As we close out the year, I want to provide District 4 with a clear update on the work we’ve advanced together. My priorities have remained steady: deliver improvements, protect our families, and bring long-overdue investment to South County. This year was defined by follow-through, projects long discussed finally moved into action, and progress is now visible across our community.

Investing in Parks and Community Spaces

One of the most significant steps forward was progress on Valle del Pájaro Park, a 38-acre regional park and the largest project of its kind in decades. We are now moving toward a master plan shaped directly by community input. We also continued investing in recreation. Renovations advanced on the pump track, and we secured funding for a new skate park at Pinto Lake County Park. At Mesa Village Park, we are working to raise funds for upgrades including restored bathrooms, resurfaced basketball court, a youth soccer field, and a natural play area, reflecting our commitment to safe, active spaces for local families. If you are interested in donating, please reach out to our office.

Strengthening Roads and Local Infrastructure

Improving our transportation network remained a top priority. District 4 saw progress on several overdue projects, including:

• A new bike and pedestrian path on Green Valley Road
• Road Resurfacing on Scurich Road, Rogge Road, Murphy Crossing, College Road, and Holohan Road, in addition to many other roads in the City of Watsonville
• Holohan/Highway 152 intersection improvements
• New state funding for critical Casserly Road repairs

These investments improve safety, mobility, and daily quality of life for South County residents.

Protecting Families and Advancing Flood Resilience

Supporting families through emergencies remains central to our work. Following the 2023 floods, our office continued assisting Watsonville and Pajaro residents with resources, recovery, and long-term support.  A historic milestone this year was securing $700 million for the Pajaro River Levee Project. Construction on the Corralitos Creek segment begins within weeks, one of the largest public-safety investments in our region’s history.

Expanding Opportunities to Learn and Participate

Public engagement remained a priority. Together with Mayor Maria Orozco, we hosted a first-time homebuyer forum offering guidance on the buying process and Watsonville’s affordable housing programs.  We also held a BESS Town Hall, giving residents direct access to experts, clear explanations, and space to ask questions and share feedback on energy-storage projects.

Supporting Youth Leadership and Community Safety

This year we continued investing in the Young Supervisors Academy, a two-and-a-half-week program that introduces high school students and recent graduates to policymaking, leadership, and public service. The program concluded with a Mock Legislative Hearing on homelessness and Watsonville’s Tiny Homes Project, showcasing the thoughtful ideas of our next generation of leaders. 

We also strengthened public safety through prevention. In partnership with District Attorney Jeff Rosell and Sheriff Chris Clark, we hosted a Fraud Prevention Community Conversation, equipping residents with tools to avoid scams, identity theft, and financial exploitation.

Keeping Our Neighborhoods Clean

Neighborhood cleanups continued throughout the year led my office in strong partnerships with the Trash Talkers Coalition, County Community Development and Infrastructure, City of Watsonville Public Works, Watsonville Wetlands Watch, Pajaro Valley Fire, and dozens of volunteers. Their dedication has made a visible difference across parks, roads, and neighborhoods.

Accessing Services Close to Home

The South County Government Center continues to make essential services easily accessible for local families. Residents can access veterans’ services, health and human services, tax assistance, elections services, passport renewals, and more, right here in Watsonville. 

Promoting Health and Wellness

In partnership with Bike Santa Cruz County, we hosted three community bike rides, bringing together residents of all ages to promote healthy, active living and build connections across the district.

2024 Agricultural Crop Report

The Santa Cruz County Agricultural Commissioner released the 2024 Crop Report, showing an estimated gross production value of $741.9 million, a 13.3% increase over 2023. Strawberries remain the top crop at $218.9 million across 2,640 acres, and berry crops overall continue to dominate, representing 60% of total production value.

County CEO Carlos J. Palacios Retires

Earlier this month, County Executive Officer Carlos J. Palacios retired after a distinguished 30-year public service career. As the County’s first Latino CEO, he guided the community through wildfires, floods, and the COVID-19 pandemic while advancing housing, equity, fiscal stability, and emergency recovery. His legacy of collaboration and service will have lasting impact.

Looking Ahead

Thank you to the residents of District 4 for your trust, your input, and your continued engagement. Every accomplishment reflects your priorities and your commitment to a stronger South County. As we close out the year, I want to wish you and your families a warm and joyful holiday season, and all the very best in 2026.

