This year was a difficult one for us at Times Publishing Group, Inc. as we lost our beloved editor Jondi Gumz.
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
Lithium Battery Fire in Moss Landing
A fire broke out Jan. 16 and burned for four days at Vistra Energy’s flagship lithium battery energy storage plant in Moss Landing, 10 miles from Aptos as the crow flies, closing Highway 1 (a major route to Big Sur) and schools, evacuating 1,200 people, sending black, toxic smoke over agricultural fields known as the world’s salad bowl, and raising safety questions for a proposed $200 million lithium battery storage system on Minto Road outside Watsonville.
The cause of the fire at the battery storage plant, billed as the world’s largest, at tiny Moss Landing — population 239 — a fishing harbor next to the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, is not known.
Art to Honor Begonia Fest
The Capitola Begonia Festival ended its 65-year run in September 2017 when Golden State Bulb, formerly known as Brown Ranch, stopped growing begonias, but it should never be forgotten.
The festival organizing committee recently concluded the end of the era with a gala at the Coconut Grove in Santa Cruz and a $20,000 contribution to the Capitola Arts and Cultural Commission to initiate a sculpture to commemorate the Begonia Festival.
The art honors the contributions of the begonia growers and the multitude of volunteers who maintained 65 years of this Capitola community tradition. It will be installed in February.
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.
FEBRUARY
Jade Street Community Center Renovation to Begin
A long-awaited renovation of the Jade Street Community Center took a big step forward on Jan. 30, with the Capitola City Council awarding a $4.726 million contract to SSB Contracting of Salinas.
The vote was 5-0.
With a 9.5% contingency and a $75,000 PG&E upgrade, that brings the total cost to $5.247 million.
The building, owned by the Soquel Union Elementary School District and designated an emergency evacuation center, has not been renovated since it was built in the 1980s.
Council Member Alexander Pedersen Faces Recall Threat
Voters in Capitola are seeking to remove Council Member Alexander Pedersen from office via recall.
A legal notice signed by 28 voters appeared Friday, Jan. 21, in the Santa Cruz Sentinel.
Among those signing were former mayor Bruce Arthur, former mayor Ed Bottorff, former treasurer Christine McBroom, planning commissioner TJ Welch, Chris Amsden, Kevin Maguire and Cathy LaTorre.
Cabrillo College President to Retire
After more than seven years of service to Cabrillo College, including landing funds to build the first on-campus student housing, President-Superintendent Matt Wetstein will retire Dec. 31.
“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.
MARCH
Chamber Honors Award Recipients
On March 21, the Capitola–Soquel Chamber of Commerce honored local individuals and organizations who are making a meaningful difference in the community.
The 2025 award recipients are:
- Person of the Year: Joe Palandrani — A local businessman recognized for his tireless dedication to R.A.C.K., the Capitola Wharf Enhancement Project and his leadership and support of Capitola’s community festivals.
- Community Spirit Award: Toni Campbell, Friends of the Capitola Branch Library — A passionate and devoted supporter of the Capitola Library.
- Educator of the Year: Nina Noorzad — An educator at Santa Cruz Montessori, honored for her commitment to education and student development.
- Outstanding Youth Award: Jed Del Favero — A sophomore and class president at Soquel High School, recognized for his leadership and positive impact among his peers.
- Business of the Year: Rodney Wartzok, Capitola Candy Company — Honored for being an active community benefactor through donations to youth and senior programs.
- Lifetime Achievement Award: Susan Westman — Recognized for her many years of dedicated service supporting families, homes and the overall quality of life in the Capitola community.
11 Seniors With Heart Claim First CCS Championship
Jose Sierra, the girls’ varsity soccer coach at Soquel High School, writes: “I want to congratulate the Lady Knights for winning the school’s first CCS Championship. From day one, we talked about playing an extra game after the regular season.
The girls committed themselves to train hard, unite as a team and always stay focused. This team persevered. We faced difficulties and opposition, but they showed determination and were rewarded with a CCS championship. I’m extremely proud of this group of young ladies.
