Wood on local beaches a natural occurrence

We in Santa Cruz pride ourselves on protecting the natural environment. We voted to pay extra to recycle and invoke environmental laws before others do. Yet when naturally occurring wood arrives on our beaches, which mind you creates natural habitat, we attack it like it is some sort of disease that needs to be eviscerated.

I encourage people to stop any major cleanup of Seabright Beach. It is gradually being burned and carted off and larger pieces are being converted to natural habitat by the local flora and fauna.

Sure, clean up the volleyball courts and bathroom area but stop the panicking about naturally occurring habitat. It’s supposed to be there. That is what a beach is supposed to look like.

— Chelsea Wagner, Santa Cruz

A renter’s struggle to find a home in Santa Cruz

I have lived in Santa Cruz for 22 years, a retired school counselor struggling to find a home.

Seems most have gotten on the bandwagon of overcharging those of us who are in search of new homes and there are many in the same situation!

After my landlord died, his daughters decided to sell the house that I am currently living in, a cottage of 700 square feet where I pay $1,600.

Craigslist owners are now renting places that are anywhere from 250 square feet to 350 square feet for the same price! Or for higher prices — $2,000 or more for such tiny places.

Santa Cruz, once the generous, big-hearted place has now become one of greed and taking advantage.

I am saddened to be a 71-year-old woman walking the streets placing flyers on doors of homes.

— Tara Pombo, Santa Cruz

Praise for METRO workers for storm evacuation aid

Now that the devastating atmospheric storms of December and January are behind us, I want to thank the Santa Cruz METRO drivers, dispatchers and supervisors who stepped up to evacuate people from flood- and mudslide-prone areas in North County and South County.

Evacuations require a high level of collaboration and trust. METRO is truly grateful for the dedication and energy shown by employees who navigated challenging weather and road conditions.

The historic storms we experienced in Santa Cruz County, unfortunately, were driven by climate change. It’s likely we will have to endure these kinds of storms again, and possibly sooner than we think. In addition to proudly providing public transit every day in Santa Cruz County, METRO is also committed to being here for our community as an emergency response resource.

— Michael Tree, METRO CEO/General Manager, Santa Cruz

Skateboard company a key part of Santa Cruz

When one thinks of Santa Cruz, they think of the beautiful rolling waves, sprawling hills, and a picture: the famous blue “Screaming Hand” logo, emblazoned on merchandise.

One of the most famous aspects of Santa Cruz is our home-grown company, Santa Cruz Skateboards. Started in the ‘70s, Santa Cruz Skateboards embodies all the tenets of Santa Cruz: challenging authority, resourcefulness, and a passion to create.

The “Screaming Hand” logo was soon born, representing skater culture through being outspoken and challenging authority.

All this has stayed in Santa Cruz for decades, with products still being produced locally.

Despite fluctuating revenues in previous years between $50-$22 million, they’re still here. In other words, the company “screams” Santa Cruz. It is a key part of our heritage as a city, and must continue to be supported in order to preserve Santa Cruz culture.

— Aadity Sharma, UCSC Crown College

Fox News feeding lies to audience that wants them

Something is wrong when a so-called news organization decides to push false narratives in pursuit of not losing its audience.

What is even more wrong is when that audience demands to be lied to. “Tell ‘em what they want to hear” is no way to run a “news” organization. And supporting liars is no way to have a democracy, which tells you all you need to know about the Fox News audience.

— Tony Connole, Felton