BENNINGTON — This holiday season, Co-Chairs of the Bennington Sports Foundation (BSF) Deborah Slaner Larkin and Jeannie Jenkins have a special message of giving for the community.

“In thinking about the Bennington Sports Foundation and equity opportunity for kids, what we really want to get out is that we have money and we want to give it away for that purpose,” explained Larkin. “But, a lot of people either don’t know about us, or don’t know how to get the money.”

For people wanting to ensure greater access to sports in the Bennington County area, Jenkins said, “If you want to do this, you can. We’ll make sure you have the equipment. We’ll make sure you have the clothing. We’ll make sure you have transportation and food.”

It isn’t just the goal of the Bennington Sports Foundation to simply purchase equipment or clothing, however – their larger goal is to increase access and help overcome hurdles and obstacles for the underserved population.

As with all journeys, there have been challenges and learning curves that have been experienced over the years. Experimenting with the best methods of reaching kids, parents, educators, and coaches – and experimenting with the best methods of connecting Bennington County youth with sports – has involved a rapidly evolving set of strategies.

“We want to work with organizations that share the goal of increasing access and equity,” Jenkins said. “I think all sports programs at their core want to do that, but they don’t all have the bandwidth to do it. So, I think finding ways in – and finding connectors – has been a journey for us for the last four years.”

What Jenkins and Larkin are hoping is that those who are wishing to service youth in sports reach out to them, asking for assistance with specific challenges – things that are getting in the way of full participation, or full access. They are also hoping that those who wish to start youth sports programs reach out with requests.

“I always think back to one of the initial meetings that we had – thinking about what we might do to expand access in the community,” continued Jenkins. “It was at the Old Benn High, and it was a time when that was just beginning to get legs; the Splash Pad had just been finished, and it had brought in a certain demographic to help form community; the bike/pedestrian path was just starting to really take off; and the Skate Park was nothing more than a twinkle in the community’s eye.”

That was back in 2021, when Jenkins and Larkin were not yet familiar with one another. It was during this time that the two of them met with an old friend and associate of Larkin’s, the late Carolyn Blitz, and the idea for the Bennington Sports Foundation was born.

With Jenkins’ background as the then-chair of the Bennington Select Board and her work with the Bennington ​County Regional Committee, Regional Economic Development and Workforce and Education groups, and her deep knowledge about the local communities; Larkin’s background as the former CEO of the Women’s Sports Foundation and the United States Tennis Association, former member of President Obama’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports, and current member of the board of the National Women’s Law Center; and Blitz’s background as “the right-hand person” to the the head of the NBA in New York – in the C-Suite” – the three formed a “dynamo trio.”

“Carolyn and I worked together with the WNBA in the start, so national organizations [and] very big powerhouse women,” explained Larkin. “What brought us together here [in Vermont] was that we were both asked to be on the board of the hospital at the same time.”

Larkin and Blitz brought Jenkins in due to her “interest in seeing kids engaging in positive ways in the community.”

“We began with the intent of helping connect kids who might want to be involved with sports but might have barriers with sports, realizing that sports is an excellent way for our kids to [connect],” Larkin said. “It’s healthy, it’s a way to build community, it’s a way to learn leadership skills.”

“We find that in this community, some of the kids feel very isolated,” added Jenkins. “Often that’s because of social barriers – whether it’s finance, transportation, everybody working, they have obligations at home – but that separates them and their parents from the rest of the school community. So, we wanted to [create] a little niche within the sports community of offering funds to programs who felt as we did – and that had the ability – to attract kids who, without the financial assistance, would not be able to participate in sports.”

According to Larkin, the group has since reached a “positive turning point,” with invested board members from the community.

“This year, at the Middle School, we got with Tracy Galle – and that was fabulous,” she said. “We started a golf clinic, teaching seventh and eighth graders golf. And the other star, Meru Leon, head of the country club, got together with [Galle] and they wrote a proposal for a grant getting kids who had never played to give them access. It was great – those kids never would have thought that golf was a sport for them.”

