Just the Facts
This last week has been the longest month of my life. With the relentless firehose of updated COVID-19 information, shifting community expectations and rapidly-changing governmental instructions, we’ve gone from a population of residents who work at work, school at school and shop for just what’s needed to a community who works from home, schools at home and hordes toilet paper and sanitizing spray like those doomsday preppers you mock on A&E.Lines outside of Safeway at 5:30am. People fighting over Lysol and Clorox bleach. Non-essential stores closed, Starbucks stacking their tables and chairs to avoid in-store consumption and local residents carrying a digital thermometer in their purse. (Someone else is doing that besides me, right? Anyone?) The collective weight of the evolving coronavirus pandemic has displaced our societal norms with a freakishly dystopian scene, and left us wondering what might come next in the fight against this rapidly spreading illness.I don’t know what’s coming next, but I can tell you where we are as of Tuesday, March 17th at 8pm. Things will keep changing—the majority of this article may even be old news by the time you get your hands on this edition—but the Press Banner is going to publish updates, both in the print edition and online. Cuddle up to your pet, your significant other or your freshly disinfected iPhone, and let’s get the latest.Internationally: Americans who are returning to the U.S. from traveling within high-risk areas are required to fly into one of just 13 international airports. The list—and additional information on restrictions being instituted by other countries—can be found at: https://www.nytimes.com/article/coronavirus-travel-restrictions.html.Nationally: There are plenty of actions being considered and implemented, including:• The chief of the Center for Disease Control, Dr. Robert Redfield, has agreed to provide free testing for COVID-19, regardless of insurance coverage or the ability to pay (with thanks to tough-as-nails Southern California Representative Katie Porter for backing Redfield into a corner during a Congressional hearing that left the chief sinking into his seat).• Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin is planning to institute a payroll tax holiday, which could feed $1,000 into the pockets of every American adult within the next two weeks. Mnuchin has estimated that unemployment could reach 20% nationwide, with residents unable to afford basics like rent, food and utilities. Ideas for an additional stimulus bill are expected to be submitted to the Senate this week.• The Senate is being told by Leader Mitch McConnell to gird their loins and pass the Coronavirus relief deal this week, after it passed the House with unanimous consent.• Schools across the country are closing, as parents scramble to find care for their children and teachers prepare to merge into an online teaching platform.• Social distancing is being requested, with a minimum of six feet between individuals in public spaces.• Ohio’s governor closed voting sites due to fears of viral spread, and the most recent Democratic debate between Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders was held sans audience.• All nonessential airline travel is being discouraged, and U.S. airlines are seeking over $50 billion in bailouts. Boeing is requesting over $60 billion from the U.S. government. Locally:• Residents of Santa Cruz and Santa Clara counties are being told to shelter-in-place. Essential businesses must remain open, including:• Healthcare operations and infrastructure (hospitals, utility PG&E)• Grocers, farmers’ markets, farm and produce stands, food banks, convenience stores, and other retailers selling food — including those that also sell products aside from food• Food cultivation businesses (farming, fishing)• Businesses or organizations providing social services, food or shelter to the needy• Newspapers, television, radio and other media• Gas stations and auto-related businesses, including repair shops• Banks and financial institutions• Hardware stores• Plumbers, electricians, and other service providers that keep businesses running• Shipping and mailing businesses• Educational institutions — like schools — to provide distance learning and other essential functions• Laundry services (laundromats, dry cleaning companies)• Restaurants for delivery and take-out only• Businesses that supply people with items required to work from home, or businesses that supply essential businesses with necessary supplies• Businesses that ship groceries and supplies directly to homes• Airlines, taxis, and private transportation services• Home-based and residential care for seniors, adults and kids• Legal and accounting services that keep businesses in compliance• Childcare facilities, with certain stipulations, like only having groups of 12 kids together at a time• Both Santa Cruz and Santa Clara Counties are recommending self-isolation for people over 65, and those with serious chronic medical conditions or compromised immune systems.• Gatherings of fewer than ten people are permitted, and those who are planning large events (weddings, graduations, reunions) are asked to postpone or cancel them.• Restaurants that have remained open are permitted to offer take-out and delivery only; no dine-in option is available.• Santa Cruz County schools (in addition to other county schools) are currently closed through March 20th, but the word on the street is that Governor Gavin Newsom is considering extending that closure thru summer. (https://abc30.com/california-governor-gavin-newsom-warns-parents-to-be-prepared-for-schools-to-not-open-until-after-summer-break/6022808/)What can you do to help?• Follow the recommendations of the CDC, World Health Organization (WHO) and the scientific community by practicing social distancing, staying at home as much as possible and following updated guidelines as they become available.• Wash your hands, use hand sanitizer, wipe down surfaces with virus-killing antiseptics and keep your hands away from your face.• Stay hydrated, get plenty of rest, and try to get outside each day for some sunshine and fresh air.• If you have symptoms of coronavirus (fever of 101 degrees or higher, dry cough, shortness of breath), follow the CDC’s recommendations: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/steps-when-sick.html• For answers to frequently asked questions, visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html• Finally—don’t publish alternative facts. If you see something online that you just have to post on Facebook, double-check the accuracy of the information to avoid spreading rumors and upping the panic quotient in our community.Look—we’ve been through a lot together. Earthquakes and mudslides, power outages and closed highways. This is difficult, but strong communities are a force of nature, and by staying informed and providing support to those who need it, we’ll make it through this, too.There is SO much more to know—we could do an entire edition on just COVID-19—but as things change, we’ll keep you updated. Be well, stay hydrated, stay at home (except for that daily dose of sunshine, exercise and Vitamin D) and wash. your. hands.
