The Land January 2015

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January 2015Serving Santa Cruz, Monterey, San Benito and San Luis Obispo Counties

Inside ...School wins award 2

Sea otter legislation 3

Pinnacles fee 5

FFA farm day 7

Pesticide report 7

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By SKY RAVYOf the Land

PASO ROBLES— David Jackson is the owner of the animal welfare facility Zoo To You, which is situated

on a sprawling 40-acre ranch in Paso Robles. It is his life’s mission to educate children about conservation, and to rescue abandoned, abused or neglected wild animals in the process.

Zoo to You is a on a 40-acre ranch in Paso Robles. It is home to almost 300 abused, neglected and displaced animals. The facility is owned by David Jackson. Photos by Sky Ravy/The Land

Animals making an impactZoo to You is changing the lives of children and displaced animals

Health instructor Tom Bentley shows a T-shirt that was designed by a student.Tarmo Hannula/The Land

By TODD GUILDof the Land

WATSONVILLE — Pajaro Valley High School’s Grizzly Garden began its life five years ago as a bleak patch of earth, barely an acre in width and breadth.

The spot was a staging area for the construction trailers and equipment when the school was built in 2004. Hammered and flattened into submission during the construction process, it was then left to the elements. It went untouched after that until 2009, when a teacher and a group of students saw the potential for a garden and first broke ground.

Now, thanks to the work of many generations of students and donations by several local businesses, it has since become a living laboratory where students learn the basics of the agricultural industry that surrounds them, and delve into the biology of plant growth and chemistry of soil composition.

Still other classes use the food grown in the garden as a way to study healthy eating.

Such a focus is particularly important in a community where many young people are battling obesity, said teacher Tom Bentley.

“We have people losing a fight with diabetes and heart disease,” he said. “And it can all be fixed with healthy

From the ground upPV High School’s Grizzly Garden a living laboratory

By DEBORAH MILLSOf the Land

SOLEDAD — After breaking ground in February on the city’s first wind turbine, Soledad city leaders and community members celebrated the completion of a long-held vision of the installation and operation of the wind turbine where everyone gathered at the wastewater treatment plant.

“The success in living isn’t where you have been but it is where you are going,” said Mayor Fred Ledesma. “It is obvious that the city of Soledad is going some place really fast.”

The goal of the wind turbine is to harness the Salinas Valley’s strong winds to create clean, sustainable energy while protecting local ratepayers against future utility rate increases.

The project will serve as a strong visual across the Valley’s landscape demonstrating the City of Soledad’s continued push towards environmental stewardship, as well as its progression towards becoming the economic and tourism hub of south Monterey County.

Now that the wind turbine is operational it will generate approximately 3.5 million kWh per year of renewable energy to offset usage at the adjacent water reclamation facility.

When wind is sufficient, the electricity generated will significantly exceed the facility’s needs, allowing the city to net-meter the surplus back to the grid. The project is projected to generate more than $2 million in savings over 25 years, which will protect ratepayers against future rate increases.

At any time of the year the turbine will not spin much faster since the blades have a governor attached to each motor. The blades will also spin in either direction depending on how the wind blows and the speed is set at a maximum of 20 RPMs.

The reason for the slow speed is to allow

City celebrates wind turbine in motion

A glider from Bay Area Glider Rides is towed into the sky from Watsonville Municipal Airport with The Land reporter Todd Guild aboard. Tarmo Hannula/The Land

By TODD GUILDOf the Land

WATSONVILLE — The idea was born from a gathering of adventurous aviators at the Watsonville Fly-In & Air Show.

A scenic helicopter flight over the sweeping Monterey Bay, a leisurely flight in a glider and a parachute jump from an airplane — quite possibly all packed into one day — would allow would-be daredevils to check three items off their so-called bucket list.

Such a list is compiled by those who want to complete certain things during the course of their lives. Sometimes these are far-flung and unobtainable.

But thanks to the arrival of Bay Area Glider Rides at Watsonville Municipal Airport this month, the “Bucket List Trifecta” of aeronautic adventure is now available in one place.

Those that complete the three will get a T-shirt, and of course bragging rights.

A chance for aeronautic adventureNew glider company at Watsonville airport an opportunity for thrill seekers

2 The Land - January 2015

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By SKY RAVYOf the Land

PASO ROBLES—Georgia Brown elementary school is being recognized as one of the US Green Building Council California Central Coast Chapter (C4) Green Award winners. The school is being rewarded because of their recent efforts in waste reduction through their recycling and composting programs. Ellaina Keller, the Principal of Brown Elementary, said that the school has, “reduced the amount of the school’s waste by two thirds,” since the programs were adopted.

