By Santa Cruz Sentinel

The California Surf Lifesaving Association honored Santa Cruz Fire Department marine safety officer Brendan Daly with the Medal of Valor Award recently for demonstrating exemplary and extraordinary courage during an ocean rescue.

Daly was joined by several Santa Cruz Fire Department members at the California Surf Lifesaving Association’s board meeting in Ventura March 27 who were presented with Heroic Act and Meritorious Act Awards for their efforts.

“It is an honor to recognize the heroism of these rescuers who acted decisively despite great personal risk,” said Gus Avila, president of the California Surf Lifesaving Association, in a press release. “These award recipients embody courage and going above and beyond the call of duty. Their actions are both inspirational and worthy of recognition.”

Daly was presented the Medal of Valor Award for a July 10, 2024, rescue of two victims swept off the rocks off of West Cliff Drive. Daly located two unconscious victims in the water, a man and a pregnant woman. Daly secured one victim to his rescue tube, and floated the other on his chest, and began swimming them up the coast and against the current in search of a location where they could safely exit the water.

Daly was soon after assisted by Carter Baginski who took control of one of the victims. Determining that returning to shore was too dangerous, Daly and Baginski swam the victims out to sea where they could meet the Harbor Patrol boat.

Rescue swimmers Nathan Rodger and Dave Bodine from the Santa Cruz Fire Department then arrived on scene and paddled out to assist. The team lifted the victims onboard the Harbor Patrol boat and began CPR while en route back to the harbor. CPR was continued for an hour in an attempt to resuscitate the victims. The Heroic Act Award was presented to Baginski, while Bodine and Rodger were honored with Meritorious Act Awards for their role in the rescue.Soquel Creek Water District recognized by chamber

Soquel Creek Water District received the Organization of the Year Award from the Santa Cruz Area Chamber of Commerce, presented at its annual Community Recognition Gala event on April 3.

“Our Board and staff are truly gratified to be recognized with this award, and we thank the Santa Cruz Chamber of Commerce for this honor,” said Rachél Lather, president of the district’s Board of Directors, in a press release. “A reliable water supply is fundamental to the health and vitality of the entire community. We work hard to ensure our customers are provided with clean, safe, reliable water every day. And with the Pure Water Soquel project coming online soon, we can assure our community of a sustainable water supply for generations to come.”

Soquel Creek Water District is responsible for delivering drinking water and managing groundwater resources within its jurisdiction in mid-Santa Cruz County. The district includes portions of the city of Capitola and the unincorporated communities of Aptos, La Selva Beach, Rio Del Mar, Seascape, Seacliff Beach and Soquel. With approximately 14,400 water connections, the district serves over 40,000 residents, supplies water to businesses that support approximately 18,000 jobs and provides water for 22 parks and 18 schools within the region.

The Pure Water Soquel facility — now completed and undergoing final testing before full operation — will take treated, recycled municipal wastewater and use advanced treatment processes to produce 1,500 acre-feet of purified water per year. This purified water will be used to replenish the groundwater basin, providing a barrier against seawater contamination and creating a reliable, safe, clean supply of water.

Panetta awarded Navy’s highest civilian honor

U.S. Rep. Jimmy Panetta, a veteran of the U.S. Naval Reserve, was awarded the Department of the Navy’s Distinguished Public Service Award, the highest honor the Navy can bestow upon a civilian. The award recognizes Panetta’s support of the United States Navy and Marine Corps during his tenure in Congress and his commitment to ensuring that service members have the resources, training and readiness necessary to protect the nation’s interests.

Panetta served in the U.S. Navy Reserve Component, as an intelligence officer. In 2007, Panetta was mobilized to active duty and deployed with a special operations task force to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Based on his meritorious service in a combat zone, then Lt. Panetta was awarded the Bronze Star. Upon returning home, Panetta continued his advocacy for members of the armed forces by working with homeless veterans at the Veterans Transition Center and leading the effort to establish the first Veterans Treatment Court in Monterey County, as well as the Central Coast Veterans Cemetery on Fort Ord.

“Our nation must always serve those who serve us and the military families who shoulder immense sacrifices,” said Panetta in a press release. “California’s 19th Congressional District has long boasted a strong military tradition and presence, which I am proud to carry on and support as a veteran in Congress advocating for the quality of life and support needed by our men and women in uniform. I’m honored to receive this recognition from the U.S. Navy and look forward to the work ahead to bolster our military, national security, and all of those committed to serving our nation.”