City of Scotts Valley’s Response to the COVID-19 Outbreak
Since the threat of COVID-19 (coronavirus) first emerged in Santa Cruz County, the City of Scotts Valley has been closely monitoring and coordinating with our county’s top officials. We are meeting this quickly escalating threat to our community’s health with swift action under the advice of the County’s Public Health Official, the California Department of Public Health and the CDC.
Parsing Through Percentages: Local Results from the March 3rd Primary
Whether you sent in a ballot or made it out to the polls, I hope you made your voice heard on March 3rd ! Although not all votes have yet to be tallied, some are still coming through the mail, let’s review the preliminary results, updated on March 9th. The official results for the County of Santa Cruz can be found here: https://sccounty01.co.santa-cruz.ca.us/ElectionSites/ElectionResults/Results, but they can be a little difficult to parse through. Gail L. Pellerin, Santa Cruz County Clerk, expects all votes to be counted and results finalized by March 31st. Below is a quick summary of results that involve our community, beginning with Measures. All votes have been rounded to the nearest percentage.
Recycling Options for Political Yard Signs That Do Not Belong in Blue Bins
The City of Santa Cruz reminds the community that political and other yard signs do not belong in blue recycling bins. Instead, they may be properly recycled when delivered to the City of Santa Cruz Corporation Yard, 1125 River St., from Tuesday, March 3, through Friday, March 6, during the operating hours of 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Yard signs may also be dropped at the City’s Resource Recovery Facility, 605 Dimeo Lane, any Monday through Saturday, 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Super Tuesday!
As voters headed to their polling places and mailboxes to cast their votes in the Primary Election on Tuesday, March 3rd, California (along with 13 other states) hosted Super Tuesday, a day in which nearly 1/3 of all delegates are won by candidates. In addition to the 14 states, American Samoa caucuses also took place on that same day, amounting to 1,357 pledged delegates.With a prize of California’s 415 delegates, our state is a highly sought after golden ticket, and is considered a major player in determining the shape of the November election. In chatting with a few voters (well outside the boundaries of the polling place, as well as online in the days leading up to the election), there was little consensus on candidates and measures.Measure R (Cabrillo College Technology, Job Training and Classroom Repair Measure) would provide Cabrillo with $17,000,000 annually to invest in updating and modernizing sites, facilities and equipment. While the college is considered a local jewel by many, feedback was mixed. Voter J.G. said she’s not sure that Cabrillo is worthy of the investment. “I know we attract a lot of out-of-town students due to the climate and sports programs at the college,” she said, “but I don’t think my money should go to improving facilities I’ll never use.” Parent K.S. felt otherwise. “Both of my kids plan to go to Cabrillo after high school,” he said. “I think all students should have access to great systems and modern equipment, especially if we’re competing with countries like China who have better stuff for their students than we do. When my kids get into the workforce, I want them to have an edge, and I think this bond measure will help with that,” he said. First-time voter L.P. was excited to cast his ballot for the measure. “For my first time voting, I get to vote on something that will actually help me,” he said. “I’m going to Cabrillo in the fall, and it would be great if they had new computers and technology because of my vote.” The measure needs approval by at least 55% of voters within the school’s “district.” The boundaries of the Cabrillo Community College District include San Benito (population 60,310), Santa Cruz (275,897) and Monterey (437,907) Counties, which means that there are a lot of voters who may weigh in on the measure’s success.For Measure S (San Lorenzo Valley Unified School District Bond Issue), 55% of all voters in the district would need to vote yes; the result would be an issuance of $75M in bonds, raising $4.3M annually to repair aging infrastructure, construct new Science/Engineering facilities and make health and safety improvement to all schools in the district. Once again, residents were mixed on the potential for raising capital to benefit education. “My kids all went to school there,” said R.L., “and they liked it, but we keep giving the district money, like, every year. First they got a pool, and then they got a turf field, and then the new building outside (the new Performing Arts Center which opened in February, 