Other accomplishments over the past few years have involved contributions to the Marauders Swim Club, Battle for the Future Basketball Program, Bennington Berkshire Family YMCA, Prospect Mountain Association, MYAA Football, the Town of Bennington Skate Park, MAU Golf Clinic, Soccer Charity Tournament, MAUHS Tennis Clinic, and an MAUMS Workshop for Basketball Athletes and Parents. Additionally, a 2024 liaison with the Bennington Bike Hub was also established.

In the Marauders Swim Club, 14 more swimmers ages 6-18 were able to participate, all from the underserved population. Additionally, three of those Bennington Sports Foundation supported swimmers qualified at the championship level.

In the Battle for the Future Basketball Program, financial supports from the Bennington Sports Foundation assisted with enrollment fees and provided transportation for nine youth.

In the Bennington Berkshire Family YMCA, a newly developed program for teens kept them involved when they aged out of summer camp, offering them leadership and mentoring opportunities – and extending access through the school year with the development of an afterschool youth center.

One of the future goals of the Bennington Sports Foundation is to begin the development of a greater variety of local “feeder programs” – programs that introduce youngsters to various sports so that they continue to gain skills and knowledge in the game, helping them “hone their skills.”

Another aspect that the Bennington Sports Foundation has focused efforts on is community building, which also plays a role in equitable access.

“What we know is that a kid may want to do something, but the whole family has to buy in – and so the family has to see themselves as a part of the community as well,” said Larkin. “Families are a big piece of this. Families belong in this.”

“We want to see more kids engaging with sports in a positive way,” confirmed Jenkins.

“We want more people thinking about creative ideas and creative ways to bring kids and families into exploring sports,” Larkin said, “and I hope the community helps us think about what’s next.

More information on the Bennington Sports Foundation is available at benningtonsportsfoundation.org.

PORTLAND Ore. (KPTV) – The Portland Fire announced a new partnership this week with Toyota, which will serve as the team’s exclusive automotive partner.

The deal expands Toyota’s investment in women’s sports in Portland, as the company is now partnered with both RAJ Sports franchises, the Portland Fire and the Portland Thorns.

To kick off the partnership, Toyota and the Fire loaded a Toyota Tacoma full of WNBA basketballs and delivered them to local girls basketball players. Fie GM Vanja Černivec and Vice President of Basketball Operations, Strategy and Innovation, Ashley Battle, joined the delivery.

“This partnership is a testament to what’s possible when brands buy in to women’s sports,” said Portland Fire Interim President, Clare Hamill. “Connecting with the community of Portland is a key pillar for the Fire, and Toyota’s support will help us bring the best experiences to our fans as well as make an impact across the region.”

“We are thrilled to be the inaugural automotive partner of the Portland Fire and are looking forward to cheering them on next year,” said Russ Humberston Jr., President of the Pacific Northwest Toyota Dealers Association. “Connecting with the community through meaningful touchpoints that can empower young women to cultivate a career in sports makes working with the Portland Fire a slam dunk.”

Youth basketball Clinic: Play Like a Pro

As part of the partnership, Toyota and the Fire will host Play Like a Pro, a youth clinic designed to inspire and empower young girls interested in basketball. Participants will get on-court training from players and coaches, along with a mental wellness session focused on building confidence for game day.

Bringing energy to the Fire Community

Toyota will also help bring the Fire experience to fans through new community events. The company will engage fans on game days as well as pop-up events throughout Portland at a local dealerships.

Supporting women and girls across Portland

A key part of the partnership between Toyota, the Fire, and the Thorns will be community initiatives like Her Voice Council and Lead(HER)s of Tomorrow, both aimed at supporting women and girls in sports, leadership and career development.

For more information, visit the Fire’s official site.

Copyright 2025 KPTV-KPDX. All rights reserved.

