This Week on the Central Coast…
Fixing the power outage problem, repairing the Santa Cruz Wharf, and a local principal publishes a book.
Monterey
PG&E Installing New Transformer to Help Deal with Blackouts
Pacific Gas & Electric is installing a new transformer to (hopefully) lessen the number of power outages in the near future. The transformer is expected to be fully installed and running by March. “(This new) upgrade is replacing a 50-year-old transformer and is two and a half times greater in capacity.”
The new addition allows PG&E to switch to this transformer while it repairs the one that is out, effectively eliminating the effects of an outage in the area. “This new transformer here is going to enable us again to diversify the service here in Monterey. We'll have the ability to switch and bring customers back on if a tree were to fall in a certain area."
PG&E acknowledged that they had to temporarily move customers from the Del Monte substation to the Viejo substation (near Skyline Forest) while they install the new transformer. The increased strain on that substation and the storms of December are why so many people were affected. The Del Monte Substation, near Del Monte Beach, serves about 30,000 people.
Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz Discusses Options for Repairing the End of the Wharf
Last December, the Santa Cruz municipal wharf suffered critical damage due to the strongest west swell and high surf events ever recorded in the area. About 150 feet of the south end of the wharf was swept out to see as a result. Most of the wharf remains and is currently open to the public. The department of Parks and Recreation assured locals that the section of the wharf that remains is safe.
Wharf businesses lost an estimated $800k during the time that they were closed immediately after the storm. To help elevate some of the pain, the city announced free parking at the wharf throughout January and February. Wharf Wednesdays are also starting, featuring a different band every week throughout the two months.
In the meantime, the city is discussing what to do about the south end. Should they rebuild? Should they cap it? Those questions will be answered after a two-phase investigation.
Phase one, structural assessment, has already been completed. Phase two is a more in-depth structural assessment, both above and below the ocean surface. The results of this phase is what will help the city make its decision.
Former Principal Writes a Book on School Leadership
Murray Schekman has been in the education system for nearly fifty years. His experience has seen him progress from a teachers aid, to a math teacher, to principal at E.A. Hall Middle School and Watsonville High School. “It’s All About Leadership in Schools…What works and some of what doesn’t!” is a collection of examples from Schekman’s past experiences. “It’s a hard job; you’re not going to get paid more, but it’s a righteous job and I try and clarify that.”
He stresses the importance of teachers maintaining enthusiasm and avoiding burnout throughout the year. He says most start the year right, but become less enthusiastic as the year goes on, which may be reflective in the quality of work. Santa Cruz County’s Superintendent of Schools praised the book as a useful resource for educators. “For anyone serving students, this book offers inspiration and practical advice to reinvigorate our passion and impact in education.”
Schekman already has plans for his next book which will be focused on counseling, alternative education, and special needs. He also wants to launch a website.