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.

Dispatch Log (September 11, 2015)

Saturday, September 12

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.

Most of us have at one time or another had a nocturnal leg cramp. Some individuals suffer frequently from them. Almost anyone can experience cramps, but they are more common in the elderly. Although they are technically harmless, they can be quite debilitating sometimes lasting 15 minutes or more. Most cramps have no obvious underlying cause.

Dear Editor,I would like to thank and commend the Sheriffs Department for their enforcement in our community parks, particularly with respect to the drunk and disorderly behavior. (It's a community affair, Aug. 14th) I would also like to request that the Sheriff's enforce the "No Smoking" ordinance that exists for all of our county parks as well.Although a common occurrence, I am always stunned when people choose to light up in our parks and playgrounds and around children in particular. For kids, secondhand smoke causes ear infections, bronchitis and other respiratory infections. It also exacerbates asthma and increases chances of SIDS. In adults who have never smoked, secondhand smoke causes heart disease, lung cancer and stroke.According to the U.S. Department for Health and Human Services, there is no risk-free level of secondhand smoke exposure and even brief exposure can be harmful to our health.Our parks should be a safe and healthy environment. Smoking should not be tolerated anymore than drunk and disorderly conduct.Jennifer Gomez,Lompico