The school has been working with the local non-profit One Cool Earth, whose educational outreach programs focus on waste management, gardening and garden based nutrition. The non-profit also works to propagate and rehabilitate local habitats by planting oak trees and other native plants across the county.

Victoria Carranza is a representative from the Non-profit, and a graduate from Cal Poly with a degree in Natural Resource Management. She helped to connect Brown the non-profits, and spearheaded the school’s waste reduction program.

“It’s so important to get to the young ones,” she said. “It’s really been a passion of mine, waste reduction. I always wanted to get project based learning put into local schools.” Carranza was approached by a volunteer from the non-profit, as well as a parent volunteer that both pushed for the program to be implemented at Brown.

“The kids designed the bins and the entire recycling and compost system for the school,” Carranza said. “The compost is used in the school gardens, and some of the produce that is grown is then given back to the cafeteria. Last year we composted 9000 pounds of food waste,” she said. Next year, Carranza wants to improve further, and also focus on garden based nutrition programs in the school.

“We are very excited to see years of hard work be recognized in such a prestigious way,” Keller said. “Our school was a pilot school for these programs, and now we are a model school for the state.”

The response from the kids has been very positive, and in fact, the school has been creating recycling ambassadors, “I’ve been getting all kinds of stories from parents that are saying that the kids are coming home and teaching the parents more about recycling, composting, gardening and nutrition. They tell me that they are leaning how to change their old ways and improve.”

The award will be presented to the school

on Friday, Dec 5 at the Santa Barbara Art Foundry and Gallery, located at 120 Santa Barbara Street in Santa Barbara. Tickets for the gala event are $45 for non-members, $35.00 for members, and $25.00 for student members.

For more information about C4, go to usgbcc4.org. To find out more about One Cool Earth, go to 1coolearth.org.

Georgia Brown elementary school students work in the school garden. Courtesy of One Cool Earth

Local elementary school wins green building awardSchool has reduced their waste by two thirds

Georgia Brown elementary school students demonstrated their recycling program to the School Board at a recent meeting. Courtesy of One Cool Earth

By TARMO HANNULAOf the Land

SANTA CRUZ — The Santa Cruz City Council received the first private donation for construction of the Santa Cruz Rail Trail spine of the Monterey Bay Sanctuary Scenic Trail Network at a recent City Council meeting.

A check for $42,000 was presented by Friends of the Rail & Trail, Ecology Action and People Power of Santa Cruz County. Another $50,000 was anonymously pledged for donation once the construction

phase begins. The planned project will be a paved,

multi-use path running from Natural Bridges Drive, on the west side of Santa Cruz, to the Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf.

The plan identifies the 32-mile coastal rail corridor from Watsonville to Davenport for an adjacent bike/pedestrian path and another 18 miles of spur trails to provide coastal and neighborhood connectivity.

The city’s Public Works Department is expected to award the design and environmental services contract for the Santa Cruz Rail Trail spine project in 2015.

The estimated cost of this initial project work is $640,000 which will be aided by the $42,000 donation.

More than half of the donation was raised by local companies: Santa Cruz Bicycles, Giro, Bell, Ibis Cycles and Fox. The remaining contributions came from other local businesses and about 50 individuals who are dedicated to improving the city’s sustainability and quality of life.

“The city has taken a bold step in providing a safe, car-free, accessible and scenic path for children, families, college students, seniors and visitors,” said Piet Canin, vice president of transportation at Ecology Action, the fiscal agent for Friends of the Rail & Trail. “Ecology Action, in collaboration with Friends of the Rail & Trail and People Power, is grateful for the business and individual donors who are directly supporting the construction of the Rail Trail on the west side of Santa Cruz.”

Meanwhile, work continues on the replacement of the 1927 La Selva rail trestle, which is the part of the rail system paralleling the proposed rail trail. Construction was scheduled to wrap up around mid-December, weather permitting. The original bid price for the project was $3,654,000.

Back in 2010, the Santa Cruz County Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Committee unanimously approved the spending of $14.2 million to buy the Santa Cruz Branch Line right-of-way for recreational rail, preservation and future transportation uses — including passenger rail, freight services and bicycle and pedestrian pathways.

