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As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to take lives across the globe and hot spots are just forming in California’s larger cities, we are told by our national and local public health officials to brace ourselves as the worst is yet to come. Here are the latest coronavirus numbers reported on the Central Coast (last update April 7 @ 6:45 p.m.) Monterey County: 64 cases | 12 recoveries | 2 deaths Santa Cruz County: 76 cases | 0 recoveries | 1 death San Benito County: 31 cases | 17 recoveries | 2 deaths Santa Cruz County released its latest Shelter in Place order today establishing additional restrictions and criteria for Shelter in Place, stay at home and limited travel. County Public Health PHO. Let’s do a hard stop for a minute and take time to say thanks to those hard working first responders on the front lines — our medical professionals —doctors, nurses and their assistants that are placing their lives on the line to protect us. The law enforcement personnel — the county sheriff department, local city police departments throughout the county, fire fighters, state, county and city parks staff asking us to stay at home. The list of public sector personnel is too long to capture all who deserve support and praise during these times. Let’s give a shout out to the other essential workers at our banks, credit unions and other financial services. USPS personnel and delivery services like UPS, Fed Ex and home delivery drop off services. Let’s not forget to say thank you to the grocery store personnel, the employees at local businesses that are providing curb side and take out services, the attendants at the gas station. We are forever grateful to all of these heroes — let’s do our part by following social distancing practices — or better yet, stay in place and buy local whenever possible. Now the news that was a gut punch to many of us in the Santa Cruz County business community…On Sunday morning I received a shocking text followed by a set of e-mails alerting me that Santa Cruz County lost one of our finest, Sid Slatter. He died quietly in his sleep Sunday morning. He did not suffer through the pain and horrible coronavirus pandemic. He left us quietly in the mid-of-night. It is seldom in my life that I have the good fortune to meet, work and become a dear friend with someone like Sid Slatter. He was a giant of a man, humble, kind, generous and thoughtful. His passing leaves a huge hole in my heart and throughout the Santa Cruz County community. Sid was a big man, with an even bigger heart. He worked tirelessly, leading the family owned and operated Slatter Construction where he began his construction career while in high school. For thirty-five years he led development projects all over Santa Cruz County and throughout Northern California that have the Slatter brand marked in their successful completion. What marveled me most about Sid was not only his professional high quality standards for his clients — but to the Santa Cruz community he loved. You won’t find an organization in the county that does not have Sid’s footprint of caring and giving back — as President of the Rotary, the Chair of the Santa Cruz County Business Council, Chair of the Northern California chapter of the Association of Building Contractors, and as a board member of the Chamber these past few years. Slatter Construction is a symbol of giving back to our community. It was Sid’s calling card everywhere he went and to every person he came in contact with. But what is undeniable was Sid’s personal contributions to our coastal community — giving his time, treasure and talent wherever he went. Life takes us on different paths and affords the opportunity to make friends and business associate along the way. Sid’s professional standing in life placed him in contact with hard working people. At times, Sid provided leadership and gave direction when asked to lead. And at other times, he was asked to follow. He did so in a humble and kind way because you always knew that he had your back. There is no wrong place in that order. As we continue to conquer this dreaded virus please remember most, though, to say thank you for the job those hard working people do each and every day, and never use a short temper to get your point across. Sid Slatter lived that life daily as he always treated everyone as he hoped that they would treat him. Here is to one gentle giant of man that we owe a debt of gratitude. Rest in peace Sid Slatter. Please keep him and his family in your thoughts and prayers.
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to take lives across the globe and hot spots are just forming in California’s larger cities, we are told by our national and local public health officials to brace ourselves as the worst is yet to come. Here are the latest coronavirus numbers reported on the Central Coast (last update April 7 @ 6:45 p.m.)
Santa Cruz County released its latest Shelter in Place order today establishing additional restrictions and criteria for Shelter in Place, stay at home and limited travel. County Public Health PHO. Let’s do a hard stop for a minute and take time to say thanks to those hard working first responders on the front lines — our medical professionals —doctors, nurses and their assistants that are placing their lives on the line to protect us. The law enforcement personnel — the county sheriff department, local city police departments throughout the county, fire fighters, state, county and city parks staff asking us to stay at home. The list of public sector personnel is too long to capture all who deserve support and praise during these times. Let’s give a shout out to the other essential workers at our banks, credit unions and other financial services. USPS personnel and delivery services like UPS, Fed Ex and home delivery drop off services. Let’s not forget to say thank you to the grocery store personnel, the employees at local businesses that are providing curb side and take out services, the attendants at the gas station. We are forever grateful to all of these heroes — let’s do our part by following social distancing practices — or better yet, stay in place and buy local whenever possible. Now the news that was a gut punch to many of us in the Santa Cruz County business community…On Sunday morning I received a shocking text followed by a set of e-mails alerting me that Santa Cruz County lost one of our finest, Sid Slatter. He died quietly in his sleep Sunday morning. He did not suffer through the pain and horrible coronavirus pandemic. He left us quietly in the mid-of-night. It is seldom in my life that I have the good fortune to meet, work and become a dear friend with someone like Sid Slatter. He was a giant of a man, humble, kind, generous and thoughtful. His passing leaves a huge hole in my heart and throughout the Santa Cruz County community. Sid was a big man, with an even bigger heart. He worked tirelessly, leading the family owned and operated Slatter Construction where he began his construction career while in high school. For thirty-five years he led development projects all over Santa Cruz County and throughout Northern California that have the Slatter brand marked in their successful completion. What marveled me most about Sid was not only his professional high quality standards for his clients — but to the Santa Cruz community he loved. You won’t find an organization in the county that does not have Sid’s footprint of caring and giving back — as President of the Rotary, the Chair of the Santa Cruz County Business Council, Chair of the Northern California chapter of the Association of Building Contractors, and as a board member of the Chamber these past few years. Slatter Construction is a symbol of giving back to our community. It was Sid’s calling card everywhere he went and to every person he came in contact with. But what is undeniable was Sid’s personal contributions to our coastal community — giving his time, treasure and talent wherever he went. Life takes us on different paths and affords the opportunity to make friends and business associate along the way. Sid’s professional standing in life placed him in contact with hard working people. At times, Sid provided leadership and gave direction when asked to lead. And at other times, he was asked to follow. He did so in a humble and kind way because you always knew that he had your back. There is no wrong place in that order. As we continue to conquer this dreaded virus please remember most, though, to say thank you for the job those hard working people do each and every day, and never use a short temper to get your point across. Sid Slatter lived that life daily as he always treated everyone as he hoped that they would treat him. Here is to one gentle giant of man that we owe a debt of gratitude. Rest in peace Sid Slatter. Please keep him and his family in your thoughts and prayers.