.Opinion: Pinto Lake is a Cautionary Tale for Local Water

There is no doubt that water concerns are among the top issues facing Santa Cruz County—and likely will be for a long time to come. That’s why we’ve done a lot of reporting over the last few years on this area’s volatile and often strained relationship with what is possibly our most precious natural resource—from drought to flooding to conservation to mercury-tainted fog.

But this week’s cover story from Sean Cummings, who comes to us via our internship partnership with UCSC’s Science Communication Program, focuses on an aspect of our local water problems most of us never think about—freshwater lakes. I don’t want to spoil any of the eye-opening history he goes into, but if you never realized the importance of preserving their safety, prepare to be extremely disturbed by how toxic Watsonville’s Pinto Lake was allowed to get. But also, hopefully, inspired by the people who have worked to improve its ecosystem.

Also, I hope you’ll read Aiyana Moya’s story this week profiling some of the Santa Cruz Gives groups working for social equity, and then go to santacruzgives.org to donate to the nonprofits in our holiday giving campaign. With about a month to go in the campaign, we have raised more than $700,000! Help us get to our goal for these incredible organizations that do so much good in Santa Cruz County.

STEVE PALOPOLI | EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

RE: CABRILLO NAME CHANGE

I am saddened by this decision. I graduated from Cabrillo in 1973 and went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree in the state college system. I have many fond memories from my time at Cabrillo, and it’s sad that a movement supported by a few is pushing their agenda on the rest of us. And sadder still that the college’s governing board is being weak enough to bow to their ideologic stand.

— Wes Scott

I think changing the name is a huge mistake. They are going against the will of the community. Sometimes things get a little too “PC.”

— Meruca Tass

RE: VANDAL SENTENCING

Bless you, Abi, for your courage and your effort. Most of the community countywide supports you.

You are most welcome here. The two individuals who vandalized your work are not. Thank you Judge Cogliati for your ruling. No, these two people should not be able to possess a firearm.

— Steve Trujillo

It makes me so sad to drive over the mural and see the black skid marks over it. The two responsible should have to go out and clean it up with toothbrushes, along with the $19k, classes, and 2 years probation.

— AV

RE: KARIN BABBITT

This woman is truly a gem. I’m glad Santa Cruz is finally waking up to her talent and genius.

— Amy Anderson

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