The power went out during the printing of the Press Banner due to a PGE problem. We realize that some readers received their paper later than usual. We apologize for the unforeseen circumstance.
Deadline to sign petitions for SB277 referendum approaches this month. The SB277 is California’s new vaccine mandate for children in school.The referendum asks that personal belief exemptions remain valid in the state of California. If the law stays on track, such exemptions will no longer be allowed. Children will be required to be vaccinated based on the government’s recommended schedule. Those who do not want the vaccines will be denied entry into school.For families who are concerned about their constitutional and parental rights, time is running out to get informed and take a stand.Several local parents have the petitions on hand for people to sign, and are available to discuss the ramifications of the new law, which is scheduled to take effect in 2016.SB277 is just the tip of the iceberg. Since its passing earlier this year, other laws have been making their way through the legislation, which require adult vaccinations to be current as well.While it’s obvious that nobody wants dormant, crippling diseases to come back into society, it’s important to note that these bills have been passed without voter approval.Both the pro and against viewpoints have scientific backing. Being informed on both sidesof the story is the best way to make decisions.It’s always up to the individual to decide what’s best for them, but SB277 takes that choice away.Fore more information on the referendum, visit http://sb277referendum.com.
There is big excitement lately among the members of the local 4-H clubs – the Santa Cruz County Fair is being held on September 16–20, 2015 at the Fairgrounds outside of Watsonville. For the next two weekends, local 4-H groups are building booths and getting ready to participate in equestrian as well as various other events. They will also participate in presentations, entertaining, and leadership opportunities. These kids love their involvement in 4-H projects and community service and this is their chance to show off their talents and shine!
Trail cameras belonging to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife captured evidence that the grey wolves are back in California. It has been almost 100 years since grey wolves have lived in this state even though some had temporarily wandered down from Oregon.
Eden Josephine Gaynor, a 7-pound girl, was born to Melinda Schmid Gaynor and Casey Gaynor at Sutter Maternity and SurgeryCenter in Santa Cruz. She was born on August 30, 2015.
Who knows what the weather this winter will bring? It's not that unusual for our area to get 8" of rainfall during a storm and the havoc it can create to an unprotected hillside. We are talking major erosion of your precious land. Fortunately, September and October are a good months to do something about it.
Each time I prepare salmon for dinner I am reminded of my home town and the years spent enjoying the ‘fruits de mer’ from the ice-cold waters of NeahBay in Washington. In 1940, this small town was surrounded by forests on one side and the Pacific Ocean on the other. It was there that I learned my first ‘swear words’ from my Uncle Louie, a tough and hard-working logger who I stayed with one summer. My Aunt Ardis was a gentle soul, always busying herself with her garden and cooking some of the best fish from the ocean that I still remember fondly.