They will always remember this for the rest of their lives. It’s truly humbling to be a part of this team’s accomplishment.”
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.
APRIL
Council Upholds Measure L
On April 17, Capitola residents wearing blue circle stickers turned out in force at City Hall, overflowing the chambers to see how the City Council would vote on the biggest issue facing the community.
Would they see, as city staff did, that Measure L — passed by voters in 2018 protecting the historic (1874) rail trestle for active transportation and recreation — had multiple interpretations and could allow detouring the planned Rail Trail onto Park Avenue to lower costs?
After two hours of public comment on interpreting Measure L as codified, City Attorney Samantha Zutler said, “I do think the council should enforce Ordinance 8.72 — or challenge it. There’s no indication the council is prepared to challenge Measure L.”
Mayor Joe Clarke said, “I’m all in support of Capitola Ordinance 8.72.”
With all council members voting yes, it was unanimous.
MAY
Vice Mayor Pedersen Resigns
During a closed session of the May 8 City Council meeting, Capitola Vice Mayor Alexander Pedersen resigned, according to Mayor Joe Clarke, who provided no further details.
Pedersen’s departure left a seat vacant on the dais, and Council member Margaux Morgan moved into the chair next to the mayor.
Pedersen also represented Capitola on the Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission, which has promoted a countywide rail trail project requiring demolition of Capitola’s historic trestle.
The resignation came as Capitola-Soquel Times was investigating claims that Pedersen purchased a single-family home in Santa Cruz in February and was living there with his wife.
Fuse Architecture Offers Wharf Designs for Community Review
The city of Capitola invited residents, business owners and community members to a public meeting May 20 at New Brighton Middle School’s Performing Arts Center to review seven design options for the Capitola Wharf.
The options ranged from maintaining existing fishing concessions and rentals to adding mobile vendors, picnic areas, an open-air market or a permanent restaurant.
JUNE
Jondi Gumz Bids Farewell
For the past five years, it has been the joy of my life to serve as editor of Aptos Times, Capitola-Soquel Times and Scotts Valley Times, curating community news, building Coastal Health & Wellness magazine and working for a rare local owner, Patrice Edwards.
However, I must step back to focus on my health. I have lived with breast cancer since 2018. In March, RSV left me with persistent coughing fits despite every attempted remedy.
At this point, I am looking for joy — and my grandchildren are exactly what I need.
Au revoir, until we meet again.
CEO Palacios Announces Retirement Plans
Santa Cruz County Executive Officer Carlos Palacios announced June 19 that he will retire 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 Latino CEO in county history.
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 periods of growth, controversy and challenge.
Author and Activist John Robbins Dies at 77
John Robbins, bestselling author and food activist who relinquished the Baskin-Robbins fortune, died June 11 at his home in Soquel. He was 77.
Robbins was best known for his 1987 book Diet for a New America, which explored connections between diet, animal welfare, human health and the environment. He lived quietly in Soquel, embodying the principles he championed.
The Robbins family requested privacy.
Mental Health, Substance Abuse Programs in Grand Jury’s Final Report
The final 2024–25 Santa Cruz County Grand Jury report recommends increased county funding to treat behavioral health and substance abuse issues and greater coordination among programs addressing those needs.
According to the Grand Jury, two state-mandated reports in the past five years found that the Santa Cruz County Health Services Agency needs to do a better job identifying and managing patients with behavioral health and substance abuse challenges.
These patients, described as high-cost beneficiaries, represent about 15% of the county’s client base but account for 55% of claimed services.
Grand Jury Urges Changes to Building Permit Process
The Santa Cruz County Grand Jury urged the Board of Supervisors to modify building permit rules, consider reducing fees, streamline the process and hire an ombudsman to help the public navigate the system.
The building permit process in Santa Cruz County has long frustrated residents and was previously examined by county grand juries in 2002–03 and 2012–13. Permitting was also reviewed in the 2023–24 CZU fire rebuild report.
