Stephen Baxter
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Co-founder, editor @theSCLocal | 6x award winner, California News Publishers Association
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Articles by Stephen Baxter
Císař - Stephen Baxter
O knize Císař Ach dítě! Jsi vetkáno v plátno tkané časem, a přesto ses narodilo svobodné Pojď a nech mne, ať ti zazpívám o tom, co je a co bude… Brica žije ve studené severní okrajové části Římské říše. Když v hrozných bolestech pracuje k porodu, začne vykřikovat latinské věty. Latinu však nikdy neslyšela, natož aby ji uměla. Teprve později se ukáže, že tato žena pronesla proroctví, které se vztahuje ke smrti jednoho římského císaře. Proroctví, jež změní osud římského impéria, pokud se naplní.
Svit vzdálených dní - Arthur Charles Clarke
O knize Svit vzdálených dní V této knize A. C. Clark popisuje blízkou budoucnost kdy vědci na popud mediálního magnáta vymyslí ,,červí kameru", jenž pracuje na bázi Červích děr a dokáže sledovat všechna místa na Zemi ve vesmíru a dokonce i v čase. Kniha Svit vzdálených dní v seznamech uživatelů (aktualizováno 1x za hodinu) Citáty z knihy (0) Zatím zde není žádný citát z knihy. Související novinka - Svit vzdálených dní Zatím zde není žádná související novinka.
Oko času - Arthur Charles Clarke
O knize Oko času Knížka, jenž vyšla v roce 2005 ve spolupráci s Stephenem Baxterem. Je částečně podobná původní Vesmírné odysei, ale jak autor sám uvádí ,,...nemá s ní nic společného". Rozvíjí se zde příběh Země, která je zkontaktováná mimozemskou civilizací. Ta Zemi rozdělí na různá časová období, díky tomu se zde objeví na jedné straně vojsko Alexandra Makedonského a na druhé angličané z 19. století.
Sluneční bouře - Arthur Charles Clarke
O knize Sluneční bouře Volné pokračování knihy Oko času, napsané ve spolupráci se Stephenem Baxterem. Biesa se vrací ze svého pobytu na Miru aby zjistila, že Zemi hrozí vážné nebezpečí ze strany Slunce, které může zničit vše živé. Do záchrany lidstva pomocí gigantické stavby štítu se zapojí všichni a z povzdálí jsou sledováni Oky. Kniha Sluneční bouře v seznamech uživatelů (aktualizováno 1x za hodinu) Citáty z knihy (0) Zatím zde není žádný citát z knihy.
Guest Opinion: NUTS!
I’m not sure this is a great idea, may not be the best way to open a letter to the editor? But I had to do something! After I sobered up around November 9th, I spent the next three months alternating between comatose depression and homicidal rage. You see I’m a 75 year old white male living on Social Security. I get help with my housing, receive food stamps and aid with my winter heating bills.
National Night Out events in Capitola, Scotts Valley, Santa Cruz, Boulder Creek, Watsonville
A free National Night Out event with games and food will take place 5-8 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 6 at MacDorsa Park near Scotts Valley City Hall. (Kara Meyberg Guzman — Santa Cruz Local file) National Night Out in Santa Cruz County 4-7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 6 / Boulder Creek Fire Department, 13230 Central Ave., Boulder Creek 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 6 / Jade Street Park, 4400 Jade St., Capitola 5-8 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 6 / MacDorsa Park, 77 Civic Center Drive, Scotts Valley 5-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug.
Santa Cruz County jobs rebound, but housing costs, aging population remain challenges
Santa Cruz County’s population has declined since 2017, and industries like health care are growing in part because of an aging population. (BW Research Partnership) SANTA CRUZ >> Santa Cruz County’s job growth has rebounded from the pandemic slower than the state average, and new jobs in the county were led by emerging industries in biotechnology, transportation and manufacturing, according to a 2024 State of the Workforce report released this week.
Scotts Valley City Council approves budget, eyes tax hike
From left, Scotts Valley City Councilmembers Donna Lind, Alan Timms, Mayor Randy Jonson and Derek Timm. (Marcello Hutchinson-Trujillo — Santa Cruz Local) The Scotts Valley City Council approved a $40 million city budget on June 12 and took a step toward putting a business tax hike on the Nov. 5 ballot. To help cover an average annual deficit of $2.5 million, city staff has proposed to raise the cost of business licenses. The business license fee was established in 1992 and has not been raised since.