$42,000 aids segment of rail trail

Close to two thirds of the new LaSelva rail trestle is in place. The job was expected to wrap up in December, weather permitting. Photos by Tarmo Hannula/The Land

Piet Canin (second from right), vice president of transportation at Ecology Action, joins others in presenting a $42,000 check to Santa Cruz Mayor Lynn Robinson and the City Council to help defray costs for a segment of the Monterey Bay Sanctuary Scenic Trail Network.

The Land - January 2015 3

Georgia Brown elementary school students work in the school garden. Courtesy of One Cool Earth

$42,000 aids segment of rail trail


WATSONVILLE — The Santa Cruz County Farm Bureau has been named “County of the Year” by the California Farm Bureau Federation, the county’s bureau announced.

The SCCFB is also a finalist in the “Innovator Award Contest.”

It will also receive five County Activities of Excellence Awards in the categories of Membership, Policy Implementation, Leadership, Ag Education and Public Relations.

A seven-member delegation from the bureau will accept the award at the

California Farm Bureau 96th Annual Meeting in Anaheim in December.

These are President David Van Lennep, first Vice-President Thomas Broz, past Farm Bureau Presidents Cynthia Mathiesen and Nita Gizdich as well as Jane Nelsen and Jess and Laura Brown.

Santa Cruz County Farm Bureau is one of 53 across the state.

“We are very honored to receive the ‘County of the Year’ award,” Lennep said. “The Annual Meeting is a great opportunity for Farm Bureau members throughout the state to discuss mutual issues that affect farming.”


SANTA CRUZ COUNTY — As the winter rains begin to soak the ground, water officials are warning Santa Cruz County residents that the water crisis is nowhere near over.

And many residents are taking that message to heart.

Since the summer, more than 400 people have taken a pledge to save at least 20 gallons of water per day, which has resulted in an overall estimated savings of more than 7.4 million gallons, according to Santa Cruz-based Ecology Action.

The pledge was developed by the Santa Cruz County Water Conservation Coalition to help residents understand the conservation actions they can take and show how much water each action saves.

“The coalition challenged the community at the start of the summer to reach 5 million gallons in pledged savings this year, a goal that residents blew out of the water by the end of October,” said Kirsten Liske, Ecology

Action Vice President of Community Programs.

The pledge includes beginner level actions, such as reducing showers by five minutes, which saves approximately seven gallons of water per day, and fixing toilet tank leaks to save 10 gallons or more per day.

High efficiency toilets, moreover, can to save 11 gallons per day, while replacing grass with drought tolerant plants can save a whopping 50 gallons per day.

According to Liske, local water districts have reported near-record reductions in their customers water use, ranging from 20 to 30 percent less than past years.

Rosemary Menard, Director of the City of Santa Cruz Water Department, said she hopes that these conservation efforts will not fall off the radar as the winter rains fall.

“Even though the driest months are behind us, we’re not out of the woods,” she said. “It’s important for all of us to continue to keep our pledges to save water. We have no idea what kind of water year 2015 is going to be.”

Santa Cruz County Farm Bureau earns honors

County residents meet, exceed water savings challenges

By TARMO HANNULAof the Land

SACRAMENTO — Three local lawmakers Monday a bill that would help protect California Sea Otters until 2021.

Senator Bill Monning, D-Carmel, along with assembly members Luis Alejo, D-Salinas and Mark Stone, D, Monterey Bay, introduced Senate Bill 17, which would extend the sunset date for the California Sea Otter Fund five years.

“Given that the sea otter population remains in trouble, it is important to extend the tax check-off option on the state income tax form in order for Californians to be able to voluntarily assist in helping to protect this keystone species,” Monning said. “The reauthorization of the California Sea Otter Fund will ensure that support for research to protect the sea otter will continue uninterrupted.”

Jim Curland, Advocacy Program Director, Friends of the Sea Otter, said

the fund is the main source of money that facilitates research, education, and conservation programs in California.

“Friends of the Sea Otter is honored to be a sponsor for this critical legislation seeking to extend the California Sea Otter Fund that has been a tremendous help to sea otters in California,” Curland said. “Currently the Fund is the main source of money that facilitates research, education, and conservation programs in California.”

Biologists estimate fewer than 3,000 sea otters remain along California’s coastline, which is approximately one-fifth of the historic population.

Legislation enacted in 2006 initially created the California Sea Otter Fund, which supports researchers in their efforts to study and protect the threatened population of sea otters in California.

The California Sea Otter Fund is currently scheduled to sunset on Jan. 1, 2016.

