State electeds protected Medi-Cal dental benefits

On behalf of Dientes Community Dental, we extend our deepest thanks to our local legislative champions — Speaker Robert Rivas, Assemblymember Dawn Addis and Sen. John Laird — for their steadfast commitment to protecting Medi-Cal dental benefits in the newly passed California state budget.

Their leadership, combined with the powerful advocacy of our community, helped shift the direction of the budget debate. At a time when cuts to critical health services were on the table, our delegation stood firm — defending access to dental care for our most vulnerable neighbors. Often overlooked, oral health is essential to overall well-being, and thanks to their efforts, it remains a protected priority.

We’re also profoundly grateful to the many advocates who raised their voices — your dedication made a real difference.

Still, our work isn’t done. While some cuts were delayed until 2026, further threats — particularly at the federal level — remain. Now is the time to stay informed, engaged and ready to act.

This moment reminds us that when a united community joins forces with courageous leaders, we can safeguard the care and equity our patients deserve.

— Laura Marcus, chief executive officer, Dientes Dental Care, Santa Cruz

Pedestrians don’t receive safety distance from bikes

I walk and bike for exercise and as a means of getting around.

What I have noticed is that pedestrians are not afforded the 3-foot safety distance from bikes that bikes are afforded from autos. Many bikes are going too fast and too close to walking pedestrians. Someone is going to get hurt.

Am I shouting into the wilderness or is this an issue that resonates with other walkers and cyclists.

— John Muñoz, Santa Cruz

‘Unforgettable’ puppets experience at Capitola Mall

The Puppetry Institute at the Capitola Mall expanded into the old Victoria’s Secret space with a phenomenal interactive attraction called “Middleof.”

On Fridays and Saturdays from 4-8 p.m., one enters through various portals into realms where fantastical creatures come to life with the assistance of local puppet masters. An imaginative plot unfolds and participants are sent on a quest. The creativity envisioned by Rick Vincent is incredible and otherworldly.

All ages will enjoy this adventure (I, myself, am 68 and couldn’t stop smiling throughout the journey). Make your reservations today to support your local artists (thepuppetryinstitute.org). You will have an unforgettable experience.

— Juanita Usher, Santa Cruz

Dangerous situation with train and no warning

This could save a life. On June 27, my three friends and I were driving toward downtown Santa Cruz on Chestnut Street; we were stopped, waiting to cross when we saw other cars moving quickly aside. We pulled onto Locust Street, looking to our left. A train was approaching! We were just rolling out and could have been hit!

There was no visual warning; we heard a vague horn sound but two of us thought it was distant.

There should be a visual warning. This is dangerous.

Please, city leaders, take note.

— Kendra Lucke, San Jose

Getting the shaft on coal mining on public lands

The Trump administration is encouraging the mining of coal on public lands. The GOP’s tax bill enacted by the president opens vast areas of public lands to new coal sales. One provision lowers royalty payments (money that companies pay to us as compensation for taking our common resource) from 12.5% to 7%.

This reminds me of a story I heard years ago. A man goes into the local hardware store and purchases a crate of hammers for $12.50 each. Week after week, he does the same thing. Eventually the store owner gets curious and asks what he does with all those hammers. The man says he sells them for $7 each. The store owner tells him he’s losing $5.50 on each hammer. “Yes,” responds the man, “but I make it up in volume.”

I’m sure some economist will argue that more mining equals more money coming into the public coffer, even at the lower rate. I suggest, however, that in the art of the deal, the coal companies get the mine and the rest of us get the shaft.

— Wayne Barstad, Santa Cruz