Jessica York was a ‘voice for the voiceless’ in SC

Jessica York was more than a journalist; she was a champion for truth and a voice for the voiceless in Santa Cruz. One of her first articles in 2014, about a proposed tent sanctuary for the unhoused, set the tone for her career. Jessica used her platform to expose the harsh realities of life on the streets, ensuring that even those society often ignored were seen and heard.

Jessica’s work uncovered uncomfortable truths, forcing Santa Cruz to confront its treatment of the unhoused and recognize that every life matters. Her reporting gave names and faces to people dismissed as statistics, highlighting their struggles, triumphs, and worth. She celebrated even small victories, like when I finally got off the streets, making it front-page news to inspire hope and action.

Her coverage of tragedies, like Joey Shoemaker’s murder, kept their memories alive and demanded accountability. Jessica’s journalism wasn’t just about information; it was a call for compassion and justice.

Jessica York reminded us that every story matters, every person matters, and Santa Cruz is stronger when no one is left behind. Her legacy will forever guide this community toward empathy and truth.

RIP Jessica York.

— Sara Coon, Mountain View

Jessica York a ‘dedicated, relentless’ journalist

I would like to recognize the passing of Sentinel reporter Jessica York. Jess was a dedicated, relentless journalist at a time when the people of Santa Cruz County and Americans as a whole felt justified in attacking, undermining and even threatening journalists for doing their jobs. As a coworker, I watched her handle a lot of unspeakably cruel people with an inspiring grace. Reporters come and go at the Sentinel – at a certain point, the pay just doesn’t justify the abuse – but Jess continued to show up and do the job. She tackled homelessness and the cops and courts beats with objectivity, an open mind and a big heart.

Like the pillar of democracy she devoted her life to defending, I suspect most people will only miss her now that she is gone.

Rest in peace, Jess. May your spirit run through Nisene Marks for all time.

— Ryan Masters, Lompico

Fire safety: Remove invasive eucalyptus trees

We’re hearing how unprepared Los Angeles was for preventing and dealing with the current fires they are experiencing. The same was true in Oakland in 1991.

We had the Trabing fire here in 2008, the size of which was largely dictated by the numerous eucalyptus trees in the area.

In order to help prevent a significant future fire in this area, the county and Coastal Commission need to stop requiring that a private property owner obtain a permit to remove an invasive tree that is a matchstick with roots. A fire starting in Nisene Marks with high velocity Santa Ana winds could be devastating to the Central Coast, made worse by the numerous eucalyptus trees.

— Doug Deaver, Aptos

Clarify just how the Santa Cruz Wharf failed

I really enjoyed Shmuel Thaler’s front page photo on Jan. 12 showing the sea lions and the missing Wharf end. It is interesting that there are zero pilings left where the Wharf was destroyed. Current statements are that the Wharf was damaged due to big surf, but I believe it would be more accurate to say a very large swell lifted up that portion of the Wharf, pulling out the pilings which caused it to catastrophically fail.

Note when the Capitola Wharf was rebuilt certain portions of the decking were only lightly attached to the infrastructure with nails vs. screws. This caused those boards to pop loose in the same storm, thus acting as a pressure relief valve for the entire structure.

Hopefully if Santa Cruz decides to rebuild the damaged portion of the Wharf they will follow similar engineering practices. It would also be helpful to have a full article on how the Wharf failed vs. pointing fingers at bureaucracy.

— Paul Bradshaw, Santa Cruz

Will Mexico surround Mar-a-Lago before Jan. 20?

Tit for tat. Mexico’s President indicated she wants to re-secure a foothold in Florida. Look for Mexico’s Fuerzas Especiales to begin surrounding Mar-a-Lago prior to Jan. 20. Will the president-elect remain in Florida before being sworn in? Naw, history tells us he’ll likely be elsewhere getting his handy “bone spurs” treated.

— Kevin McCarthy, Scotts Valley