Legislation to help sea otters introduced

A sea otter floats on its back in the safety of the Moss Landing Harbor recently. Tarmo Hannula/The Land

Wind Turbine Continued from page 1

City officials, community members, representatives from PG&E and Foundation Wind Power cut the ribbon in celebration of the operational wind turbine next to the wastewater treatment plant. Deborah Mills/The Land

birds to see the blades and avoid flying into them.

Throughout the project planning process, city leaders conducted extensive environmental analysis, including working with researchers from Stanford University and Ventana Wildlife Society, to ensure the project avoided posing any hazard to the California condors. The effort includes ongoing monitoring efforts to assess potential changing

environmental circumstances and implement any necessary measures to avoid condor risks.

The City of Soledad contracted with Foundation Windpower to develop, finance and construct the project. Foundation Windpower has completed a number of successful wind energy projects across California, with many more currently under construction or development.


Zoo to You Continued from page 1

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“When the children get to meet a real life animal, one that’s basically getting another shot at life by doing this, it changes their lives forever, and I get to be a part of that, which is beyond cool,” he said.

Zoo to You has two missions: the first, and most important, is education. Jackson and his team of professional volunteers and, “animal ambassadors” travel to hundreds of schools around the Central Coast and beyond to educate schoolchildren about conservation and their place in the natural world. The second, as Jackson put it, “Is to provide a loving home for displaced animals that have no where else to go.”

“You have no idea how many different licenses this requires,” Jackson said. Zoo to You currently provides homes to almost 300 abused, neglected and displaced animals. “Each different type of animal has it’s own set of rules.” They have birds of prey, mammals, primates, reptiles and even common, “pests” such as raccoons and coyotes on the facility.

Now going on it’s 24th year, Zoo to You has been a labor of love for Jackson. It had always been his dream to open the facility on their family property in Paso Robles. “The property had been in my family for 5 generations. Almost 200 years,” Jackson said.

“One day my mom called me and told me that the tenants had left and I could finally build ‘that zoo thing’ that I had always dreamed about.”

Jackson has a degree in Veterinary medicine and in Zookeeping from America’s Teaching Zoo in Moorpark. He now invites college interns to come and gain valuable hands-on training on the ranch.

“We only choose animals that could be theoretically used for teaching,” Jackson said. “Although sometimes their stories are so hear-wrenching that we find a place for them.”

“Each animal has their own story,” Jackson said. Some of the animals—most in fact— come from the illegal animal trade. His parrots, for example, were smuggled into the country after being illegally taken from their native rainforest habitat.

“The guys that take them often cut down the whole tree to get them out of their nests. They smuggle them over the border in things like hubcaps and socks, and most of the birds— nine out of ten— don’t survive. They couldn’t care less though because they are making so much money per bird.”

The ranch is home to numerous Bald Eagles, most of which had been shot by fishermen who see the birds as a threat during the salmon runs. “We had an eagle for a while that we named Justice,” Jackson said. “He was shot in the face with a shotgun and it blinded him and blew his beak off — luckily their beaks grow back — but the guy that did it was caught and made an example of. He was bragging in a bar about shooting the eagle, and a US wildlife officer overheard. He went out and found the bird and turned the guy in. He was punished with a maximum fine and a maximum jail sentence.”

Some of the animals that have the saddest stories make the most wonderful

ambassadors. One of Jackson’s favorites is a Spider Monkey with degenerative bone disease, “She was found in a trash can in LA,” he said. “She has been one of our best ambassadors over the last 20 years.”

All of his flighted birds are allowed to fly around the property, and none have ever felt the need to try to “escape.”

“While we’ve never had a proper ‘escape’ sometimes the animals get out of their cages, but they never go far,” Jackson said. “They have what we call B.B.D., or the Big Better Deal, with the shelters that we provide; free food, protection from predators, and even heat lamps and electric blankets.”

The animals love their home, and they all love Jackson, their self proclaimed “daddy.” Jackson cuddles his tiger, bobcat and mountain lion like they were housecats. The animals that have been chosen as ambassadors love to be handled and love to travel, although some are placed on the property simply because there is no better place for them.

Much of the ranch is vineyard, and the grapes are sold to neighboring operations. The Vineyard across the street, Dia Vega, offers Zoo to You wine for sale in their tasting room.

Zoo to You is a non-profit organization, and the programs that they offer are very affordable. They offer different themed programs, such as The Rainforest Program, that includes animals from the forest floor to the canopy. They want their programs to reach as many children as possible. “Sometimes we are the only life science the kids will get,” Jackson said. “We take that very seriously.”