2015). Enough is enough, man.” J.P. wondered where else the money would go. “They’re always asking for money, and I get that schools aren’t funded like the military,” he said, “but how come they can’t do it all at once? If they budgeted better, we wouldn’t have our taxes raised every few years.” First-time voter L.P. weighed in on this one, too. “I graduated from there, and they’ve got some really cool things like the hydroponics and the PAC (Performing Arts Center). I’m glad they had that stuff when I was there, so I voted yes because that stuff inspires the students.” When asked if he was a homeowner, he admitted he wasn’t, but said his parents are. “They can afford it,” he grinned.Finally, a few people mentioned their votes for president, but most kept it under wraps. Of the 12 people who agreed to be interviewed, four were for Biden, and three were for Sanders. One was for Warren, and an enthusiastic 4-year old wore a “Bernie or Bust” t-shirt as she drew a heart on a piece of paper. Clutching her “ballot,” she galloped into the afternoon sun, blissfully unaware that her parents had cast votes that could forever determine her future.
Local Health Emergency Declared for COVID-19- Response
Finding that there is an imminent threat to public health and welfare from novel coronavirus (COVID19), Santa Cruz County Health Officer Dr. Gail Newel has issued a Declaration of Local Health Emergency.
SLVUSD Response to Coronavirus
This Monday Laurie Bruton, Superintendent of the San Lorenzo Valley Unified School District, sent an email to the community addressing the district's response to the Coronavirus. The email also contained several superintendents' responses as well. We felt it important to share as it contains relevant information on how to prevent the virus. As of now, no cases of the virus have been reported in Santa Cruz County.
18 By Election Day? You Should Get to Vote in Primary
Nearly a quarter of a million Californians were born between March 3 and Nov. 3, 2002. That includes the majority of my high school graduating class of 2020, and it places a record number of soon-to-be 18-year-olds in an electoral gray zone: we’ll be old enough to vote in the November general election, but too young to vote in next week’s March primary.
Politics in Play Part 3: The State Senate Fight
The third and final entry into the recent “Politics In Play” coverage of the Candidates’ Forum has arrived. Read on for a peek into the policies of our candidates for State Senate: Democrats John Nevill, John Laird and Maria Cadenas. (Republican Vicki Nohrden is also running for the seat, but didn’t participate in the forum.) According to Ballotpedia’s Candidate Connection, John Nevill is a Respiratory Therapist in Healthcare Administration, with experience working in acute care, home health services and legal compliance policy. He’s a former Mental Health Commissioner in Monterey County, and Owner/Operator of Triple LLL Sheep Ranch in King City. Nevill’s prior businesses include Lost Arts Kayaks in Moss Landing, and South County Medical Supply and Service in Monterey/San Luis Obispo Counties.John Laird boasts a long career in Santa Cruz County public service and policy. Laird served on the Library Board in Santa Cruz County, the Transit Board, as a Santa Cruz City Council member from 1981-1990, and as the Mayor of Santa Cruz from 1983-1984, and again from 1987-1988. He has served on the Transportation Commission and was an elected member of the Cabrillo College Board from 1994 until his election to the California State Assembly in 2002. He was re-elected to the assembly in 2004 and 2006 before being termed out in 2008. While serving the maximum three terms in the Assembly, Laird authored 82 bills that were signed into law. For the past eight years, Laird has been the Secretary of Resources, and has dedicated himself to understanding local issues that have become statewide issues. He is passionate about the affordable housing crisis and is looking for solutions.Maria Cadenas is the Executive Director of Santa Cruz Community Ventures. Born in Mexico City, raised in Southern California and schooled at Beloit College in Wisconsin, Cadenas was named associate director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Wisconsin shortly after 9/11, and later became the executive director of the Cream City Foundation in Milwaukee. There, Cadenas focused on LGBT issues and initiatives, and returned to California to work with Driscoll’s in 2011. Cadenas has never run for public office, but believes that this is “a crucial time for all of us.” She has worked on social justice issues and rural development of communities, and isn’t looking to add taxes or bond measures. She’s eager to create “a new model of doing things,” and is willing to think outside the box to get there.On the question of protecting natural resources, Laird