Santa Cruz rail-trail segment to finish in fall, North Coast next
Expected to finish in September, Segment 7 of the rail trail connects California Street to Beach Street near the wastewater treatment plant in Santa Cruz. (Stephen Baxter — Santa Cruz Local file) Santa Cruz: A paved path from California Street to Beach Street in Santa Cruz is expected to finish construction in mid-September, said Ricardo Valdes, a Santa Cruz senior engineer. The project is part of Segment 7 of the Coastal Rail Trail that was initially anticipated to finish in February.
Passenger rail choices, a pesticide protest and city budget updates
A June 6 Regional Transportation Commission meeting and two open houses in June are expected to explore options for passenger rail cars. (Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission) 10:30 a.m. Thursday, June 6 / Online and at 275 Main St., Fourth Floor, Watsonville Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission staff are set to present preliminary designs for passenger rail service at a June 6 meeting. Two open houses are also set for June to gather feedback from residents.
NWS Regional and Local Climate Services: Past 20 Years, Present, and Future
Keywords: Climate; Climate records; Climate services; Decision making; History; Societal impacts 1. History of the NWS regional and local climate services The year 2023 marked the twentieth anniversary of the regional and local climate services infrastructure established in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) National Weather Service (NWS).
May 20 meeting on Ocean Street housing proposal in Santa Cruz
Nearly 200 homes have been proposed on the 500 block of Ocean Street in Santa Cruz. (Workbench) 6 p.m. Monday, May 20 / Online Santa Cruz city planners plan to hold an online meeting May 20 about a six-story housing proposal at 530, 542 and 548 Ocean St. The project could include 199 homes and shops, according to city documents.
Photo essay: UC Santa Cruz students urge divestment from weapons makers
More than 150 people have been part of a Gaza solidarity camp with at least 40 tents at UC Santa Cruz’s Quarry Plaza. Demonstrators have asked University of California leaders to divest from weapons manufacturers and made other demands.
Capitola Wharf set to reopen in August, events planned for fall
A crew repairs the Capitola Wharf in January. (Jesse Kathan — Santa Cruz Local file) The Capitola Wharf is expected to reopen in August, and the Capitola City Council on May 9 is set to consider a two-year plan for activities on the wharf. In August, the wharf will have a new arch entryway and public art, as well as new bike racks, benches and restrooms. Capitola Boat & Bait was closed in January 2023 following severe storm damage and was approved for demolition in February 2024.
Housing and construction updates in Santa Cruz, Capitola, Live Oak
A 36-unit affordable housing project at 4401 Capitola Road started construction this month. (Studio T-Sq. Inc.) Santa Cruz Local’s Housing and Construction page has been updated. 4401 Capitola Road, Capitola. The Bluffs at 44th is a 36-unit affordable housing project that started construction this month and is expected to finish in 2025.
The Best Science Fiction Worlds
selected by Tom Huddleston out now The Worlds of Dune: The Places and Cultures that Inspired Frank Herbert by Tom Huddleston For many readers of science fiction, world building is the most important feature of their favourite books. Tom Huddleston, author of The Worlds of Dune, explains how the best fictional worlds are original and immersive—and, above all, mind-expanding. Here he introduces us to his top five sci fi worlds, and to the extraordinary thinkers who created them.
Scotts Valley senior center, child care upgrades to be weighed
Emergency responders set up a temporary command center at the Scotts Valley Senior Center during the CZU Lightning Complex Fire in 2020. (Stephen Baxter — Santa Cruz Local file) At its April 17 meeting, the Scotts Valley City Council plans to consider how to spend $367,000 in state grant money to benefit low- and moderate-income residents, prevent blight or meet an urgent community need.
Rail bridge replacements to be discussed in Santa Cruz County
The Capitola trestle bridge runs over Soquel Creek in 2023. (Stephen Baxter — Santa Cruz Local file) The Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission on April 4 is expected to consider repairs or replacements for more than 30 bridges along the Santa Cruz Branch Rail Line. At least 23 bridges may need to be replaced. In a staff report, commission staff recommended that any repaired or new bridges be designed to accommodate industry-standard freight trains.
Santa Cruz rail trail, housing updates
Segment 7 of the rail trail from California to Beach streets in Santa Cruz is expected to finish in May or June, authorities said. New retaining walls near the wastewater treatment plant are pictured March 21. (Stephen Baxter — Santa Cruz Local) Rail trail updates: Segment 7, California to Beach streets: A paved path is expected to open in late May or early June, said Shannon Munz, a spokeswoman for the Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission.