A building project may involve few regulations or many, including 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 a final report 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 primary issue, along with poor coordination among agencies that could address the problem.
To combat trafficking, the Grand Jury made 10 recommendations, including forming a countywide trafficking coalition, coordinating with neighboring counties, creating a hotline to report suspected incidents, and improving regulation of massage parlors.
The Grand Jury interviewed victims and frontline workers who assist them. Human trafficking is a growing problem, the report noted. According to the United Nations, women and girls make up 71% of victims worldwide. The 2026 World Cup events scheduled in Santa Clara County are expected to have an impact on Santa Cruz County, as is the planned development of a year-round event center in Santa Cruz.
Undocumented workers can also be victims of human trafficking. Many have limited education, and reporting abuse can draw unwanted attention from law enforcement.
JULY
Soquel Man Killed in E-Bike Accident
WATSONVILLE — A 78-year-old man from Soquel died in a bicycle crash July 9. His identity had not been released by press time.
At about 1:32 p.m., California Highway Patrol officers responded to a crash on Manfre Road east of Larkin Valley Road. The victim was riding a silver Specialized Level 3 e-bike eastbound on Manfre Road at an undetermined speed.
Blaze at Sushi Garden
Firefighters from Santa Cruz, Watsonville, Scotts Valley Fire Protection District and Ben Lomond Fire Protection District responded to a fire that engulfed Sushi Garden at 820 Bay Ave.
According to the Central Fire District, the fire was reported at 3 a.m. When crews arrived, the restaurant was fully engulfed inside and out. A second alarm was immediately requested because of the size and complexity of the fire.
Both the first and second floors burned. No injuries were reported, and the building was unoccupied at the time. Capitola police, the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office and Pacific Gas & Electric also responded.
County Unemployment Rate Rises
Labor statistics released in mid-July showed Santa Cruz County’s unemployment rate rose to 6%, with fewer people working in agriculture, manufacturing, trades, transportation and financial activities.
California’s overall unemployment rate was 5.7%. Santa Cruz County’s rate was 5.6% in May and 5.5% in June of the previous year.
The county’s unemployment rate typically peaks in January, exceeding 7% because of seasonal agricultural job losses. Historically, rates are lowest from April through August.
During the summer of 2023, unemployment dipped well below 5%. Last summer, the rate did not rise much above 5.5%. It fell below 5% in May but began climbing again in June.
RTC to Survey Mobile Home Sites
The dispute between Castle Mobile Estates and Blue & Gold Star Mobile Home parks and the Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission continued, but in July both sides agreed to allow the RTC to survey mobile home lots that appear to encroach on the Coastal Rail Project.
The announcement was made July 19 in a statement from park residents.
“After extensive conversations among Capitola City Councilman Gerry Jensen, housing advocate Cami Corvin and residents of Castle Mobile Estates, many residents have collectively decided to allow the Regional Transportation Commission limited access to the property for surveying purposes,” the statement said.
“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.”
New Course, Same Fun at Wharf-to-Wharf
A new course and starting point did not diminish the fun at this year’s Wharf-to-Wharf race and instead highlighted the event’s resilience, according to many participants.
The event drew 16,000 runners. As they poured into Capitola from the finishing area Sunday morning, most wore wide smiles.
“It was nice. I enjoyed having it switched up a bit,” said Michael Castro of Hollister, who ran his eighth Wharf-to-Wharf. “They did a really good job communicating the differences.”
Arturs Medveds, 25, of Latvia won the race in 27:03. Atsede Tesema, 38, of Ethiopia was the top woman, finishing in 31:02. Joe Wilton, 93, of Alameda, was the oldest finisher.
AUGUST
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.
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.
SEPTEMBER
EPA Oversees Battery Removal at Moss Landing
MOSS LANDING — Crews have begun removing lithium-ion batteries from the Moss Landing 300 building at Vistra Corp.’s power plant, launching an extensive cleanup months after a fire damaged more than half of the facility’s energy storage system.
