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– Guest Freddy Menge: Growing Tree Fruit in Santa Cruz County…What’s in the Future? KSCO 2 pm, July 17

See https://lookout.co/as-martinellis-cancels-contracts-watsonville-apple-farmers-lose-their-biggest-buyer-and-a-way-of-life/story

From Becky Steinbruner, Community Matters
July 17, 2026

http://shows.zbsradio.com/20260717/404e7a78316823e.mp3

Today’s Guest on “Community Matters” (2pm-3pm Pacific Time) on KSCO Radio is Mr. Freddy Menge, a well-known local fruit farmer who, with his partner Ellen Baker, have been growing a wide array of apples and other tree fruits, and operate Epicenter Farm. https://santacruzfarmersmarket.org/vendors/epicenter/

Freddy and Ellen have for years organized an Annual Apple Tasting event for the public to explore and enjoy tasting about 100 varieties of apples. they also are active in the local chapter of the California Rare Fruit Growers.

The overall agricultural sector in the county is valued at approximately $1.6 billion, with apples being one of the keynote crops.

However, with the recent news of Martinelli not renewing contracts with apple farmers in the Pajaro Valley, what will the future hold for Santa Cruz County farmers?

Listen in on your radio AM 1080 or to the live stream from http://www.ksco.com/
Calls from the audience will be at Freddy’s discretion as the Guest.

– Interview with PG&E on electrical substation upgrades in Watsonville – 7/10/26, “Community Matters” on KSCO

See https://pajaronian.com/pge-begins-major-power-system-upgrade-in-south-santa-cruz-county/
and the Watsonville link below for more information on the project

From Becky Steinbruner, Host of Community Matters

This Friday’s Guest on “Community Matters” (2pm Pacific Time) is Mr. Michael Medeiros, VP of Project Development for PG&E. He will discuss the upgrades PG&E is planning for the Green Valley Substation on Minto Road in Watsonville, and also a project at the Metcalf Substation in Santa Clara County.
https://www.watsonville.gov/DocumentCenter/View/28422/PGE-Watsonville-Capacity-Project-Phase-1-NR

Why is this work necessary?
What physical changes will the public see?
How will it improve service?

LISTEN IN!

Mr. Medeiros has requested no calls from the listeners.

That is AM 1080 on your radio or streaming live here: KSCO – KSCO 1080 AM News Talk Radio In Santa Cruz

– New federal report on 1985-1994 Fort Ord drinking water

Comments due on ATSDR report: August 22

Update: Response from veteran Julie Akey
https://www.montereyherald.com/2026/07/13/guest-commentary-fort-ords-unanswered-health-questions/
Fort Ord’s unanswered health questions, July 13, 2026

ATSDR will be present at the July 25 Fort Ord Workshop and Open House to provide an update on their report — see related post and calendar.

– – –

From the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry

ATSDR draft Health Consultation report released for public comment
https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/HAC/pha/FormerFordOrd/FortOrd-HC-508.pdf

On July 9, 2026, the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) released a draft report for public comment titled Health evaluation of drinking water at the Former Fort Ord Army Base from 1985 to 1994.

The report, and accompanying summary factsheet are available on the ATSDR website at: https://wwwn.cdc.gov/TSP/PHA/PHAListing.aspx?StateIndicator=CA

Virtual public meeting

ATSDR scientists will discuss the overall findings of the report with the community at a virtual public meeting on July 29, 2026, from 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. ET [3:30 – 4:30 PT) on Microsoft Teams. Questions about the report may be emailed ahead of the meeting to ATSDRCDCINFO@cdc.gov. Please use “Fort Ord” in the subject line. Questions received by 8 PM ET on July 28, 2026, will be addressed during the public meeting.

Join: At the date and time of the meeting, you can join by clicking on this link https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/23715512923099?p=FQybobIDRmvTGb0DPE

Public comments due August 22.

ATSDR will accept public comments on the report through August 22, 2026. Comments may be submitted by email (received by August 22) or by postal mail (postmarked by August 22) using the contact information below.

Email: OCHHAPublicComment@cdc.gov

Postal mail:
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
Attn: Records Center
4770 Buford Highway NE, MS S106-5
Atlanta, Georgia 30341

– US DOJ seeks to eliminate “separation of church and state” doctrine; public comments due July 13

On May 1, 2025, President Trump established the Religious Liberty Commission within the U.S. Department of Justice to “identify emerging threats to religious liberty, uphold Federal laws that protect all citizens’ full participation in a pluralistic democracy, and protect the free exercise of religion.” [1] The Commission’s membership consists of Christians and one orthodox Jew.