New housing projects in Aptos, Freedom, Santa Cruz
Construction continues on Aptos Village Phase 2 on March 14. (Stephen Baxter — Santa Cruz Local) Santa Cruz Local’s Housing and Construction page has several updates. Aptos Village Phase 2: Construction of 29 homes including five affordable homes is expected to finish in 2025, according to the developer. Sereno Group is expected to market and sell the below-market priced homes.
Santa Cruz County school measures glide toward approval
Poll worker Tracy Baker receives a ballot outside the Santa Cruz County building on Ocean Street in Santa Cruz on Tuesday.
Martinez leads in District 5 Santa Cruz County supervisor race
Monica Martinez, right, had a strong lead in early results Tuesday night and Christopher Bradford, left, was in second place in the race for District 5 Santa Cruz County supervisor.
Santa Cruz County, city sales tax measures lean toward approval
Measure K on the March 5 ballot would raise the county sales tax to 9.5% from 9%. Don Walker, owner of Felton True Value Paint & Hardware, makes a sale on Feb. 18. (Nik Altenberg — Santa Cruz Local) Last county update: 3/5/2024 8:15:00 PM VoteTotal Yes 19071 (55.1%) No 15541 (44.9%) VoteTotal Yes 4752 (59.62%) No 3218 (40.38%) SANTA CRUZ >> Two ballot measures aimed at raising sales taxes in the City of Santa Cruz and County of Santa Cruz were winning in early returns on election night Tuesday.
Koenig leads Faulkner in District 1 Santa Cruz County supervisor race
Manu Koenig, left, leads Lani Faulkner in the race for District 1 Santa Cruz County supervisor. (Contributed) Last county update: 3/5/2024 8:15:00 PM CandidateTotal Lani Faulkner 3853 (45.06%) Manu Koenig 4661 (54.51%) LIVE OAK >> Incumbent Santa Cruz County Supervisor Manu Koenig led challenger Lani Faulkner in the race for District 1 county supervisor on Tuesday night. More election results are due Tuesday night and later in the week.
NWS Regional and Local Climate Services: Past 20 years, Present, and Future
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Election Guide updates: Campaign money, 5 polls open
Santa Cruz Local’s Election Guide includes candidate comparisons and nonpartisan information on all the local races. Santa Cruz Local’s Election Guide has updates from recent campaign finance records. Learn which groups and individuals have contributed to campaigns. Find campaign contribution totals for candidates in all the local races Voting centers are now open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekends at: Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office, 5200 Soquel Ave., Live Oak.
Editor’s note on Santa Cruz Local’s March 5 Election Guide
Feb. 15, 2024 By Stephen Baxter, Editor of Santa Cruz Local Since Santa Cruz Local’s first Election Guide in 2020, tens of thousands of Santa Cruz County voters have turned to the guides for complete, nonpartisan information. More readers visit the Election Guide than any other part of SantaCruzLocal.org. Since we cover local government in depth, the Election Guide is our Super Bowl.
Sci-fi/Fantasy Deal ends 2/1/24 Now Streaming on Apple TV+ The first book in the acclaimed, New York Times bestselling trilogy, Wool is the story of mankind clawing for survival. The world outside has grown toxic, the view of it limited, talk of it forbidden. The remnants of humanity live underground in a single silo.
Explainer: Measure M, the Housing for People initiative
A six-story hotel proposed at Laurel and Front streets in Downtown Santa Cruz is one of several projects facing pushback because of height and a lack of affordable housing. (BCV Architecture + Interiors) Measure M will appear on Santa Cruz city voters’ ballots in the March 5 election. Supporters gathered signatures to qualify it for the ballot, and they called the measure Housing for People not Unaffordable Towers.
Aptos Branch Library to reopen in February
A reopening celebration is planned at the Aptos Branch Library 1-5 p.m. Feb. 4. (Stephen Baxter — Santa Cruz Local) The Aptos Branch Library is set to reopen with a Feb. 4 celebration event with live music, speeches and library activities. A $14 million, 12,408-square-foot project started at the library at 7695 Soquel Drive in May 2022.
