors that contribute to the high rate of accidents on Freedom, with speed topping the list. “Ultimately, roadway safety depends on all of us, drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians.”
Youth Mental Health Center to Celebrate Opening
A new resource for youth mental health care is opening in Santa Cruz County, with the Center for Child and Adolescent Mental Health set to celebrate the grand opening of its Soquel treatment center Sept. 25.
The event, scheduled from 5 to 7 p.m. at 4630 Soquel Drive, Suite 10, will feature a ribbon-cutting ceremony, a wine and cheese reception, tours of the facility, and youth speakers sharing their experiences. The center is designed to expand access to evidence-based mental health care for children, teens and young adults.
In addition to the treatment center, the nonprofit operates specialized programs, including a parent center with support groups, a teen center that fosters peer-to-peer engagement, and a First Gen center tailored to first-generation youth.
BESS Developer May Push Ahead Before County OK
The county’s timeline to draft an ordinance regulating Battery Energy Storage System facilities and the developer’s timeline for the proposed BESS site at 90 Minto Road are out of sync. As a result, the county might miss its chance to have a say on the controversial project.
New Leaf Energy is proposing to develop a 200-megawatt battery energy storage project just outside of Watsonville that would connect to the PG&E substation on Minto Road. The land, about 14 acres, is currently an apple orchard that struggles because of the hard clay soil underneath.
The project is controversial, especially since a BESS plant in Moss Landing operated by Vistra Energy caught fire in January. It contained about 100,000 lithium-ion battery modules and the fire burned for parts of three days, with a flare-up a month later.
More than 1,200 people had to evacuate as the fire spread heavy metals throughout the area.
Santa Cruz County Fair Deemed A Success
The Santa Cruz County Fair’s attendance numbers were down about 10% from the previous year, but organizers are considering the event a big success.
“We had a tremendous run for all five days,” said Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds Marketing Manager Ron Haedicke. “It was a little slow Wednesday and Thursday, but Friday we were packed, Saturday we were packed, and we had a pretty good Sunday. So it was a fantastic run.”
Haedicke credited the volunteers and the staff. “They outdid themselves,” he said.
Despite the lower attendance numbers, Haedicke said that vendors reported great sales, and the Junior Livestock Auction might have set a record, exceeding $666,00 in sales, not including another $19,123 for the Heritage Hog.
Drone Company Conference and Demonstration Event Returns to Seascape
Skydio, a San Mateo-based aerial drone system designer and manufacturer, returned to Seascape Beach Resort and Seascape County Park in September for its third annual product demonstration event. Dubbed Ascend ’25, this is the second consecutive year Skydio has held its late summer event at Seascape.
Skydio focuses on specialized drone applications and systems such as drone as first responder (DFR) for police and fire support services, public safety, utility and infrastructure inspection, national security/military and similar professional and governmental uses. Their systems use unique robotic docking stations that house and futuristically “hatch” the drones remotely. These are not your average recreational drones, and they are not currently available for sale to the general public.
Based on the level of activity and number of people in attendance it appears to have been another successful event for Skydio, Seascape Beach Resort and the local economy.
County Wins Appeal on 37-Foot Walk at Rio Del Mar Beach
Public access to Rio Del Mar Beach has prevailed. A decision handed down Sept. 25 by the 6th District Court of Appeals gives Santa Cruz County a right-of-way easement through what’s known as the 37-foot walk.
Originally 37 feet wide, the 786-foot long walkway runs along the seaward side of a block of homes from 202-300 Beach Drive. It has narrowed due to erosion and the creation of a seawall. The county has long maintained that the path is essential for safe access to the beach from the nearby parking lot, but it runs behind the homes and the homeowners use the area as patio space.
The dispute over who owns the land and whether the public has access has been in court for many years. A Santa Cruz County Superior Court decision in February 2024 ruled that the county had no title or interest in the strip. The judgement also stipulated damages of $3.7 million and granted homeowners permission to build temporary fencing to block public access to the walkway. The 6th District Appeals Court reversed that decision, granting the homeowners title to the land, but subject to the county’s right-of-way easement.
Eric Miller, a spokesperson for plaintiffs’ attorneys Nossaman LLP, said the firm is discussing whether to now appeal the decision to the California Supreme Court. County Counsel Jason Heath had no comment. The lead plaintiff, Christopher Weseloh, did not return a call seeking comment.
The decision in the case, Christopher J. Weseloh et al., v. County of Santa Cruz, retells the long history of the dispute, which starts with the 1928 subdivision map recorded by the original developer. It included an offer to dedicate the 37-foot walk to the county for streets and highways. The county never chose to do so.