“We are not teaching about the animals per-se, we are teaching about conservation. I could tell them that barn owls have silent flight, and sure that’s a fun fact, but what I want them to understand is that we couldn’t live without barn owls. They are the reason we don’t have disease running rampant because they are rodent killing machines.”

“Our job is passion. Our whole goal is to get them excited about life science,” he said, and indeed the passion is sparked in many youngsters after their presentations.

“What really gets me is when a little seven year old kid will come up to me with a check for 11 dollars saying that he saved all year,” Jackson said. “My rule is no donations until after the presentation,” he said. “I can’t keep it together.”

Along with their educational programs, Zoo to You also offers public tours on the weekends at 3:00 p.m. and private tours available on request. They also host events on the property. They had two fundraising events: “Wild Lights,” on December 7th, where visitors can tour the Zoo at night, lit up with thousands of festive holiday lights, and “Get Buzzed With The Beasts,” which featured wine tasting, food trucks, a beer garden, and a live and silent auction all to help benefit the zoo’s honey bees.

For more information about the organization, or to make a donation, visit zootoyou.com, or call 391-0604.

Photos by Sky Ravy/The Land


Glider Company

Grizzly Garden

Continued from page 1

Continued from page 1

The trifecta is a partnership between Specialized Helicopters, Bay Area Glider Rides and Skydive Surfcity.

Of course, each one of these adventures is available as a single adventure for those who wish it.

The important thing is that all are available at Watsonville’s airport, said Chris Gularte, who owns Specialized Helicopters.

The recent addition of the glider company helps position the airport as a destination spot for thrill-seekers, he said.

“If you want to do it all, it’s right here,” he said. “This is your aviation thrill center.”

Bill Bush, who owns the glider company with his wife Sharon, said he has been flying since the 1980s when he became a commercial glider pilot. Despite his long tenure with the business, he said it has never lost its luster.

“I love the thrill of being up there,” he said. “It’s very serene.”

The glider company offers three different types of flights. During an intro lesson, passengers can take the yoke and steer the plane, with the tutelage of a trained pilot who is also on board. A sightseeing flight for up to two offers a grand view of the Monterey Bay. For those with a bit more derring-do, the pilot will take passengers on a “roller coaster ride,” with loops, dives, rolls and “wingovers.”

Skydiving is a completely different way to get an aerial view of Santa Cruz County, with a 15-minute plane ride up to 10,000 feet, a 30-second free-fall at more than 100 miles per hour and a gentle glide back to earth under a parachute, all while attached to a jump master.

Gularte, meanwhile, said passengers in his helicopters are often surprised once they leave the ground.

“You can expect to be unexpectedly comfortable,” he said.

Then come the views afforded by the low flights over the ocean, where passengers can get a birds-eye view of whales and other marine life, Gularte said.

“It’s the way the Monterey Bay was meant to be seen,” he said.

•••My flight in a glider

I slid into the passenger seat of the two-seat glider, a somewhat cramped space

whose effects were ameliorated by the large glass canopy.

We were pushed out onto the runway, and attached by a thin rope to a single-engine prop plane. The slow climb to 4,500 feet took approximately five minutes.

Up until this point, the ride was nothing new — I have been up in airplanes many times and am used to the feel of the engine as it pulls me through the sky.

But then my pilot Travis Smith pulled the cut-away lever, and, unfettered, we were soaring, with only the wings of the glider and the thermal updrafts from the ground holding us aloft.

We soared north along the coast, with the Santa Cruz Mountains to our right, a vast expanse of ocean to our left and the verdant farmland of the Pajaro Valley beneath us.

When Smith let me take the controls, I was timid at first but gradually made more decisive moves. Or so I thought until Smith, at my request, took back the stick and performed some aerobatic maneuvers, including a nosedive, a hard roll and other swooping moves that had me feeling both positive and negative G-forces.

Overall, my first glider ride was surprisingly tranquil. With the noise and power of the engine gone, it was an intimate encounter with the air, and for the uninitiated it feels like an entirely new way to fly.

•••For information about the Bucket List

Trifecta, or any of the above adventures, call Bay Area Glider Rides at 888-467-6276 or Specialized Helicopters at 763-2244.

Specialized Helicopters is located at 150 Aviation Way at the Watsonville Municipal Airport in Watsonville. For information, visit www.specializedheli.com, email [email protected] or call 763-2244.