The Commission released a draft report entitled “America’s First Freedom” on June 26, 2026. It is seeking to eliminate the separation of church and state doctrine. This would affect schools, city, county, and state governments and agencies, and every part of each community.

UPDATE: Reps. Huffman and Raskin introduced a resolution July 1 reaffirming church-state separation.

Public comment on the report is due July 13 (see below)

The Washington Post reported

“At an Oval Office news conference announcing the report, commission Chairman Dan Patrick, the Republican lieutenant governor of Texas, said the commission recommends that any official — in government, a school, the military, a hospital, etc. — who alleges a violation of church-state separation must in writing point out exactly where you have violated the Constitution, because you have not, and from this day forward, that phrase should have no power over people of all faiths ever again in America.‘”

First in its “12 Key Recommendations to Strengthen Religious Liberty for All Americans”:
“1. Instruct the Department of Justice to issue guidance clarifying the proper understanding of the Establishment Clause and separation of church and state.”

The deadline for public comment is Tuesday, July 13.
Email comments to RLC@usdoj.gov
Commission instructions: format the email subject line using:
PUBLIC COMMENT – [TOPIC OR CHAPTER NUMBER] – [NAME].
(Note: there is no docket number or online docket)

Information about the Commission documents, hearings, and records of public comments is at this DOJ page.

Chapter 1 is titled: “Religion as an Indispensable Support” and includes sections titled “Religion: An Essential Aspect of What It Means to be Human” and “Religion: The Benefits for Society”.

There are many different religions and belief systems held by Americans, as well as many Americans do not have religious beliefs. The intent of the separation doctrine has been to protect everyone from having the religious beliefs of one religion or another legislated on them. Governing structures and areas of public life have previously attempted to be neutral spaces.

– What could “free exercise” look like? For instance, should government and agency staff be allowed to promote their beliefs verbally and nonverbally during their taxpayer-subsidized work hours?

– In light of the composition and religious beliefs of the Commission, will groups and members of certain religions get preferential treatment in jobs, government agency appointments, educational institutions, and the ability to freely exercise their religion over other groups and religions?

– What happens when religious practices conflict with local, state, or federal laws, including civil rights laws or criminal laws? Will laws be re-interpreted or new ones enacted that accommodate, promote, or favor some religious practices but not others?

This is an extensive report covering many different topics, including freedom of conscience. It deserves a full and detailed analysis and discussion by the public and Constitutional, legal, and historical experts.

Notes:

Presidential Religious Liberty Commission Press Release and Summary Report, U.S. Department of Justice, June 26, 2026, p. 1

[1] Presidential Religious Liberty Commission Draft Report, U.S. Department of Justice, June 26, 2026, p. 25

– Landline telephone update: deadlines and uncertainty

The Monterey Herald 7/5/26 article stated that AT&T had won approval to end landline service to Californians. https://www.montereyherald.com/2026/07/04/att-win-stop-landline-service-bay-area-california/

The article may be incorrect. The FCC policy states that if customers oppose the discontinuance ((the deadline for those dockets 26-120 and 26-121 was June 15), the FCC will do a review. Many people did oppose discontinuance. The FCC also has not posted this information. The newspaper and reporter have been questioned about this information, and an update will be posted when they respond. The grandfathering information below from Save Landlines is based on the newspaper’s article, and everyone who wants a landline should order one now.

AT&T is grandfathering landline service for the affected customers on July 19th – we encourage you to order one NOW. Call AT&T at 1-800-288-2020. If they refuse, escalate to the AT&T Presidents Office at 1-800-355-9542 and file a complaint with the CPUC Consumer Affairs Branch at 1-800-649-7570.

The remaining FCC dockets 26-123 and 26-125 with deadlines are AT&T petitions to preempt California rules, CPUC regulation, and Carrier of Last Resort status, and to discontinue ETC services including Lifeline service.

From Save Landlines

LANDLINES THREATENED NATIONWIDE!

CRITICAL AND URGENT: COMMENTS DUE TO FCC BY THIS TUESDAY, JULY 7!

AT&T has filed petitions with the FCC to bypass the CPUC and disconnect customers in California, grandfathering service on July 19 and discontinuing on/after June 1, 2027. They have also sued the CPUC and CA Attorney General and are pushing a constitutional amendment to deregulate telecom.

AT&T claims “alternatives” are available to everyone; however, this is not true, and even when “alternatives” exist, they are not functionally equivalent. VoIP and wireless require backup batteries, which are insufficient in extended power outages or during disasters and rely on broadband or cellular, which are less reliable, poorer quality, and more prone to disruptions. Wireless is not accessible to many with disabilities and actual reception does not always match coverage maps. Traditional landlines are the only reliable way to reach 911 for many people. This is a national public safety issue – we need to raise our voices loud and clear: landlines are lifelines!

