April 11, 2025 First Hour interview with Ryan McCauley...MidPeninsula Regional Open Space District and wildflower hikes; Big developer now on Planning Comm.; Hour 2: Stop Lithium BESS event 4/14/25

First Hour: Ryan McCauley, MidPeninsula Regional Open Space District, discusses formation of the District in 1972, to acquire and protect 62,000 acres as 26 Preserves, most open to the public for hiking, funding second safe wildlife crossing under Hwy 17, and a pedestrian/equestrian overpass,  and improvement projects supporting further trail systems.  He shared the best wildflower hikes currently are in St. Joseph's Hill (Los Gatos) and Skyline Ridge (Hwy 35). 

Host separately discussed recent appointment of Jesse Nickell, former VP of Barry Swenson Builder, by District 2 County Supervisor DeSerpa to County Planning Commission (he doesn't even live in D2!).

Second Hour: Liza Schmidt, Survivor of Moss Landing Vistra Battery Fire, discusses what happened during and after the disaster, lack of protocol for local medical agencies, and health problems since the disaster that officials are ignoring.  Nina Audino, STOP Lithium BESS in Santa Cruz County, discusses upcoming Town Hall Meeting April 14 in Watsonville to provide residents information and action plans because local officials are silent and unresponsive in face of impending approval of new BESS Ordinance and three such facility locations (Paul Sweet Rd. near Dominican Hosp., Freedom Blvd. near Aptos High, and 90 Minto Road in Watsonville... in permitting process!