The pilot never had a chance. He was flying a 1942 biplane when he was intercepted by an F-15 fighter jet. In terrestrial terms it’s like a Model-T Ford taking on an M1A1 tank. The problem was that he had violated a temporary 30-mile no-fly zone put in place during President Obama’s visit to LinkedIn headquarters in Mountain View. “Dang, that looks like Top Gun,” said County Sheriff Phil Wowak, who happened to witness the incident.
The End of A K-9 Era
The SCPD marked the retirement of one of its most trusted members after 56 years on the force—well, dog years. There was no gold watch or even a gold collar for Jax, who has served on the police force for the past eight (human) years, but there will be plenty of doggie treats ahead.
PLATED: Hot Links and Brews
Surely one of the planet’s oldest and cleverest culinary creations—for the fifth straight year, the Santa Cruz Mountain Brewing folks are letting it all hang out at Sausagefest on Saturday, Oct. 8, 5-9pm at the corner of Western and Mission (site of the Westside Farmer’s Market). Also: the latest in beer and ice cream.
The Wildlife Photographer’s Waiting Game
Sebastian Kennerknecht’s camera equipment—a Canon EOS 40D with a 500mm f/4 supertelephoto lens and effortless action—is the kind that makes photographers weep. But when Kennerknecht goes on a wildlife shoot, the costly contraption doesn’t even come out of its oversized padded backpack until he’s finished something else first.
Census of Coastal Bird Brings Good News
In June, the California Audubon Society set out to do something no other organization has. With clipboards, binoculars and GPS devices, volunteers hit the rocky coastlines to survey the native black oystercatcher.
Forum on A Fumigant
In June 2010, John Froines, chair of the independent Scientific Review Committee convened by the California Department of Pesticide Regulation called “without question one of the most toxic chemicals on Earth.” In December 2010, it was approved for use on strawberries in California.
Beaks And Geeks in Santa Cruz County
Thirty-seven people assembled in the otherwise vacant Watsonville City Council chambers think they might know the answer to the question, “What is the most migratory woodpecker in North America?” Some blurt it out before author Stephen Shunk can finish asking the question. This is no classroom filled with slack-jawed university students—these are birdwatchers.
Being Sincere
It took rapper Sincere three years of being away from his hometown to be able to write and record the album he’s always wanted to make—one that voices the pain and hardships of growing up in one of the toughest neighborhoods in Watsonville.
Ten Questions for the Bird Lady
Molly Richardson, the 83-year-old founder of Native Animal Rescue, wreaks havoc with our plan for a brief Ten Questions.
Maestro Granger Remembers
“It’s not about doing a job,” says Santa Cruz County Symphony music director Larry Granger. “It’s about dedication.” Even the fully subscribed ticketholder who sees a conductor at one concert a month probably can’t comprehend the full extent of the work Granger does.