Submit opposition comments to the FCC opposing FCC preemption and AT&T withdrawing from Lifeline: submit a text comment (or upload a PDF of your comments). Include proceedings 26-123 and 26-125 on your comments, the dockets for AT&T’s California petitions.

COMMENTS DUE July 7 for 26-123 (ETC and Lifeline)/26-125 (FCC preemption of COLR).

REPLY COMMENTS DUE July 22 (see https://phreaknet.org/action for information)

Explain why “alternatives” are not as reliable for you. “The FCC will authorize discontinuance of service… …unless it is shown that customers would be unable to receive service or a reasonable substitute from another carrier or that public convenience and needs are otherwise adversely affected… Comments should include specific information about the impact of this proposed discontinuance (or reduction or impairment) upon you, or your business, including any inability to acquire reasonable substitute service.”

Sign TURN’s petition OPPOSING these changes.

For additional information:
https://savelandlines.org/
https://phreaknet.org/action

– CalTrans survey on Big Sur Coast Highway Management: comment deadline June 30

Just sent by Assemblymember Dawn Addis:

Caltrans District 5, in collaboration with local partners, is updating the Coast Highway Management Plan (CHMP) for Highway 1 through Big Sur, and your input is essential.

Link: https://engage.dot.ca.gov/f70063

The CHMP serves as the long-term guide for how Highway 1 is managed and maintained, addressing issues like safety, landslides, erosion, accessibility, and preserving Big Sur’s extraordinary coastal landscape.

Whether you live, work, or travel along this corridor, your feedback will help shape decisions that impact the future of Highway 1 for years to come. The survey is open to residents, businesses, commuters, and visitors, but time is running out. The survey closes at the end of June.

Other local CalTrans plans:

https://engage.dot.ca.gov/s07260
Salinas Valley

https://engage.dot.ca.gov/f02334
Gateway Monterey Bay

– June 26: Two Moss Landing and Watsonville battery storage discussions on KSCO AM 1080

Friday 2-3 PM: KSCO Radio’s “Community Matters” guest Ms. Phoenix Artemesia, organizer of the public meeting this Sunday (2:30pm) in Pinto Lake City Park to inform people about the large Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) project proposed for 90 Minto Road in Watsonville.  Join the conversation tomorrow as Phoenix discusses the event and BESS issues.
Phoenix and others have worked hard to arrange for many informed speakers, including the Executive Director of the California Energy Commission (CEC), Mr. Drew Bohan, to attend this public meeting, organized by a grassroots group to inform people about the status of the Project. The Project developers, New Leaf Energy / Sequoia Energy LLC applied in May for Opt-In Certification with the CEC.
Although the County will not be making the decision about whether to permit the Project or not, local opinion will carry great weight with the CEC staff in their deliberation.

Attend Sunday’s June 28 free event at Pinto Lake City Park at 2:30pm in the large gazebo near the Green Valley Road entrance. Spanish translation will be available.

Friday 6 PM: “Bratton on KSCO” Radio program will feature Guests Dr. Don Smith, UCSC Environmental Toxicologist, and Mr. Brian Roeder, representing “Never Again Moss Landing”

On January 16, 2025, the large Vistra Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) facility at Moss Landing had a thermal runaway problem that led to a massive fire lasting for days, erupting again in February.
What was in that smoke plume that traveled around the area? Did the air that people breathed in the plume area include heavy metal contaminants?
Dr. Don Smith conducted a hair analysis study with more than 60 volunteers living in the Moss Landing area. He and Mr. Roeder discuss the investigation results.

AM 1080 on your radio or streaming live here: http://www.ksco.com/

In related action, during their June 30 meeting, the County Board of Supervisors will again review the County’s Draft BESS Ordinance that outlines permitting requirements for large BESS projects like that proposed for 90 Minto Road, and includes a site near Aptos High School.

– PG&E to start major kV increase to electric grid corridors – south Santa Cruz County

Update 7/2/26:
Last week, one Santa Cruz County Supervisor’s office repeatedly reached out to PG&E for information on the project, but to date, PG&E has not responded to this county official.

– – – – – – – – – – – –

In a PG&E press release dated May 29, 2026, the company announced a “major power system upgrade” to south Santa Cruz County. PG&E will increase electrical capacity from 4 kV to 21 kV, and install higher capacity electrical cables above and below ground, transformers, and other equipment.

But in a notice to customers June 10, 2026 (p. 1, p. 2), PG&E gave no information on the planned changes, saying only that the company was replacing utility poles.

These upgrades appear to be linked to new battery energy storage (BESS) facilities planned near Watsonville on farmland and near a bird refuge, and another one next to Aptos High School, despite public objections.