Bay Area Glider Rides is headquartered in Hollister, but is sharing an office with Specialized Helicopters. For a flight in Watsonville, call 888-467-6276. For information visit www.bayareagliderrides.com or email

Skydive Surfcity is located at 160 Aviation Way in Watsonville. For information visit www.santacruz-skydiving.com, email [email protected] or call 435-5169.

food.”Bentley said that using the garden as a

teaching tool is also a way to give students a break from traditional pen-and-paper academics, and offers a chance to literally get their hands dirty as they delve into different ways of learn about their world.

“A lot of students have found their niche,” Bentley said. “It gives them a connection with nature many of them have never experienced before. In a lot of ways it’s horticultural therapy.”

The garden boasts several raised beds, one of which was specially built to accommodate students in wheelchairs. A small pond recently dug by students may one day be home to fish, which in turn could provide lessons on aquaculture, Bentley said.

But most of the additions came thanks to donations of materials from companies such as High Ground Organics, Evergreen Supply, J&P Organics and Live Earth Farm, Bentley said.

Proud Prints helped provide custom T-shirts the students sold as a garden fundraiser, an essential activity for the under-funded program, Bentley said.

“We have literally five cents in our account,” he said.

Ben Davis, 15, was in the midst of a freshman health class Monday, one of the many groups that use the garden. With a green thumb that comes from growing avocados with his family, he said he has enjoyed the fruits and vegetables he’s tasted.

“I love, love, love it,” he said.Desmond Aguilera, 14, said he has

enjoyed the digging, weeding and other seemingly laborious tasks, explaining that the opportunity to do so is not one afforded to many students.

“I think it’s great,” he said. “You don’t see many schools with a garden.”

The rain that inundated the Central Coast didn’t dissuade Liszette Gonzalez, 14, from taking a brief stroll in the garden during her health class. She said she has enjoyed building it up since the beginning of the school year.

“It’s fun,” she said. “I would have to say it’s one of my favorite classes.”

•••The Grizzly Garden at Pajaro Valley

High School is always in need of donations of cash and supplies. For information, call Bentley at 277-6375 or email [email protected].

Pajaro Valley High Students Natalie Gallegos (from left), Liszette Gonzalez, Givanni Martinez, Stephany Ibarra and Edwin Chavez wait for the rain to halt before working in campus garden Monday in the health class of Tom Bentley. Tarmo Hannula/The Land

SUBMITTED ARTICLE PAICINES — Pinnacles National

Park will hold open forums to discuss possible fee increases from 2015 through 2019.

The current park entrance fees have been in place since August 2014. The National Park Service is proposing to increase the entrance fees as follows:

Per person (entry valid for seven days) from $5 to $10 in 2015 and $12 by 2017.

Per motorcycle (entry valid for seven days) from $10 to $15 in 2015 and $20 in 2017.

Per vehicle (entry valid for seven days) from $10 to $15 in Aug. 2015 to $20 in 2017 and $25 in 2019.

Park Annual Pass (entry valid for one year from date of purchase) from $15 to $25 in 2015 to $35 in 2017 and $50 in 2019.

These rates will bring the park in line with other similar national parks.

Entrance fees are not charged to visitors under 16 years of age or holders of the Interagency Annual Pass or federal recreational senior, access or military passes. These passes may be obtained at the park.

“We recognize the need to keep the park experience while at the same time balancing the need to improve the park

facilities,” said Karen Beppler-Dorn, Pinnacles National Park superintendent. “The money from the most recent fee increase was used to implement a shuttle system throughout the park. Increasing fees will be used for improvements at the park in visitor facilities such as restrooms, campgrounds, a visitor center and improved trail signage.”

Other projects that have been completed as a result of fees include the trail improvements on the High Peaks Trail, new road signs and rehabilitation of resource damage.

According to the National Park Service, Pinnacles National Park is a strong economic engine for the surrounding area. In 2013, more than 237,677 park visitors contributed $13 million to the local economy and supported 158 jobs related to tourism.

Comments on the fee increases may be posted on the park Facebook page. Comment cards will also be available at park visitor centers. Comments may be directed to Jan Lemons, public park officer, at [email protected] or by calling (831) 389-4486, extension 237.

Following public engagement, feedback will determine how, or if, a fee increase would be implemented. Comments will be accepted by telephone, online and in person until Jan. 4, 2015.

Pinnacles National Park proposes fee increases


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By DONNA COHENFor the Land

PASO ROBLES - The Paso Robles chapter of DAR was delighted to have two members’ husbands speak to at our last meeting on Thursday, Nov. 20. Walt Stacy and Charlie Rose, both retired Navy men, spoke about their recent “Honor Flight” trips to Washington, DC. Stacy was honored in April and told Rose about the program, who then was honored in October.

