Earlier this week, SantaCruz.com reported that the local sea otter population has been declining because of the leakage of chemical fertilizers and industrial farm waste into the local waters. Now the California Department of Fish and Game reports that scientists have identified a second threat to the dwindling otter population: sharks. In August alone, 19 dead and injured sea otters were found with signs of shark bites.
Sherry Austin’s Second Act
An iron gate looms above the entrance to Sherry Austin’s property. The local singer/songwriter has left it open in expectation of a visit, but the only person in sight is a silver-haired woman puttering around the expansive lawns. She could be taken for a gardener, but she resembles press photos just enough to leave room for doubt.
Crash Leads to Suspected Drug Dealer’s Arrest
Pedro Gomez, 25 was entering Santa Cruz through River Street Monday morning when he swerved as the road curved.
No Smart Meters for Unincorporated Areas
The Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to prevent PG&E from installing Smart Meters in unincorporated parts of the county until more information about the devices can be collected. The moratorium will last through Dec. 31. Failure to abide by it could result in misdemeanor charges for the power company.
Film Buffs: The Analog Camera Backlash
The summer of 2006, my last in high school, my mom gave me the task of filing all of our family photos. I spent those hot days in a cloud of dust, sifting through weathered shoeboxes full of photos of seemingly ancient events: my parents’ “before kids” adventures in Europe; my sister’s first time on a bike; my eighth grade dance.
Controversial Santa Cruz Priest Charged By Church
Under the light of stained glass windows and gas lamps, the Reverend Joel P. Miller delivers his homily on “inviting sinners to the feast of the Lord.” The redwood pews at Calvary Episcopal Church in downtown Santa Cruz sit more empty than occupied, but attention is rapt among the 50 or so worshipers as the short, mustachioed priest discusses the importance of forgiveness and of serving the “least among us.”
Supes Mull Smart Meter Moratorium
At their meeting today, Santa Cruz County supervisors will decide whether to place a moratorium on the installation of PG&E smart meters in unincorporated areas, repeating a moratorium that is already in place in Watsonville. At the same time, the supervisors will also determine whether the installation of smart meters is grounds for an increase in franchise fees that PG&E already pays the county.
Where Have All the Otters Gone?
In 2007, there were just over 3,000 sea otters living along the Central California Coast. It wasn’t that many, but there was still reason for hope. After all, the entire population was descended from just 50 otters living near Big Sur back in 1938. With careful preservation policies, the California sea otter was brought back from the brink of extinction.
News Flash: Organic Strawberries Really Do Rock
Washington State University scientists have discovered what Santa Cruz hippies and foodies have known for a long time: organic strawberries taste better, pack more nutrition and last longer than conventionally grown berries. The study, which compared strawberries from 13 organic and 13 conventional farms in California, found the organic berries had higher concentrations of Vitamin C and antioxidants, stayed mold-free for about a half a day longer and left the soil in better shape, with more nitrogen, enzyme activity and micronutrients.
Pot Ice Cream Joins Gourmet Frozen Dessert Boom
Budding entrepreneurs in Santa Cruz’s medical marijuana business have come up with yet another delivery system for cannabis—pot-laced ice cream. For the more traditionally inclined, there’s TRIPle Chocolate Brownie, but there are also flavors like Banannabis Foster and Straw-Mari Cheesecake, for those who want a more fruity taste. There is, as yet, no vanilla based flavor, and everyone knows that vanilla is the true ice cream connoisseur’s flavor of choice, but as demand expands new flavors will inevitably hit the market.
