This Week on the Central Coast…
Killer whales, oceanic mystery novels, the Wharf to Wharf race, and free meals for students.
Monterey
Killer Whales Spotted in Monterey
Last week, a small pod of killer whales was spotted near Moss Landing by Monterey Bay Whale Watch. The group is suspected to be part of a transient group of orcas that come to the area to prey on other marine mammals such as sea lions. The whales were observed engaging in social activities, such as breaching and tail slapping, as they hunted together. The company also saw humpback whales, Risso dolphins, and harbor porpoises.
“It was like a big party. It’s pretty incredible to have an encounter like that and they were exuberant and yeah, the best words – they were playful, they were happy”, said a marine biologist with the Monterey Bay Whale Watch group.
CSUMB Department Head Publishes Fourth Mystery Novel
Dr. James Lindholm is the chair of the Marine Science Department at CSU Monterey Bay. He is also the author of the Chris Black Adventure Series of undersea action/mystery novels. “Calypso Down” is the fourth novel in the series and Lindholm’s latest release.
Each novel focuses on a new story of undersea adventure as Chris Black explores the deep. Calypso Down takes place at an undersea laboratory as violent storms and mysterious attacks happen around it.
The newest novel promises to be a thrilling one as Lindholm describes the experience of writing it: “This book, when I was writing the climax, my palms were actually sweating. That was fun. It was a very immersive experience for me.” While there aren’t any other planned novels at the moment, fans can be sure there will be more. Lindholm talked about how he is always plotting mysteries in his head before falling asleep and right after waking up.
Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz Schools Announce Free Meals
The Santa Cruz City School District announced that it would be offering free meals to all enrolled students, regardless of income. A few of the included schools are Bayview Elementary, Branciforte Middle, and Harbor High.
The program is part of a larger California initiative, called the Universal Meals Program, designed to ensure all students have access to healthy meals. A variety of meals will be offered, all of which are designed to meet the guidelines set by the National School Breakfast and Lunch Programs.
In addition to providing nutritious food to all students, the district emphasized the impact that communal meals can have on individual students as well.
“Any time people break bread together, it creates a space for the creation and restoration of community,” said Superintendent Munro.
Any Santa Cruz City School District student can receive the free meals, however, the district encourages families to fill out the application on their website. While not required, the application could qualify families for other benefits, such as “discounts on internet and phone bills, as well as college applications and SAT tests”.
The free meals will offered at both breakfast and lunch times throughout the school year.
Wharf to Wharf Race Unveils Official Poster
Last week, the poster for the 2024 Wharf to Wharf Race was unveiled. In addition to promoting the race, the poster was created by local artist Tori Schweyer. The image shows the wharf at the end of the race from the unique perspective of being out at sea. $1 from the sale of every poster will contribute to the Capitola Wharf Enhancement Project. The poster costs $25 for regular poster paper, or $50 for a limited edition version on heavier paper.
The annual race will take place on Sunday, July 28. It’s a 6-mile race that starts at the Santa Cruz Wharf and ends at the Capitola Wharf, attracting thousands of runners from around the world. The Wharf to Wharf is a nonprofit corporation that aims to promote running as a healthy form of fitness for everyone.
There is also another, smaller event in September, called the Little Wharf 3-Miler, which covers the last three miles of the Wharf to Wharf Race.