The recently decided Ninth Circuit case, Crown Point  vs. Sun Valley, illustrates the contrast between social justice and equal justice. Social justice relies on the establishment of  "civil law, " which is designed to expand government and its partners authority at the expense of individual liberty. Equal justice on the other hand respects individual rights and private property. The Crown Point case sets an example for equal justice.

With a new Congress convening, it’s time to recall the ideals of America as expressed by Thomas Jefferson in the American Declaration of Independence. This expression of the the Declaration is updated to reflect the current usurpations and threats we face. This writing makes an urgent call for our recently elected representatives to fulfill the promise of America envisioned by our Founders and for we, the people, to insist that they do.

California Department of Forestry Fire Chief Steve Wert called for a citizen to replace Aptos-La Selva Fire Chief Gary Smith as chairman of the County Fire Safe Council at the council’s recent meeting.

Summary: The people of Santa Cruz County truly believed in 1978 that by allowing the government to limit growth in the County, they would be able to preserve the small town character of the county that they loved. But, by giving the County apparently unlimited control over the free market and building permits, they have created the opposite situation.