The fire occurred Jan. 16, 2025, at the 300-megawatt energy storage system, which contained approximately 100,000 lithium-ion batteries. Officials estimate about 55% of the batteries were damaged.
Local agencies immediately requested air monitoring, prompting the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to deploy personnel to the site from Jan. 17–20. The state of California later requested that the EPA oversee the battery removal process.
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 exposure — which will be de-energized and, when possible, returned to the local electrical grid. At the same time, crews are stabilizing and partially demolishing sections of the building to safely access the remaining batteries.
County Wins Appeal on 37-Foot Walk
Public access to Rio Del Mar Beach prevailed following a decision issued Sept. 25 by the 6th District Court of Appeal, which granted Santa Cruz County a right-of-way easement through what is 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 to 300 Beach Drive. It has narrowed over time because of erosion and the construction of a seawall.
The county has long maintained that the path is essential for safe public access to the beach from a nearby parking lot. The walkway runs behind private homes, and homeowners have used portions of it as patio space.
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 presented 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 challenges facing local beaches include cliff erosion, shoreline retreat, tidal inundation, wave overtopping and temporary beach loss during storms. To mitigate these impacts, proposed solutions range from habitat restoration to relocation and, in some cases, removal of infrastructure.
Drone Show, Boat Parade Light Up Capitola
Cork & Fork’s “Live from the Capitola Queen River Boat” won first prize during Capitola’s Beach Festival Lighted Boat Parade on a festive Saturday night that also featured the city’s first-ever drone show.
“This is amazing. I’m so happy,” Beach Festival President Mary Beth Cahalen said while watching the drones overhead. “We’ve been working for this moment for two years.”
The drone show and boat parade drew crowds from surrounding communities. Elizabeth Rodriguez traveled from Salinas with her three children, who particularly enjoyed the sand castle contest. “They thought that crab taking a selfie was pretty funny,” she said.
The boat parade proved to be the highlight for many attendees. Five lighted boats — or barges — participated, each reflecting the theme “Vacation Snapshots” through lights and music.
The Capitola Historical Museum chose Hawaiian Gardens as its theme, recreating a small dance room from the historic Prohibition-era Capitola business. The Jewel Boxers team transformed its barge into a smartphone displaying snapshots from a vacation.
Survey Shows Strong Support for Pickleball in Capitola
Capitola residents and their neighbors overwhelmingly support adding pickleball courts, according to a recent City of Capitola survey, with 93% of respondents expressing support.
City staff conducted the survey in April at the direction of the City Council. A total of 329 responses were collected, including 102 from Capitola residents and 227 from surrounding communities.
Among Capitola residents, 84% said they were interested in improved pickleball facilities. Outdoor courts were preferred by 65% of all respondents, and 54% favored dedicated pickleball courts rather than shared use with tennis.
Preferred locations included Jade Street Park, Monterey Park and the Capitola Mall, which was suggested through write-in responses.
Survey results were presented to the City Council at its Sept. 11 meeting. No funding for a pickleball facility is currently included in the city’s 2025–26 budget. Council member Melinda Orbach asked staff how much it would cost to build a pickleball facility.
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 include a ribbon-cutting ceremony, a wine-and-cheese reception, facility tours, 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.
CCAMH, a nonprofit organization with locations in Soquel and San Luis Obispo, offers therapy both in person and via telehealth. Services include cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, exposure and response prevention, and family-based treatment.
In addition to the treatment center, the nonprofit operates specialized programs, including a parent center with support groups, a teen center focused on 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 a proposed BESS site at 90 Minto Road are out of sync, raising concerns that the county could miss its opportunity to weigh in on the controversial project.
New Leaf Energy is proposing a 200-megawatt battery energy storage project just outside Watsonville that would connect to the PG&E substation on Minto Road. The approximately 14-acre site is currently an apple orchard that has struggled due to hard clay soil beneath the surface.