All of this will come at an environmental price. And those who live near this equipment will be exposed to higher levels of EMF, which can cause health problems including leukemia.

The hazards of BESS and lack of public protections have been in sharp focus since the fires at the Moss Landing BESS in January and February 2024.

For information on health effects:
The Health Effects of EMF, ELF and Magnetic Fields from Power Lines and Electricity

– Gilroy permits Amazon data center without public process; Monterey Park passes first California ban on data centers

In Santa Clara County, some Gilroy residents found out about a permitted Amazon data center only after it started construction due a secretive permitting process that doesn’t involve the public. NBC Bay Area reports: “A data center is a facility the city can approve for its industrial zone by the city’s community development director rather than through a public City Council process.” A city council meeting June 15 will consider how these type of permits are granted.

Meanwhile, in Monterey Park near Los Angeles, voters approved a ban on data centers after the city council placed it on the ballot, following public input.

Erin Brockovich has taken this on as a focus area with a new website studying and tracking data centers.

A coalition of Wisconsin organizations has provided a data center toolkit called Big Tech Unchecked.

Industry groups aren’t taking this lightly. An pro-data center editorial appeared in the Monterey Herald this weekend and in other California newspapers, purportedly from a “watchdog” group. Unfortunately, the group has long been associated with the tobacco industry and is an arm of the pro-business Atlas Network.

Given all the significant issues around these data centers including high energy use leading to increased electric bills for the public, extremely high water use impacting aquifers, pollution, noise, impact on farmland, use in surveillance, and health effects, Monterey Park’s action is a wise step for every community. The money and lobbying influence from giant corporations like Amazon is difficult for politicians to resist, regardless of the impacts.

Will the Monterey Bay region counties and cities to emulate Monterey Park leaders? Or will this region’s leaders allow its land, air, water, and electric grid to be compromised by data/surveillance centers?

Information on health effects:
https://ehsciences.org/data-centers-increase-electromagnetic-fields-emf-exposure/

Sources:

https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/gilroy-amazon-data-center/4091984

https://www.politico.com/news/2026/06/04/california-ballot-measure-ban-data-centers-monterey-park-00949648

Click to access Big-Tech-Unchecked-Toolkit_final_rev19Dec25-resized.pdf

https://www.ocregister.com/2026/06/04/watchdog-group-busts-myths-about-california-data-centers/

https://www.tobaccotactics.org/article/taxpayers-protection-alliance/

– June 5: EPA deadline to comment on Google plan to release 64 million bacteria-infected mosquitoes in California and Florida

Comment deadline: Friday, June 5
EPA Docket No. EPA-HQ-OPP-2025-3951

Experimental use permit for Google to release 64 million bacteria-infected mosquitoes in California and Florida

The EPA opened public comments May 6 but provided no public notice in Monterey County newspapers, despite the potentially serious health and environmental impacts.

The public comment must be extended for minimum30-45 days, after notice has first been posted in area newspapers by the EPA, paid for by Google.

This experiment could:

— Create more resistant, stronger mosquitoes
— Disrupt a vital food source for bats, birds, and fish which could cause devastating effects
— Cause illness and death to wildlife which consumed these mosquitoes
— Cause severe disruption and harm to the entire ecosystem
— Cause damage to agriculture
— Cause illness or death in humans bit by these mosquitoes

The docket even fails to state the locations where these engineered insects will be released.

The state of California and the US government has conducted many experiments on nature and humans, claiming that these would have no damaging effect. Sometimes these experiments have been secret and only discovered years later.

The EPA has come under intense criticism for its suppression of information and acting against the public interest in East Palestine, the Fukushima disaster, and most recently, at the Moss Landing Battery Storage fires, where they used inappropriate sampling methods which diluted toxins, with the results that they found no significant exposure [see Moss Landing Monterey County Board of Supervisors hearing 3/17/26 under the Energy/Utilities tab]

https://downloads.regulations.gov/EPA-HQ-OPP-2020-0028-0010/content.pdf
EPA Registration Decision for the New Active Ingredient
Wolbachia pipientis wAlbB strain in male Aedes aegypti mosquitoes

In this docket, the EPA only allowed a 30 day comment period.

Background information on this initiative:
https://www.globalresearch.ca/google-64-million-mosquitoes-florida-california/5928523
Google to Release 64 Million Bacteria-Infected Mosquitoes into Florida and California, by Nicolas Hulscher

https://www.regulations.gov/document/EPA-HQ-OPP-2025-3951-0001
Google LLC Experiment Docket Page

https://downloads.regulations.gov/EPA-HQ-OPP-2025-3951-0001/content.pdf
Federal Register Notice