EPA Oversees Extensive Battery Removal at Moss Landing After 2025 Fire
MOSS LANDING — Workers have begun removing lithium-ion batteries from the Moss Landing 300 building at Vistra Corp.’s power plant, starting an extensive cleanup months after a fire damaged more than half of the facility’s energy storage system.
Under a July agreement between Vistra and the EPA, the company is responsible for removing damaged batteries under federal and state oversight. The initial phase focuses on “intact” batteries, those with no damage or only minor fire damage, which will be de-energized and, where possible, returned to the local electrical grid.
Simultaneously, crews are stabilizing and partially demolishing sections of the building to safely access the remaining batteries.
OCTOBER
Marc Monte Says Foundation Will Last Beyond Him
The 31st Monte Foundation Fireworks Extravaganza will light up the skies on Sunday, Oct. 12. Marc Monte, president and CEO of Deluxe Foods in Aptos, not only started the local tradition and continues to make it happen, but he’s also guaranteed its future far beyond his lifetime.
Monte is just 61 and plans many more happy years ahead, but he is happy to know that what he has built will not just fade away.
By leaving his life’s wealth to his charity, he secures the future of the fireworks show, the McGregor Pump Track and Skateboard Park in Capitola, the Monte Fields at the Aptos Polo Grounds, the Polo Grounds Bike Park and more.
“I like to do projects that help kids in the community,” he said.
Thousands Attend No Kings Rallies
Organizers estimated that more than 15,000 people attended the Oct. 18 No Kings Rally in Santa Cruz, and another 2,000-plus at the event in Watsonville. Both were part of what was probably the largest nationwide demonstration in American history as more than 2,700 events were held across the country with more than 7 million people attending.
Ross Levoy of Santa Cruz stood on a grassy slope listening to people speak at the beginning of the Santa Cruz rally before protesters would march from San Lorenzo Park to the county building and back. The park was packed with people and Levoy said the crowd was about 20 to 30% larger than the last No Kings event he attended in June.
“Believe it or not, this is my first time I’ve ever protested anything,” said the retiree who has lived in Santa Cruz for 43 years. “You can’t hide your head in the sand anymore.”
Mary Lynne Connor of Aptos was standing not far away, holding a protest sign. Connor is retired after a 42-year career in teaching and now volunteers for a variety of causes, including feeding homeless at the St. Francis Soup Kitchen. She said she can’t stand to see the suffering as programs are cut. “It’s very scary,” she said. “People are being pushed to the side.”
Connor’s sign, which read “I Have A Dream” with a comical image of President Trump in handcuffs being led to prison, garnered a lot of compliments from the crowd.
“That’s the best sign I’ve seen all day!” A fellow protestor exclaimed while walking by, wearing a T-shirt that said “I am Aunt Tifa.”
Driver Dies as Van Plunges Off Wharf
Rob Allen, of Aptos, was warming up with the Pu Pu O Hawai›i Outrigger Club before the group’s weekly practice Sunday morning, Oct. 26, when tragedy occurred. A white minivan plunged off the Santa Cruz Wharf and quickly sank, taking the driver’s life.
Allen and his canoe crew, led by Emerson Sanderson, were able to save the victim’s dog. Allen said he tried to rescue the driver, but could not. He and his crew were in one canoe with another club canoe just behind. They were warming up in the harbor, stretching and getting ready for practice, when he heard a huge crashing noise. About 150 yards away, a white van was on top of the water.
Allen said it had landed on its roof and the windshield appeared to have been “blown out” by the impact.
“The vehicle was perched on top of the water for maybe eight seconds or less. It was amazing how quickly it sank,” he said. “As soon as it hit we all started paddling over to it.”
Manuel Bersamin, Community Servant, Dies at 67
Manuel Bersamin, the first Filipino American to serve on the Watsonville City Council and a member of the Cabrillo College Governing Board, has died. He was 67.
“Cabrillo College is deeply saddened to announce the sudden and unexpected passing of Trustee Manuel Bersamin,” Cabrillo College said in a news release. “During his tenure, Trustee Bersamin was a passionate advocate for Cabrillo students — especially first-generation students and adult learners — a steadfast supporter of Cabrillo’s faculty and staff, and a true believer in the power of community college education.”
Bersamin served on the Watsonville City Council from 2003 to 2011, including one year as mayor. He was appointed in 2024 to fill a vacancy on the Cabrillo College Governing Board left by the resignation of Trustee Martha Victoria Vega.