focused on the sustainability of oceans and forests, and the water crisis facing California. Laird feels we “need to do prescribed forest cleaning around urban areas. With 154 million dead trees in California alone,” said Laird, the state’s leadership needs to take this issue seriously.Cadenas knows that California “is a leader in protecting natural resources, but we need to balance care with community.” Cadenas says we need to “look at our housing and transportation models that address conservation. People and the planet go hand in hand,” she said.When it comes to protecting women against violence, Cadenas reminded forum attendees that she’s been “working on women’s issues” all her life. “Issues of rape and sexual assault are issues of priorities and values,” said Cadenas. “Latino women earn 43 cents on the dollar compared to Caucasian men, and out of 40 State Senate seats, women hold only 14. Those voices are missing,” said Cadenas. “It’s time for the Senate to reflect the makeup of California’s population.”Laird feels well-versed on this topic. He is currently “developing protocols to create a commission for the prevention of violence against women,” he says, because “it’s everyone’s issue.”Nevill call himself an “advocate” for protecting women against violence, and says that more “must be done” to ensure women’s safety.One the question of improving mass transportation in our neighborhoods, Nevill is seeking a“private public partnership.” He asked, “How are we using mass transportation? Populations are growing, and everyone still wants to drive. We need alternative transportation solutions.”Laird believes we have reached “critical mass to fund transportation in large areas.” He suggested a 1/2 cent sales tax dedicated to public transit. “How do you bring money to the table to make it free?” he asked. “We need to levy that sales tax, and seek more state and federal support. We need to advocate for that goal,” Laird said, “in order to better serve our neighbors’ needs.”Cadenas says that “free public transportation is an issue of economics, housing and climate. We need to reduce our carbon footprint,” she says, but that’s made more difficult because we “have small clusters of urban areas in rural communities. If we align it to jobs and housing,” says Cadenas, the impacts will be greater for all.When queried about their three most pressing issues, there was some overlap between the candidates. Laird cited housing, climate and education as his top three priorities. “California is in the bottom of per-pupil funding out of 50 states. We need funding sources,” said Laird, in order to provide our state’s children better opportunities. “We have individuals that have monumental issues,” said Laird, “and as your senator, I will fight to improve conditions for us all.” With 82 bills signed into law, said Laird, voters can count on him to keep fighting.Cadenas’ concern is “how you address issues, and to whose voices you listen.” She believes in “housing that’s affordable for everyone with subsidies.” In addition, she said “climate is about the economy—how do we conceptually redesign our communities to make them accessible to us all? We need to be creative about the intersection between economic development and climate,” Cadenas said. “It’s about values and heart. We are no different than our neighbors around the world.”Candidate Nevill believes housing is a top concern, and that California “puts out four times the housing permits needed.” He added, “The immigration population needs to be addressed,” and cited the state’s water supply as a major issue. Nevill says we need to develop an inter-lake tunnel to transfer water to areas” where it’s critically needed. He also believes we should “develop health care coverage for everyone. We need to talk to hospitals, and determine where their handicaps and hurdles are.”Perhaps the biggest moment of the night came following Cadenas’ deeply passionate closing statement about why she wants your vote. As the associate director of the ACLU, she said, she understands the fight for justice. “I’ve worked in the agriculture industry, and I know what it is to be a Latina, and to be the only out woman in the room. All of that has prepared me to fight,” said Cadenas, and as her voice rose, the room rose with her.In response to Cadenas pouring her heart out, Nevill reminded attendees that he’ll never be “the emotional one in the room.” He said he would “monitor legislation,” and that he would work to serve the district fairly.For information on these three Senate candidates, visit:lairdforcasenate.commaria2020.comballotpedia.org/John_M._Nevill
News Briefs | Published Oct. 31, 2025
Community Bridges WIC remains open during government shutdown
Community Bridges Women, Infants & Children (WIC) Program remains fully funded and operational ensuring continued support for...
