I’ve thoroughly read Obama’s proposed health care plan. And by “read” I mean I’ve heard what other commentators on the AM radio have had to say about the various versions floating through Congress. And in these versions, there’s a lot of devils in the details. Bad devils who look like John Carradine, with curly mustaches and opera capes. All of them from a place called “Hell.”
Lockheed to Cut Jobs
Lockheed’s facilities in Santa Cruz County have been all over the news lately because of the Lockheed Fire. What has barely made the news is the fact that the firm is planning to lay off as many as 800 employees throughout the Bay Area.
Will High School Coaches Turn Down Their Stipends?
School athletic programs are usually the first to take a hit when there is a budget crisis. Santa Cruz is tackling the problem by allowing coaches to turn down the stipend they usually receive for coaching their teams. While the stipend does not come to much per coach—depending on the sport, certified coaches who work full time at their schools can increase their salaries by $1,639-$3,125—the impact throughout school district could be significant, saving the school board as much as $300,000.
UCSC to Eliminate Childcare for Faculty and Staff
As of January 1, parents who work at UCSC will no longer be able to drop their children off at campus childcare facilities. Faced with severe budget cuts, the school has decided to eliminate its childcare facilities for staff.
Tax Relief Available for Lockheed Fire Victims
Individuals and businesses affected by the Lockheed Fire are eligible for a one-month extension on taxes and fees owed. The announcement was made by Betty T. Yee, Chair of the Board of Equalization.
Evacuation Orders Lifted in Santa Cruz County
The emergency Red Cross shelter at Vintage Faith Church in Santa Cruz closed yesterday, and residents of Swanton, the final refugees from the Lockheed fire, will soon be able to return to their homes. The fire is now 80 percent contained.
Lockheed Fire Burns Cash Along With Trees
The sound of fire engines, walkie-talkies and helicopters may be endemic to the Lockheed fire, but so is the sound of an imaginary cash register ringing every time another engine roars into town. Though Cal Fire did not lose personnel in the latest state cuts, $27 million was lopped off its 2009-10 budget, and more than likely each of the local fire agencies that pitched in to battle the flames had its own troubles at home at budget time.
Santa Cruz Wildfire Has Nation Watching
The eyes of the nation turned to Santa Cruz County this weekend, as the Lockheed Fire—65 percent contained as of this morning—raged through the brush.
Coho, Steelhead Stocks Survive Fire
When wildfires strike, people tend to think about the mammals and birds that are threatened.
Evacuation Order Lifted for Bonny Doon
Police and firefighters began letting residents of Bonny Doon with proper identification return to their homes on Sunday afternoon, subject to pending evacuation orders should conditions change.