The proposal has drawn heightened scrutiny following a January fire at a Vistra Energy-operated BESS facility in Moss Landing. That facility contained about 100,000 lithium-ion battery modules. The fire burned for parts of three days and flared up again a month later, forcing the evacuation of more than 1,200 people and spreading heavy metals throughout the area.
Local Journalist Jondi Gumz Dies
Local journalist and Scotts Valley resident Jolande “Jondi” Gumz died in her sleep at home Sept. 11 after a long battle with cancer. She was 72.
Gumz was an editor and reporter at the Santa Cruz Sentinel for 27 years and worked for Times Publishing Group for the past five years. Her beats included education, business, local government and community news. She served 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, Wisconsin, she was the daughter of Marcus and Norma Gumz. Reporting was her first love. She enjoyed talking with people and telling their stories.
Her work earned 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 careers in writing.
Gumz retired from the Sentinel in 2019 and spent a year deciding retirement was boring. She returned to journalism with Times Publishing Group, which covers community news in Aptos, Capitola, Soquel and Scotts Valley.
Capitola Finalizes Filtered Cigarette Ban
The Capitola City Council has approved a future ban on the sale of filtered cigarettes, setting in motion a countywide ban scheduled to begin Jan. 1, 2027.
Without further discussion at its Sept. 11 meeting, the City Council gave final approval to an ordinance prohibiting the sale of filtered tobacco cigarettes beginning in July 2027. The item was approved as part of the consent agenda.
The vote marked the ordinance’s second reading, making the approval final. The council first approved the ordinance Aug. 28, voting unanimously with a revision delaying enforcement for two years.
The action allows a countywide ban in unincorporated areas of Santa Cruz County to take effect in January 2027. In October 2024, the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors passed a ban on filtered tobacco products in unincorporated areas, contingent on at least two incorporated cities adopting similar ordinances or a Jan. 1, 2027, start date — whichever came later.
The city of Santa Cruz approved its own ban June 24, also effective Jan. 1, 2027.
OCTOBER
Thousands Attend No Kings Rallies
Organizers estimated that more than 15,000 people attended the Oct. 18 No Kings rally in Santa Cruz, with another 2,000-plus attending the event in Watsonville.
Both rallies were part of what organizers described as the largest nationwide demonstration in American history, with more than 2,700 events held across the country and attendance exceeding 7 million people.
Ross Levoy of Santa Cruz stood on a grassy slope listening to speakers at the start of the Santa Cruz rally before protesters marched from San Lorenzo Park to the county building and back.
The park was packed, and Levoy said the crowd appeared to be 20% to 30% larger than the last No Kings event he attended in June.
“Believe it or not, this is the first time I’ve ever protested anything,” said Levoy, a retiree who has lived in Santa Cruz for 43 years. “You can’t hide your head in the sand anymore.”
Crop Report Shows Bounce Back From Slow 2023
After a slowdown in 2023, Santa Cruz County agriculture bounced back in 2024, with a 13% increase in gross production for a total value of $741,917,000, according to the county agricultural commissioner’s annual crop report released Oct. 8.
Santa Cruz County Agricultural Commissioner David Sanford said the strong numbers reflect a combination of a favorable growing season and good market prices.
“The season was kind of shortened in 2023 because of the storms,” Sanford said.
Strawberries, blackberries and raspberries accounted for 60% of the county’s total gross agricultural production — more than $446 million.
The price per ton for berries increased, led primarily by blackberries, which rose 18% from $6,622 to $7,840 per ton. Raspberries climbed from $8,600 to $9,560 per ton, while strawberries increased $11 per ton to finish at an even $2,500.
Councilmember and Resident End Dispute
Capitola City Councilmember Melinda Orbach and Capitola resident Kevin Maguire apologized to each other during the Oct. 9 City Council meeting, apparently ending a bitter dispute that had further divided the community.
The dispute began in April. Ahead of an April 17 council meeting, Maguire was distributing flyers urging neighbors to speak out against a proposed trail route along Park Avenue.