“Manuel cared deeply about the role and mission of California community colleges and had the unique ability to help students pursue their dreams,” said Christina Cuevas, president of the Cabrillo Board of Trustees. “He was proud to serve on the Cabrillo board and represented his district with passion and a clear eye for what is right. We will miss his presence on the board.”
PG&E Answers to Customers on Local Power Outages
Representatives from Pacific Gas and Electric said that repairs and improvements will prevent the cascade of power outages that parts of Santa Cruz County have experienced the past several months.
Approximately 75 people filled a conference room at Seascape Beach Resort on Oct. 24 to hear from PG&E representatives about ongoing and increasingly common power outages. Frustrated residents from Seascape, La Selva Beach Rio del Mar, Aptos Hills-Larkin Valley and adjacent neighborhoods have complained of unreliable electric service for years, with outages becoming more frequent this past summer.
Jeremy Howard, Regional Senior Manager for PG&E’s South and Central Coast Region, addressed the crowd and provided an overview of the recent outages in the town-hall style setting. The meeting was organized at the behest of Santa Cruz County District 2 Supervisor Kim De Serpa, after her office received an increasing number of calls from constituents for explanation and action.
While the area has experienced abnormally frequent outages for years, the problem was exacerbated in June when the substation at Rob Roy Junction near Aptos High School experienced equipment problems and had to be taken offline. In response PG&E had to run power to portions of Aptos and the coast from the Green Valley substation in Watsonville — a route adding several additional miles.
“Everything was working as designed,” said Howard. “But was it great service? No. We know that.”
NOVEMBER
Parades, Ceremonies Honor Local Veterans
Buzz Gray was out early on Veterans Day, preparing to walk from Natural Bridges State Beach to the Britannia Arms in Capitola. Gray started the organization Journey for Change nine years ago and every year leads a march to raise awareness of the link between veterans and suicide.
The 81-year-old served in the U.S. Navy from 1963 to 1967.
“People ask me what was the worst part about Vietnam. I tell them it was coming home,” he said. “We weren’t very popular. We didn’t talk about it. People didn’t like us.”
Thankfully, Gray said, those attitudes have mostly changed. “I think people now realize that you don’t have to like the war, but you don’t take it out on the warrior.”
A moment of silence was held at the War Memorial outside the Vets Hall afterward. Gray’s march was the first event of the day, with veterans and their supporters lining up at 8:30 a.m. to begin the march.
County Lowers Tax for Cannabis Lounges
Santa Cruz County supervisors approved changes to the county’s cannabis tax code at their Nov. 18 board meeting that clear the way for cannabis consumption lounges and exempts non-cannabis goods from the county’s cannabis business tax.
The Board of Supervisors adopted the amendments to Santa Cruz County Code Chapter 4.06 after more than a year of discussion, community meetings and ordinance revisions led by the county’s Cannabis Licensing Office.
Under the newly approved tax changes, the county will exempt “ancillary goods” from being taxed extra at cannabis dispensaries. That means items such as pipes or rolling papers will be taxed at the normal 9.5% rate.
The bigger change is that cannabis lounges will be treated as a separate business type with a tax rate of just 1 percent. County staff said the changes are not expected to significantly affect tax revenue.
Non-cannabis goods account for less than 2 percent of sales at existing retailers, and cannabis lounge sales are not projected to meaningfully alter total cannabis business tax collections.
Capitola-Aptos Rotary Club Marks 60 Years
The Capitola-Aptos Rotary Club is celebrating 60 years of community service this month, marking decades of support for local students, nonprofits and international humanitarian projects.
Through fundraisers like its annual Kentucky Derby Party and operating the beer and wine booth at Aptos’ Fourth of July celebration, the club has raised more than $1 million to support its work locally and abroad.
Foul Play Suspected in Case of Missing Utah Woman — Later Found Safe
A 35-year-old woman visiting Santa Cruz County for the first time is missing and authorities suspect foul play may be involved.
Danielle Staley was last seen around 11:30 p.m. on Nov. 6 near Rio Del Mar Beach. She is 5’6”, weighs about 120 pounds and has blond hair. She was last seen wearing a dark, hooded sweatshirt and leopard-print leggings.
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Few details have been released, but Staley is safe.
It was the 35-year-old woman’s first-time visiting Santa Cruz County.
Her boyfriend Alex Nunez said he had left to sleep in their van while she stayed on the beach with friends. In the morning, he woke up alone and went back down to the beach, only to find her cellphone and purse.