Three downtown Santa Cruz housing projects to open in 2024
Anton Pacific Apartments at Laurel Street and Pacific Avenue is expected to open in late February 2024. (Stephen Baxter — Santa Cruz Local) Three downtown Santa Cruz housing projects are expected to open in 2024. Anton Pacific Apartments is a 207-unit, market rate development on Laurel Street, Front Street and Pacific Avenue. Prospective tenants can submit information online for potential occupancy in late February.
The 5 biggest questions about Doctor Who, answered by real-life science
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[Vinabili的科幻杂谈]Philosophy of the three-body trilogy
观前叠甲：本文中文题目为三体中的哲学，为某课程作业作品，由于撰写时直接用的英文，没有留下中文版本，相信作为老科幻粉或者三体粉或者资深高水平B站用户能轻松理解文章的内容。本文主要包括：三体剧情的讨论，为什么说三体是硬科幻，三体中角色塑造，三体中人性弱点及闪光点的思考。中文版本有生之年更新，不用期待，正文内容应该已经尽量分段了，可能还有部分格式上错误，希望不会影响阅读（阅读不懂如果不是你的问题那就是我的问题）。非专业up，只是一个兴趣使然的up，老太空歌剧屁股人，文中不涉及对任何作品的拉扯，不支持对线，未经允许不得转载。 1.Introduction The novels discussed in this article is the Remembrance of Earth's Past, which is a science fiction trilogy by the Chinese writer Liu Cixin and is translated into English by Ken Liu.
Bond measure on March ballot would benefit Watsonville hospital
A March 2024 bond measure would raise more than $100 million to buy the land and buildings at Watsonville Community Hospital. (Stephen Baxter — Santa Cruz Local) WATSONVILLE >> Leaders of the Pajaro Valley Health Care District on Wednesday night agreed to put a $116 million bond measure on the March 5 ballot to buy the buildings and land at Watsonville Community Hospital.
Scotts Valley Fire ballot measure heads toward loss
Measure W asked Scotts Valley voters whether bonds should be sold and taxes collected from property owners to build a new, earthquake-safe fire station in Scotts Valley. (Tyler Maldonado — Santa Cruz Local file) Nov. 17 results for Measure W in Scotts Valley showed a narrow loss, with less than 66.7% of the vote required for adoption. Election Day for Measure W was Nov. 7. Yes: 3,231votes (66.4%) No: 1,635 (33.6%) Final totals are expected Nov. 27, said Santa Cruz County Clerk Tricia Webber.
Santa Cruz City Council to consider natural-gas changes
Santa Cruz City Hall. (Kara Meyberg Guzman – Santa Cruz Local file) The Santa Cruz City Council on Nov. 14 will consider new rules for homes and businesses that use natural gas. Proposed rules would allow natural gas in new construction, but require that the buildings include enough physical space and electric capacity to be converted to electric power in the future. In 2020, Santa Cruz city leaders prohibited natural gas in new construction except in restaurants.
Ballots due Nov. 7 for Scotts Valley bond measure
Measure W asks Scotts Valley voters whether bonds should be sold and taxes collected from property owners to build a new, earthquake-safe fire station in Scotts Valley. The new station would replace the fire station at 7 Erba Lane. (Tyler Maldonado — Santa Cruz Local file) Ballots are due Tuesday, Nov. 7 for Measure W in Scotts Valley.
Scotts Valley parcel tax for schools leans toward approval
If Measure V is adopted, nearly $1 million would be collected annually from Scotts Valley taxpayers to help fund Scotts Valley High School and other schools in Scotts Valley Unified School District. (Tyler Maldonado — Santa Cruz Local) Election results on Oct. 26 showed a likely approval of Measure V to benefit Scotts Valley schools. It needs more than 66% of the vote to be adopted.
Report finds fewer homeless residents in Santa Cruz County
Point-in-time counts show 1,804 to 3,536 to homeless residents of Santa Cruz County from 2011 to 2023. (Applied Survey Research, County of Santa Cruz) County leaders have secured money for new housing for disabled and other homeless residents through the state’s Project Homekey, Santa Cruz County spokesman Jason Hoppin wrote in a statement. Those projects, like the 35-unit complex being built at 2838 Park Ave.
Podcast: How homeless services money is spent in Santa Cruz County
TRANSCRIPT [INTRO MUSIC] STEPHEN BAXTER: I’m Stephen Baxter. KARA MEYBERG GUZMAN: And I’m Kara Meyberg Guzman. SB: This is Santa Cruz Local. Santa Cruz Local recently published a three-part investigation. We looked at how public money has been spent on homeless services in Santa Cruz County. This spending breakdown had never been shown before in a comprehensive way. Today we’re going to walk you through what we found and why it matters.