While distributing the flyers, Maguire said he spoke with Louis Cannarozzi and asked whether he knew Orbach and could pass a flyer along to her. Orbach said Maguire asked Cannarozzi where she lived, which she interpreted as a threat. Orbach then accused Maguire of threatening behavior during the April 17 meeting.
Maguire said the accusations were slander. A code-of-conduct hearing was held by the council in September, but his complaint was dismissed. Maguire had also threatened to file a civil lawsuit.
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 struck.
A white minivan plunged off the Santa Cruz Wharf and quickly sank, killing the driver.
At about 9:44 a.m., Santa Cruz Fire Department officials received a report of a vehicle driving off the wharf. Santa Cruz Fire, Central Fire, Scotts Valley Fire, the Santa Cruz Police Department and State Parks personnel responded.
First responders recovered the driver, William Westerman, a 65-year-old Scotts Valley resident, but he never regained consciousness and was later pronounced dead at a local hospital.
More than a dozen divers searched the murky water for more than an hour for any additional victims but found none.
Allen and his canoe crew, led by Emerson Sanderson, were able to rescue the victim’s dog. Allen said he attempted to rescue the driver but was unable to do so.
He said his crew was in one canoe, with another club canoe just behind, warming up in the harbor, stretching and preparing for practice, when he heard a loud crashing noise.
About 150 yards away, a white van was floating on the water.
“It had landed on its roof, and the windshield appeared to have been blown out by the impact,” Allen said.
“The vehicle was perched on top of the water for maybe eight seconds or less. It was amazing how quickly it sank. As soon as it hit, we all started paddling over to it.”
Advanced Air Mobility to Power Local Economy
SEASIDE — Change is coming to America’s transportation system, and it is being innovated locally, according to regional government and business leaders who gathered Oct. 17 at CSU Monterey Bay for the 2025 Annual State of the Region conference.
Presented by the Monterey Bay Economic Partnership, the conference addressed key issues and trends shaping the regional economy. The event featured legislative updates from state Assembly and Senate members, panel discussions with local industry leaders, and brief expert presentations on emerging trends.
One recurring topic was the region’s growing role in advanced air mobility technology.
“This industry is maturing, and it’s here now,” said Sarasina Tuchen, a senior scientist at the U.S. Department of Transportation, who led an industry panel on the subject.
Tuchen said advanced air mobility includes at least two new aircraft types, along with companies developing automation systems for existing aircraft. The sector also involves new infrastructure development.
“It’s a rapidly new sector,” she said. “It’s not a single technology; it’s a collection of technologies.”
New Principal Appointed at Soquel Elementary
The Soquel Union Elementary School District has appointed veteran educator Ms. Birchall as the new principal of Soquel Elementary School, bringing more than two decades of teaching and leadership experience to the role.
Birchall has spent much of her career in the Pajaro Valley Unified School District, serving as a teacher, math instructional coach and school leader. Most recently, she was assistant principal at New Brighton Middle School within the Soquel Union district.
A collaborative leader, Birchall said she believes “the best decisions come from working together as a school community.”
She earned a master’s degree in educational leadership from San Jose State University and a bachelor’s degree in liberal studies from California State University, Fresno.
Over the years, she has served as activities director, student council adviser, GATE liaison, math department chair and data team lead.
NOVEMBER
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.
Founded in 1965, the club has counted more than 250 members over the years, all committed to Rotary International’s mission of “Service Above Self.”
Through fundraisers such as 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.
Bronze Sealife Enhances Capitola Wharf
Watch where you walk on Capitola Wharf, as visitors are discovering more than 45 bronze sea creatures recently completed by artist Sean Monaghan.
Shining octopuses, sea stars, pelicans, sea turtles and rockfish are embedded in the decking along the wharf. Visitors can follow, count or make rubbings of the sculptures while walking the length of the pier.
