Capitola officials who charge the city for meal reimbursements will have to start cutting back. The city is reducing the amount it will reimburse employees for meals when traveling on business.
Why Santa Cruz Needs Desal
The directors of two local water agencies defend a desalination project in Santa Cruz County, saying it would make up for water shortages, not serve as a Trojan horse for growth. “It is not designed, or intended, to accommodate UCSC growth or higher densities than current land use zoning,” they write.
New York Papers to Produce Bay Area Editions
In February, amid a rash of newspapers shutting down across the nation, the media was abuzz with reports that the San Francisco Chronicle may be the next major paper to fall victim to the Internet. Now, however, both the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal are preparing to launch Bay Area editions, which would focus on news and events in the San Jose-San Francisco-Oakland area.
Local Woman to Receive Congressional Medal
Residents of the Dominican Oaks Retirement Home didn’t realize that they were living with a war hero. Violet Wierzbicki, an unassuming woman in her nineties, hardly looks the part. But she will soon be awarded the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest decoration awarded to an individual who performs an outstanding act of service to the country’s security, prosperity and national interest.
Bonny Doon Volunteer Fire and Rescue Gets $10,000 from Lockheed Martin
Yesterday, Lockheed Martin recognized the valiant efforts of local volunteer firefighters to put out the Lockheed blaze by donating $10,000 to the Bonny Doon Volunteer Fire and Rescue.
Smoking Ban Enacted in Santa Cruz
Last night, the city of Santa Cruz enacted a wide-ranging public smoking ban, eliciting cheers from some and jeers from others. The ban covers all of Pacific Avenue and West Cliff Drive, as well as Beach Street between the Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf, all municipal parks, the Wharf, outside dining areas (including bars and coffee shops), and within 25 feet of any door or window used by the public. The ban was passed unanimously by City Council.
Santa Cruz Seeks Stimulus Funds for Transit
The $787 billion federal stimulus package includes $1.5 billion for transportation infrastructure projects. If everything goes according to plan, the Santa Cruz Metropolitan Transit Commission will be receiving $71 million of that. The money would be spent on a series of projects intended to reduce energy consumption and improve bureaucratic efficiency. It would also generate more than 300 jobs in the coming year.
Santa Cruz Students Demonstrate for Better Food
Most protests in the news this summer featured angry demonstrators spouting political rhetoric, with some even brandishing weapons. At a protest in San Lorenzo Park yesterday, demonstrators brandished freshly made pasta and plenty of leafy greens. With Congress about to reauthorize its child nutrition program, the demonstrators held an “Eat In” to improve the quality of school food.
Courts to Close One Day A Month
In an effort to save the county $300,000, a county court in Santa Cruz and another in Watsonville will be closed on the third Wednesday of every month beginning Sept. 16.
Santa Cruz Cyclists Light Up The Roads
It’s a simple idea but it solves a major problem. Even when bicycles have a light for night riding, motorists coming toward them from the side often have a hard time noticing them. Three Santa Cruz cyclists found the perfect solution.
