March 2016
Serving Santa Cruz, Monterey, San Benito and San Luis Obispo Counties
Food bank shatters holiday record
Volunteers restore Struve Slough
More than 4 million meals raised
Effort part of World Wetlands Day celebration
By TODD GUILD Of the Land
WATSONVILLE — Second Harvest Food Bank broke its own record during the holiday season, raising enough money and food for nearly 100,000 more meals than last year. In an early morning breakfast meeting Feb. 5, the South County agency announced that it raised 4,166,490 meals to feed hungry families during the Holiday Food Drive, which ended Jan. 15. The number is more than 96,000 higher than those in 2014. Included in the fundraising endeavors were 4-H members who held a bake sale, Santa Cruz Warriors basketball players who auctioned their jerseys, and Twin Lakes Church Pastor Rene Schaefer, who encouraged donations by promising to cut off most of his hair. Local students also raised money and collected food, as did businesses, county offices, service groups, and individuals. “This was quite a thrill,” CEO Willy Elliott-McCrea said. “It was our most successful Holiday Food Drive ever, and it was so fulfilling for everyone to take a little time out of the day and come together to share a meal, share stories, and share in the satisfaction of a job well done.” Dominican Hospital President and
By ERIK CHALHOUB Of the Land
Recent rains have created carpets of deep green grass in the area, especially along Larkin Valley Road in Watsonville. Photo by Tarmo Hannula/The Land
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Ag History Project completes study Staff report WATSONVILLE — The Agricultural History Project, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the history of agriculture on California’s Central Coast, has completed its living history farm feasibility study and has posted the final report online at www.aghistoryproject.org.
The study was conducted in two phases, over a period of eight months, and was designed to gauge the level of community support for a living history farm and perspective and opinion on the best model. The first phase involved a series of six discussion groups attended by representatives of the agricultural and Latino communities, education, tourism and other interests. Next, AHP conducted a public opinion survey both online and in person at various public events. Overall, the results of the study indicated that there is a strong desire for a living history farm. John Kegebein, AHP’s chief executive officer, said, “It was the original intent of the AHP to create a living history farm when the organization was established in 1986 to help educate people about historical life on a farm and the raising of crops and animals, as well as tell the story of the cultural history of agriculture in the Pajaro Valley and the greater Central Coast area.” A living history farm can provide education and skills-training opportunities for children and youth, volunteer opportunities for youth and adults, and add to the economic vitality of the region. Anyone interested in helping AHP develop a master plan may contact Donna Bradford at 2540614. The feasibility study was conducted by Jennifer Pettley Marketing Communications and partially funded by a grant from Community Foundation Santa Cruz County.
The petting zoo was a popular attraction with the children during the Agricultural History Project’s Day on the Farm in 2015. File photo by Erik Chalhoub/The Land
WATSONVILLE — With more than 950 native plants waiting to be placed along Struve Slough, it would take quite a large force to complete the undertaking. Fortunately, more than 100 volunteers were well-equipped for the task Feb. 6. Volunteers of all ages convened on Upper Struve Slough for the annual World Wetlands Day celebration organized by Watsonville Wetlands Watch and the City of Watsonville. In about an hour, the volunteers had planted more than 40 different species in a few locations along the slough, which lies between the Watsonville Square Shopping Center and Clifford Avenue, while listening to live music. Afterward, they were treated to free food as well as guided nature walks. Jonathan Pilch, director of Watsonville Wetlands Watch’s Operations and Restoration Program, said the spot is one of the most visited out of the city’s seven miles of trails. As such, a lot of excitement was generated among the neighbors, he said, who showed interest in the project as Wetlands Watch prepared the spot in the days leading up to the event. According to Pilch, most of the city’s storm drains flow into Struve Slough, making the restoration effort especially important. The project was funded by an urban greening grant the city received, Pilch said, adding that Wetlands Watch also recently received a grant from the Wildlife Conservation Society to continue planting up the slough. “We’re improving water quality,” he said. “And of course there are a lot of great habitat benefits.” Pilch said the plants were grown by students and volunteers at the Fitz Wetlands Educational Resource Center, located on the Pajaro Valley High School campus. “Our volunteers work all year to grow them from seed to plant, so it’s really gratifying for them to get them all out of the nursery and into the ground,” he said. Bill Adams and Bill Kottmeier were Please turn to Page 3
Inside ... Cutting of the Roses
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Clam Chowder Feed
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Soledad FFA
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Ag Day Luncheon
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