Like a scavenger hunt, the realistic creatures lead visitors to spotting scopes, seating areas and signage where they can match each animal to its miniature counterpart on educational panels.
Monaghan owns Bronze Works Foundry and teaches sculpture at UC Santa Cruz and Cabrillo College. His large octopus sculpture also adorns the Santa Cruz Wharf.
“It’s great to know people will get to see the pieces, get to know Monterey Bay better, and see its beauty,” Monaghan said.
The Capitola Wharf Enhancement Project team commissioned Monaghan, who was assisted by Raissa Boysen, as part of artful improvements funded by public donations.
CWEP, a small team of volunteers, raised more than $480,000 for needed topside amenities.
Foul Play Suspected in Case of Missing Woman
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. Nov. 6 near Rio Del Mar Beach. She is 5 feet 6 inches tall, weighs about 120 pounds and has blond hair. She was last seen wearing a dark hooded sweatshirt and leopard-print leggings.
Missing Utah Woman Found Safe
Few details were released, but missing Utah woman Danielle Staley has been found safe.
The 35-year-old was visiting Santa Cruz County for the first time. She disappeared after a late-night bonfire near Rio Del Mar Beach on Nov. 6.
Her boyfriend, Alex Nunez, said he left to sleep in their van while she stayed on the beach with friends. When he woke up the next morning, he was alone and returned to the beach, where he found her cellphone and purse.
Authorities initially suspected foul play.
“It becomes kind of suspicious when you’re looking at why are they here, why are they missing, is there a history of similar types of behaviors?” Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Sgt. Zach West said early in the investigation.
West said the couple had been in Santa Cruz County for about a week before Staley disappeared.
The case drew national attention and prompted a large local search effort. Family members traveled to Santa Cruz County to assist in the search.
Cabrillo Chooses New President
Cabrillo College’s superintendent/president search committee has selected Dr. Jenn Capps to lead the school.
Committee Chair and Trustee Christina Cuevas said she and Capps reached a tentative agreement, with a projected start date of Jan. 20. The Cabrillo College Governing Board is expected to vote on Capps’ contract at its Jan. 12 meeting.
In a press release, Cuevas said the committee was “very excited” to recommend Capps, citing her leadership on innovative academic initiatives and her experience building partnerships with tribal nations, advancing sustainability efforts and strengthening workforce development programs.
Capps currently serves as provost and vice president of academic affairs at Cal Poly Humboldt, where she has led major institutional changes since 2020.
DECEMBER
County Declares Food Emergency Over
Santa Cruz County has ended the local emergency declared last month over food insecurity caused by the federal government shutdown.
On Dec. 9, county supervisors approved ending the emergency, noting that federal nutrition benefits have been fully restored and the acute crisis has passed.
The Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors voted to accept a report on the shutdown’s impacts and formally terminate the emergency, which was declared Nov. 4 after the expiration of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program allotments left more than 35,000 county residents without approximately $6.5 million in monthly food benefits.
Local food banks and community groups reported a surge in demand that exceeded their capacity during the shutdown.
Supervisors Prepare for Phase 2 of Corridor Project
The Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors took an initial step on Phase 2 of the Watsonville–Santa Cruz Corridor Program by approving a request for proposals to hire a project manager for the Soquel Drive portion of the project, between State Park Drive and Freedom Boulevard.
The board also accepted $3.8 million in funding from the Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission to cover most preconstruction costs.
Phase 2 is part of the larger Watsonville–Santa Cruz Multimodal Corridor Program Cycle 4 Project, which aims to reduce congestion and improve travel times and air quality by expanding public transportation options and reducing roadway congestion.
The program includes three mostly parallel routes — Highway 1, Soquel Drive and the Coastal Rail Trail — all of which will converge in the central business district of Aptos.
The Soquel Drive portion of the project will include 3.2 miles of buffered and protected bike lanes, along with the reconstruction of 4,745 feet of sidewalks.
Bus service will be improved along the corridor through a variety of measures, including intersection enhancements and providing buses with signal priority.