This was a very remarkable, humbling and heartfelt program. Rose mentioned several times, “did I mention this was emotional?” as he choked back tears. Starting with arriving at the San Luis Obispo Airport and being greeted by many there to wish them a safe and heartfelt trip, saluting them, clapping, waving flags and shaking hands started off the morning around 6 a.m. Honor Guards stood on both sides of the steps and saluted as the heroes and their guardians boarded. Two SLO fire trucks sprayed an arch over the plane as they taxied down the runway.

After landing in Phoenix to change planes, these humble World War II veterans were not ready for what met them — as they walked through the terminal, several hundred people, both from the local Honor Flight Chapter, and those that learned what was happening as they were arriving or boarding their flights, all cleared the way for these heroes to walk through the corridor again with salutes, handshakes and complete strangers saying, “thank you for your service to our country!” Rose choked back tears as he shared his feelings and said repeatedly throughout the program — “did I really deserve this? Did we really deserve this attention?”

Stacy told us of the many places they were taken to and how well they were treated. Wonderful banquets; Smithsonian

Institute; War Memorials for WWII, Korean, Vietnam, even one for the Women who served; Arlington Cemetery, which is 630 acres; Fort McHenry; and the Naval Academy where all 4.500 Midshipmen, who are taught respect and honor, took muster and after the parade they all came by and shook hands.

Both said when they were on the way home there was one last surprise. As you might remember, or have heard, back in the 1940’s there were no cell phones, no letters through email. Sometimes they went months before a letter caught up to them. So when the captain came over the microphone and called “Mail Call,” they all received letters and cards, some from the beloved family members, that will remain in their hearts forever and from complete strangers, some were even from some of the Chapter Daughters in the room.

These honorable men, both served about the same time, around the same places, joked about not recognizing them back then! There were laughs, tears, smiles and cheers from all in the room. They were both married 70 years ago! Charlie and Ruth Rose celebrated their 70th anniversary on Saturday, Nov. 22, and Walter and Doris Stacy celebrated their 70th anniversary on Dec. 1.

Happy anniversary, happy holidays and thank you for your service to our country! We appreciate all you did to guard our freedom and liberty!

For more information on the local “Welcome Home Honor Flight — World War II Veterans,” the Honor Flight program or to write “Mail Call” letters or cards, visit welcomehomemilitaryheroes.org. For more information regarding local Daughters of the American Revolution information, contact Donna Cohen at [email protected] or 395-0630.

Local Chapter of Daughters of the American Revolutioncelebrates World War II veterans

By BRIAN WILLIAMSOf the Land

PASO ROBLES — A group of homeowners simply asked the council to do what was right and to clean-up the mess.

The five City Council members unanimously agreed and authorized $20,000 to be pulled from city reserves to cover the costs of fire hazard abatement for the hillside around the city water tanks on hill in the Del Oro-Hacienda Landscape and Lighting District off of Rolling Hills Road.

“This is our city property. We failed, period,” said Councilman John Hamon prior to the vote.

The decision was applauded by the standing-room-only crowd assembled

in the City Hall downstairs Conference Center on Spring Street.

The hillside was deemed a fire hazard by the Paso Robles fire chief a couple of months ago. Homeowners have been trying to get the city to do something for some time.

“This is squarely not the fault of the homeowners,” said Steve Rath during his presentation to the council Tuesday evening. “If the water system was working we would not have a problem out here.”

Rath showed pictures of a lush green hillside taken in 2007 followed by recent pictures that show the hill covered with dead brush and trees. He and four homeowners that spoke during the meeting on the issue all said the brown and yellow hill was mostly the result of an inadequately maintained watering system.

“Now it is just brown,” Rath said. “It is not what we paid for.”

He concluded by asking that the city to take responsibility for the maintenance issues and any ensuing costs; repair the irrigation system in question; pay to replace dead plants and trees; and hold the district harmless for any potential erosion problems.

Homeowners within the landscape and lighting district contribute $1,200, which the city uses to cover maintenance costs within the district, including abating fire hazards.

Freda Berman, Paso Robles Maintenance Services Superintendent, told the council the state of the hillside was due to several reason, including a faulty irrigation system.

“Trees and plant material on the hillside has suffered significantly over the past three drought years from a minimally-designed irrigation system requiring numerous repairs, winter freeze and early extreme heat,” she said.