Rex Edward Burson, age 83, passed away on July 11, 2025, at his sons home in Burleson, TX. He was born on Oct 18, 1941 in Enid, OK to Ray E Burson and Frances(Jones)Burson. Rex grew up in Wellington, KS. He graduated from Wellington HS in 1959. After high school, He worked various jobs before moving to Dallas, Texas. In 1965, he began working a long career for Bell Helicopter where he worked for 36 years until retiring in 2001. He married Kay in 1966, and together they had two children. They remained devoted to each other until her passing in 2001. He was known as a dedicated youth coach of football, baseball, and basketball in the Arlington area. His commitment to youth sports was admired by all who knew him. He later retired and lived on Lake Granbury for over 20 years. Rex lived his retirement to the fullest. He married Donna in 2011 where they loved traveling in the RV. They loved attending their grandchildren’s sports games and school performances. He was so proud of the life he had created and he cherished all of the family get togethers he got to have at the lake. He was a member at Grace Street Church and a long time member at Aldersgate Methodist Church in Arlington, TX for many years. Rex was preceded in death by his parents Ray and Frances Burson, wife of 36 years Kay Burson, sister Diane Wagoner, and grandson Ashton Arrington. Rex loved his family deeply. He is survived by his wife Donna Burson Pantego, TX; Son Randy (Tammy) Burson Burleson, TX; Daughter Dana (Chad) Arrington Mansfield, TX; Daughter Allison (Scott) Crawford Arlington, TX; Daughter Ashley (Bryan) Nicolle Arlington, TX; his treasured grandchildren Tiffany (Brandon) Key, Mandy (Ryan) Jarrett, Karly (Noah) Ray, Zack (Emma) Arrington, Cambria Pierce, Ava Sweeney, Gracie Crawford, Rhyder Nicolle, Easton Arrington, his great grandchildren Kamryn Key, Kason Key, Anderson Jarrett, Davis Jarrett, Kollins Jarrett and a precious baby girl on the way, lots of nieces and nephews and relatives. May his memory bring comfort to all who knew him. The service will be held on July 17, 2025 at Emerald Hills Funeral Home. 500 Kennedale Sublett Rd, Kennedale, TX 76060 Visitation: 4-7pm Wednesday July 16, 2025 Service: 10am Thursday July 17, 2025 Burial: Following service at Emerald Hills Cemetery Reception Luncheon: 8015 John Henry Dr Burleson, TX 76028

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[LAYAYETTE] (WLFI) — When tryouts began for the Special Olympics youth basketball team in Tippecanoe County, Coach David Henry anticipated challenges and opportunities ahead. He was confident the team was ready to work hard.

“We did a lot of things, trying to get the ball out of the basket, back outside the 3-point arc,” Henry said. “You had to get the ball outside the 3-point arc before you could play. We also had a 12-second shot clock, so we had to get organized and not waste time.”

The game of 3×3 basketball is fast-paced, played on a half-court with two athletes and one unified partner. The game lasts for 16 minutes or until one team scores 20 points. Partner Brooke Sullivan emphasized the importance of communication.

“To be able to see athletes thrive on the court and to be able to get the experience to compete in ways that they never thought they would be able to compete in is just so fulfilling,” Sullivan said.

Coach Henry recalled the moment the team learned they would travel to Puerto Rico for the 3×3 Unified Basketball World Cup.

“I can remember when Jen Kessler was in practice and she told the girls, ‘Yep, you’re going to go and represent Indiana and guess what, we are the only team going from the USA so you are also representing the USA.’ The girls, it was a shock to them,” Henry said.

Athletes Abbigale Richardson and Alex Kelly were thrilled by their unexpected gold medal win.

“I was hoping we would get to the top three,” Kelly said.

“I wasn’t set on winning but I’m really glad we did,” Richardson said. “It shows that we can do really cool things.”

Their favorite matchup was the final game against Jamaica, which resulted in a gold medal and lasting friendships.

“In the beginning, we weren’t that close, we were practicing but just kept to ourselves,” Richardson said. “But then throughout the season, we became more close.”

“It felt really amazing,” Kelly said. “It felt like a wonderful experience for me.”

Norman Powell speaks to kids at a clinic for his Understand the Grind Foundation.

Norman Powell is a busy man. If he’s not sweating in the gym and pouring out jump shots by the dozen, there’s a good chance he’s making phone calls to brighten someone’s holiday.

Powell, averaging a career-high 24.6 points per game for the Miami Heat this season, also finds himself occupied as the point person for his Understand the Grind Foundation, which is active in his hometown of San Diego.

The foundation — with the help of charitable donations and support from local food providers — distributed 500 turkeys to families this Thanksgiving, and it’s gearing up for a Christmas gift drive on Dec. 18.