Money sources, constraints and problems with homeless services spending in Santa Cruz County
With those priorities expressed, county and city staff apply for competitive and restrictive state grants. At least $21.4 million was spent on homeless services in Santa Cruz County in fiscal year 2019-2020, according to public records obtained by Santa Cruz Local. At least $77.5 million was spent on homeless services in the county in fiscal year 2020-2021, records state. Some of the money crossed fiscal years or had to be spent by a certain time.
Is homeless services spending effective in Santa Cruz County?
Although many programs feed, clothe, treat or temporarily shelter unhoused people, they do not directly put a person in a permanent home. Money for hotel rooms, temporary shelter, health referrals, administrative costs and public relations are a few examples. Those services can be life saving, especially given the shortage of affordable housing. But they do not solve homelessness. “The only known cure for homelessness is housing,” wrote Iain De Jong in The Book on Ending Homelessness.
How homeless services money has been spent in Santa Cruz County
Thomas Paul says he needs permanent housing more than he needs a temporary managed camp. Paul has been part of the Downtown Streets Team and cleaned streets in Downtown Santa Cruz. (Kara Meyberg Guzman — Santa Cruz Local file) Editor’s note: This is the first story in a three-part series on homeless services spending in Santa Cruz County. Read part two, part three and how this series was made.
Editor’s note on Santa Cruz Local’s three-part series on homeless services spending
Santa Cruz Local’s three-part series on homeless services spending is the most ambitious project that our news outlet has produced since we were founded in 2019. This series is part of Santa Cruz Local’s larger Solutions to Homelessness series. It was made possible by the support of more than 100 Santa Cruz Local readers and more than $20,000 in donations during the summer of 2021. Thank you to all our supporters.
530 Front St. housing project
Last updated: April 2023 Project name: 530 Front St., Santa Cruz Read about other notable projects on Santa Cruz Local’s Housing and Construction resource page. Location: Corner of Soquel Avenue and Front Street in the former Wells Fargo home mortgage building. Status: The Santa Cruz City Council approved the project at its meeting on April 25, 2023.
415 Natural Bridges Drive, Santa Cruz
Last updated: April 25, 2023 Read about other notable housing and construction projects in Santa Cruz County. Project name: 415 Natural Bridges Drive Location: The land is next to a Toadal Fitness gym in Santa Cruz. Status: A groundbreaking event is set for 11 a.m. May 18, 2023 at the site. The Santa Cruz City Council approved the project in April 2022. Project description: Total residential units: 2o Affordable units: All of the units are expected to be affordable for “very low income” households.
CZU Fire rebuild process honed by Santa Cruz County leaders
Many CZU Fire victims have faced problems with requirements related to septic systems and geology. “We’re really trying, again, to help people speed up this process,” said Santa Cruz County Supervisor Justin Cummings, at Tuesday’s meeting. Cummings represents District 3, which includes the North Coast and parts of Santa Cruz. “For many folks, they’re still waiting.
Strides and stalls in Santa Cruz County homeless plan
County staff showed this slide during a presentation to county supervisors on Tuesday to illustrate money sourced from the Continuum of Care, the Homeless Emergency Aid Program and elsewhere on its path to being spent to combat homelessness in Santa Cruz County. (County of Santa Cruz) Ryan Hoffmann, 43, was a social worker before he became unhoused and lived in a tent camp off Highway 9 in January.
Downtown Santa Cruz library project advances
The commission recommended approval of a demolition permit for 113 Lincoln St., as well as a design permit, special use permit and lot-line adjustment. Toadal Fitness is at 113 Lincoln and there are efforts to include Toadal Fitness in the final project, city staff said. The project is bounded by Cedar, Cathcart and Lincoln streets and an alley. The two-story library’s main entrance is slated for Cedar Street. An eight-story housing complex including three levels of parking is planned.
Soquel Drive bike lane project expected in summer
In the works for several years, Santa Cruz County supervisors on Tuesday agreed to request construction bids for the Soquel Drive Buffered Bike Lane and Congestion Mitigation Project. Improved bike lanes are expected on both sides of Soquel Drive from La Fonda Avenue to State Park Drive. Buffered bike lanes with flexible posts are expected from Cabrillo College to State Park Drive.
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