City staff does some of the maintenance

but also hires contractors. Homeowners said they talked to the city and the contractors about the problems several times.

The city received a low bid of $18,000 from the California Conservation Corps to take care of the fire hazard. One of the three available options presented to the council included using funds from the landscape and lighting district to cover the costs of the fire hazard abatement.

Councilman Fred Strong suggested a comprise, but it gained no traction due to the lack of a motion. Strong and the council commended the group of homeowners for their proactive approach — such as suggesting the landscape be replaced with drought-tolerant options — and “make positive recommendations and not just rant and rail and complain.”

In other matters the council also authorized to use $95,740 from the sewer enterprise fund to replace the sewer video inspection system and chose not to become a member of the National League of Cities.

Council OKs cleanup of hillsideHomeowners claim city responsible for problems

A group of homeowners in Paso Robles asked the City Council to use its money to clean up this hillside and fix the irrigation system. Contributed


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FFA Farm Day a successBy ROXY OZUNAFor the Land

KING CITY — Agricultural Leadership at King City High School hosted Farm Day at the school farm on Nov. 12.

4-H Clovers attended the event accompanied by their parents. Five stations were held on the farm and were by the Ag Leadership students.

The stations included were chickens and ducks, rabbits, FFA and scrapbook, corn picking, and games.

“The kids loved picking corn,” said Ashley Lopez. “They were excited for playing with the rabbits. They learned about the FFA motto, the FFA emblem and what it represents. The kids were also able to color an FFA emblem.”

The Farm Day was a success and the 4-H Clovers loved it.

“I enjoyed showing my rabbits to the kids and seeing their happy expressions,” said Yanelli Vasquez. “We hope to see more kids next year.”


WATSONVILLE — The levels of potentially hazardous pesticides released near Ohlone Elementary School over the past two years were well below regulatory targets and are considered safe, according to a report released in October by the California Department of Pesticide Regulation.

Both methyl bromide and 11,3-dichloropropene concentrations at Ohlone School were less than DPR’s regulatory targets for 1-day, 4-week, and 1-year periods, meaning both presented a low health risk for these time periods.

In the report, the pesticide methyl bromide was .13 parts per billion in 2012 and .45 parts per billion in 2013. Both numbers are far below the regulatory target of 210 parts per billion.

The pesticide 1,3-dichloropropene was .16 parts per billion in 2012, and .16 parts per billion in 2013. Both fall below the limit of 25 parts per billion.

“Overall the figures show that there is no need for the community to be concerned and there is a low health risk,” said DPR spokeswoman Charlotte Fadipe. “DPR is keeping close watch on the concentration of 1,3-D levels and has already taken action to ensure the levels stay low,”

Methyl Bromide is not considered a carcinogen, but is thought to have deleterious affects on the central nervous system. It is slated to be phased out by 2015 due to its ozone-depleting effects.

Farmers use 1,3-dichloropropene

in grape, berry, almond, sweet potato and Brussels sprouts production. It has increased in use as farmers have looked for ways to phase out methyl bromide.

High levels of 1,3-D over 70 years poses a cancer risk. The two-year, .14 PPB average for the chemical meets that regulatory limit for exposure. That prompted DPR in February to limit the amount farmers can use on their fields.

That meant an end to farmers’ exemptions to their annual cap of 90,250 pounds per year.

The numbers come from a monitoring device installed near Ohlone in January 2012 to look for traces of nearly three-dozen pesticides, and is part of a six-station network across the state that includes Santa Maria, Camarillo, Ripon, Salinas and Shafter.

DPR originally planned to monitor Ohlone until December 2013. Officials have extended that through at least 2014.

“This means we’re keeping watch on the pesticides being used by our growers, and they are being cautious about the pesticides they are using,” said Pajaro Valley Unified School District director of purchasing and safety.

PVUSD officials say farmers who own land near schools can only use pesticides on weekends or when school is otherwise not in session. Even then, the Santa Cruz Agricultural Commission notifies the district when fumigation takes place.

•••For a full report, visit http://tinyurl.

com/pu9jefa.

State officials: local pesticide exposure low

Cresenciano Hernandez Garcia is part of an organic leek harvest recently at a Lakeside Organic Gardens farm. The crop is distributed locally, to the San Francisco Bay area, nationally and into Canada, said Lindsey Roberts of Lakeside Organic Gardens.

Tarmo Hannula/The LandTarmo Hannula/The Land

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The Land January 2015