Powell will be otherwise occupied as the Heat will play the Nets in Brooklyn that day. But his foundation is left in the hands of his mother, Sharon Powell, sisters Margaret Powell-Smart and Joniece Benjamin, and a handful of lifelong friends from his hometown.

That’s fitting, he says, because his foundation is very family-oriented, and his mother is his inspiration in all of his charitable endeavors.

“She was a big advocate in giving back to the community, helping the next family, somebody else in need,” Powell said. “Watching her as a kid rubbed off on me. And I always thought that if I made it to the NBA, I’d never forgot where I came from and I’d always try to give back and help the next generation go after their own dreams.”

Next week’s Christmas event, Powell says, has been an annual event for about eight years. He says his mom receives referrals from the community, coaches and teachers about families in need, and then Understand the Grind gets them a gift card or a shopping experience where they can choose gifts for their family.

Norman Powell’s foundation provided turkeys to 500 San Diego families for Thanksgiving.

Powell, the No. 46 pick in the 2015 NBA Draft, broke into the league with the Toronto Raptors and won an NBA championship in the 2018-19 season. He’s been a vital member of playoff teams with the Portland Trail Blazers and the LA Clippers in his career as well.

The Clippers dealt Powell to the Heat in the offseason. He hit his stride in Miami, leading it in scoring and 3-point shots made (3.1) per game.

He says his personal motivational mantra and motto — “Understand the Grind” — originated in a conversation with his childhood friends about why so few players from southeast San Diego make it to the NBA.

“One of my friends said, ‘A lot of the people don’t understand the grind and what it takes to be successful and the choices you have to make.’ ” Powell said. “That kind of stuck with us, and we used it as a tool whenever we were going through something tough, some obstacles or challenges.

“We leaned on it like it was all part of the process, all part of the grind of what we’re going through to get where we wanted to be.”

Over the years, “Understand the Grind” became more than just a philosophy. It is also a lifestyle brand.

Powell started making shirts during his rookie season in Toronto, and soon thereafter, it developed into a clothing line. Later, it blossomed into his charitable foundation, which now offers year-round mentorship, educational support and an annual youth basketball camp. Additionally, Powell also launched the Grind Media Group this year.

There’s a message, he says, encoded in it all that transcends sports, and it applies to people in just about every stage of their lives and careers.

“Everybody has their own grind. Everybody’s trying to be successful in some type of field, and everybody has to put the work in,” Powell said. “Obviously, there are some people more fortunate than others, but for the majority of people, you’ve got to work from the bottom up in whatever field you’ve chosen.

“You have to sacrifice and out-work the next person, and you have to be ready for your opportunity and step into it with confidence knowing you’ve put the work in to get where you are.”

Powell’s UTG Scholars Program starts with student athletes at a young age, and it introduces them to successful people in the community in a number of careers. It allows them to job-shadow, and when they get closer to college, Powell says his student-athletes have an opportunity to earn scholarships, sponsorships and other forms of assistance.

“That could be helping with supplies for their dorms, putting money on their books or even helping them move in,” he says. “My mom has driven up to different colleges that kids have gotten scholarships to and helped them set up. We help them see outside of the community they’re in that they can be successful and go out of their normal way of life.”

Sharon Powell (seated), Norman Powell’s mom, is his inspiration for philanthropy.

Powell’s philanthropy has also extended outside the country.

Last summer, the veteran began to get in touch with his roots on his dad’s side (Norman Powell Sr.), and he wanted to play for the Jamaican National Team as it attempts to qualify for the 2028 Olympic Games.

The island nation was struck by Category 5 Hurricane Melissa back in October, and  Powell found himself the captain of Jamaica’s National Team as the island faced a dire need for reconstruction. Powell made a $100,000 donation to Jamaica from his own foundation, and he also led a clothing and canned goods drive through UTG.

Powell’s foundation is currently readying another relief shipment for the people of Jamaica, and people who want to contribute can reach out to the Understand the Grind Foundation at its official website.

“I’m not a person who just talks about helping and being a part. I’m somebody who really commits,” he said. “Not only is the country of Jamaica going through a tough time with the hurricane, but I’m checking in on the families of my teammates and making sure they’re all good. I’m doing whatever I can to help provide some type of relief.”