Blum’s Leadership Helped Secure Fire Assessment
I would like to thank Interim Chief Isaac Blum for being such an inspiration to the volunteer firefighters, the FFPD Board and our whole community.
In sharing his vision for the future of FFPD, he shared his own history of starting out volunteering for FFPD and what it was like to respond to calls, living close to the station. Here he received the training, certifications and experience required to advance to his current paid position over the hill, which has provided the income needed to live here and raise his family. He generously stepped up as volunteer Interim Fire Chief to help FFPD find a way forward when the organization was falling apart. Out of the turmoil of the last couple of years, he was able to bring order and community consensus. We value and want to fund into the future our local fire department for reliable, rapid response.
It took many people talking to their neighbors to pass the assessment, but it would not have happened without Chief Isaac Blum’s leadership within Felton Fire PD. At nine town halls, he presented the facts and answered questions. Those who heard him recognized a person of integrity with a heart for service that we can trust.
Chief Isaac Blum has shown that the best way to inspire others is to lead by example. We will honor him by continuing to support the Felton Fire Protection District and all the volunteers.
Cynthia Dzendzel
Felton
Interim Fire Chief Brought Stability to Department
I would like to express my sincere appreciation to Interim Fire Chief Isaac Blum of Felton Fire for his steadfast leadership and dedication during one of the most challenging periods our fire department has faced.
Stepping into a leadership role during uncertain times requires courage, professionalism and an unwavering commitment to both firefighters and the community they serve. Throughout his tenure as interim chief, he has demonstrated those qualities with integrity and grace. His calm presence, thoughtful decision-making and steadfast focus on the department’s mission have provided much-needed stability during a difficult transition.
While challenges often receive the most attention, it is important to recognize those who serve without seeking recognition. Chief Blum had already earned the respect and admiration of the firefighters he leads, and now the community has witnessed his tireless work ethic and genuine concern for the well-being of both the department and the public.
On behalf of those who value public service and strong leadership, I extend my heartfelt thanks for his commitment, resilience and willingness to answer the call when his department needed him most. I also want to express my sincere gratitude to his family, whose support and sacrifice have made his service possible.
Leadership of this kind often requires long hours and time away from loved ones, and their patience, understanding and encouragement deserve recognition as well. His service has made a meaningful difference, and our community is better for it.
Kanda Whaley
Felton
Thanks Extended to Fire Assessment Volunteers
Given that many Felton folks worked very diligently over the last year to research, examine, debate and ultimately, support this Special Benefit Assessment as the best solution for Felton residents and property owners, among the many that were proposed; and
Given that the Felton Fire Special Benefit Assessment was passed by an over 2/3rds majority of the voting property owners in Felton; and
Given that Felton Fire can now move ahead with some assurance of financial stability, and forward-looking planning for fire and emergency services in our District; and
Given the promise of new permanent leadership for our Fire Department with the hiring of a new Fire Chief, which is underway now; and
Given the revitalization of local interest in the success of our local public services and institutions;
On behalf of the Felton Community for Emergency Response (FC4ER), I want to share our appreciation to all the people that worked tirelessly to educate themselves and our neighbors about the facts, fallacies and nuances affecting this issue, who gave money to support the work that needed to be done to reach out to the wider voting body, and helped bring our Felton community to this promising outcome.
Again, “THANK YOU!” to each one of you for being engaged in this process with us.
Liz Taylor-Selling
Vice Chair, FC4ER
Fire Assessment Passage Brings Relief
We are so lucky to have a great community. When the Felton Fire assessment passed with a 2/3 majority, the room was jubilant — volunteer firefighters and residents were relieved, thankful and happy Felton will have a sustainable firehouse.
We were inspired by the professionalism, hard work and dedication to the community of Interim Fire Chief Issac Blum. He voluntarily stepped in while holding down a full-time job to keep us safe. Overcoming significant challenges, he turned our local firehouse around to one of national standards. Thanks to the many who helped this assessment pass. It is such a relief to know we will have a sustainable firehouse with a great team focused on our community.
After multiple 911 calls over the years, it is a relief to know we will have a rapid response. If we have to face another disaster like the CZU, we know our local firehouse department will step right in. It is a relief to know the public has a voice.
Thanks to Interim Fire Chief Blum and his family for their sacrifices. Thanks to all the volunteer firefighters.
Wendy Lord
Felton
The Real Election Threat May Be Closer to Home
Before accepting the White House’s July 16 claims at face value, it’s worth checking them against independent reporting.
CNN’s review found that one of the administration’s own newly declassified documents put the number of non-citizens on state rolls at roughly 28,000, not the 278,000 figure cited in the speech, and that the DHS matching system used is known to misflag naturalized citizens as non-citizens. According to the nonpartisan Heritage Foundation’s own fraud database, fewer than 100 non-citizens have been convicted of illegal voting nationwide since 1982.
Meanwhile, consider what this administration has actually done ahead of the midterms. It fired the leadership of the independent Election Assistance Commission. It gutted CISA, which as of late July still has no 2026 election-security plan. It sent letters threatening criminal liability to election officials in all 50 states, a move nonpartisan experts call intimidation, not prosecution. It has demanded states hand over unredacted voter rolls containing partial Social Security and driver’s license numbers. Its executive order rewriting mail-in voting rules was blocked by a federal judge.
These aren’t the actions of an administration defending elections from outside threats. They look like an effort to consolidate control over how our elections are run, verified and counted, months before voters decide who controls Congress.
Yes, every American deserves secure, fair elections. That starts with reading past the primetime speech and checking the administration’s claims against its own record.
Key sources:
- CNN’s fact-check of the documents: cnn.com/2026/07/16/politics/what-trumps-newly-declassified-documents-do-and-dont-tell-us-about-threats-to-us-elections
- Brennan Center’s tracker on administration actions: brennancenter.org/our-work/research-reports/trump-administrations-campaign-undermine-next-election
Eric Braun
Scotts Valley
Federal Elections and Housing Concerns
We don’t need the federal government butting in on elections. They have nothing to do with voting. It is a state’s right. The proposal being pushed is a voter suppression bill. The Save America Act makes it harder for people to vote. The GOP expects 20-28 million people to be disqualified from 2026 midterm elections.
On another topic, California dictated Scotts Valley must build housing. I think every multi-family housing project should have more units. Projects need more stories so more people can find a place to live and enjoy the Scotts Valley life. The Seagate project is too short at three stories. We have a few thousand houses to build.
Steve Harris
Scotts Valley