West said the couple had been in Santa Cruz County for about a week before Staley disappeared. Her disappearance made national headlines and sparked a massive search locally. Her family members came to Santa Cruz County looking for her.
Rancho Del Mar’s US Bank Robbed
Authorities are still searching for five men who wore ski masks and construction clothing while robbing US Bank in Rancho Del Mar shopping center on the afternoon of Nov. 5.
Around 4 p.m., deputies received a call that five men had robbed US Bank, with several having handguns and knives. The robbers escaped south on Soquel Drive in a newer model red Honda CRV. Nobody was injured during the incident.
Sergeant Zach West of the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office, said the masks were able to hide the suspects’ facial features. At least two were armed with handguns and another had a knife.
Aptos Volleyball Caps Season With Deep Playoff Run
The Aptos High girls volleyball team closed out its most successful season in five years, reaching the Central Coast Section Division III quarterfinals and earning its first 20-win season since 2019.
The No. 7-seeded Mariners finished 20-13 overall after falling to Archbishop Riordan High School of San Francisco, the No. 2 seed, in straight sets, 25-14, 25-10, 25-15, on Nov. 4. Junior outside hitter Ella Dueck led Aptos with seven kills, six digs, one ace and one block.
Sophomore middle blocker Caitlin Lavelle added a kill and two blocks, while freshman setter Cana Taylor finished with four assists and two digs.
DECEMBER
No Charges in Aptos Man’s Killing
SALINAS — No charges will be filed against Joshua Holtzclaw of Aromas in the death of Aptos man Trenton Black, the Monterey County District Attorney’s Office announced today. Black died during a confrontation with Holtzclaw at Moss Landing Harbor nearly six months ago.
Chief Assistant District Attorney Berkley Brannon said investigators spent a lot of time and effort on the case, but Holtzclaw was defending himself from Black, so charges are not appropriate.
“When somebody dies like this, we want to very much file charges if we can,” he said. “But it was clearly a situation where Mr. Holtzclaw acted in self-defense.”
Rebele Family Shelter Celebrates 20 Years of Helping Families in Santa Cruz
Housing Matters is celebrating 20 years of providing safe shelter and supportive services to families experiencing homelessness through the Rebele Family Shelter. Since opening in 2005, the shelter has offered a refuge for families in crisis and a pathway toward long-term stability.
The Rebele Family Shelter, named for Rowland and Pat Rebele, was made possible by a group of compassionate community members who envisioned a safe and supportive environment for families with children. Located at the corner of Highways 1 and 9 in Santa Cruz, the shelter has become a community resource for families facing homelessness.
County Now Responsible for Portion of Aptos Creek Road
The action fulfills a commitment made as part of the Aptos Village Project, which required the county to take over the stretch of roadway between Soquel Drive and 190 feet north of Aptos Village Way. The right of way for the segment was acquired in 2011.
According to county records, county staff determined the road, whichserves as the primary entrance to the Forest of Nisene Marks State Park as well as an access point to the Aptos Village development, has been improved to an acceptable standard.
Francisco ‘Paco’ Estrada Appointed Area V Trustee
At its December meeting, Cabrillo’s Board of Trustees voted 4-2 to provisionally appoint Francisco ‘Paco’ Estrada to the Board seat representing Area V. Trustee Area V includes the city of Watsonville and the southern portion of Freedom.
Estrada will fill the seat that was vacated by the untimely death of Manuel Bersamin, who was provisionally appointed in September 2024 and was elected to the Board in November 2024.
Estrada was sworn in by Watsonville Mayor Maria Orozco, and will fill the position until the next regular election of the Board of Trustees in November 2026.
Murder Suspect Arrested
Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s detectives arrested 63-year-old Colin Sean Tisdale on Dec. 5 for the 2012 shooting death of Jeffrey Stephensen Smith.
On August 16, 2012, at approximately 3 a.m., the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office and medical personnel were dispatched to a residence on Nicasio Way in Soquel for a report of a male suffering from a gunshot wound. Despite immediate medical efforts, he died at the scene shortly after deputies arrived.
Sgt. Zack West of the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office said there wasn’t a big break that led to the arrest, but it was the culmination of a 13-year investigation, with all the pieces finally coming together to point to the perpetrator. Tisdale, who West said was a suspect from the start, was already incarcerated on a separate charge when his arrest warrant for the murder of Stephensen Smith was issued.
“There wasn’t a big break or one piece of evidence that tipped the scales,” West said.