Disqus - Latest Comments for JCarole

Re: A teen's turbulent family life and the death of a Santa Cruz 8-year-old

JCarole — Sat, 01 Aug 2015 16:12:28 -0000

Yes. Just yes.

Re: Cops and Courts: Aug. 1, 2015: Family of slain child saying online fundraising ‘not sanctioned’

JCarole — Fri, 31 Jul 2015 23:45:17 -0000

Could the Sentinel look into this fundraising a little more closely because I understand Maddy had two families and it's my understanding that one is there to help her dad who's self employed.

Re: Santa Cruz: Teen to be charged as an adult in killing of Maddy Middleton

JCarole — Wed, 29 Jul 2015 15:01:56 -0000

As someone who knows the boy, he needed mental health help before this. I actually tried to get him to go (he declined - he was 13 and to your point, he didn't understand how help would help). I'm concerned about charging him as an adult as well. We expect so much from our teens and yet we do so little to support them through these years. He was so very alone. This whole thing is beyond my comprehension.

Re: Editorial, July 29, 2015: Amid tragic death of child, how do we keep our kids safe?

JCarole — Wed, 29 Jul 2015 11:28:48 -0000

Well said. And to reassure parents, we knew the kid who did it. He was in our home. And never, ever, ever could we imagine he'd hurt another person. It just wasn't him - but it was. So don't make your kids paranoid. Don't scare them. I feel like I know people really well and I'm blown away by this. I don't believe there was anything we could have done to prevent this. Honestly. And I've spent the better part of two days running it over and over and over in my head.

Re: Mourners gather at Tannery Arts Center in Santa Cruz to remember 8-year-old

JCarole — Tue, 28 Jul 2015 16:04:10 -0000

Thank you for understanding. This point of view (actually caring about a perpetrator) is so weird. I've never been in this place before.

Re: Mourners gather at Tannery Arts Center in Santa Cruz to remember 8-year-old

JCarole — Tue, 28 Jul 2015 15:37:50 -0000

As someone who knows the suspect, my brain just can't figure this out. I live in fear of hearing the rest of the story. And my kid who was friends with him, is beside herself. As are many of his friends. This is such a horrible story all the way around. I am beyond sad.

Re: 5 New Brighton Middle School students threaten school shooting; call it a ‘hoax’

JCarole — Mon, 11 May 2015 12:04:16 -0000

Ohmigosh, if I had a dime for every time someone said they wanted to shoot someone... it's how we vent. And these kids see this crap on TV every day - the Republican candidates are running around talking how bad they want to kill people (Hawks baby, only one way to solve a problem, just kill it). The more the kids are stigmatized, the more we ruin five young lives. I'm pretty sure they've had the crap scared out of them. And there is seriously, not one ounce of damage her other than people going a little nuts. So put them to work doing some school clean-up. Great way to give back and take responsibility for being dumb-asses.

Re: Santa Cruz Toddler Care Center trying to pay teachers at least $15 an hour

JCarole — Fri, 01 May 2015 15:14:24 -0000

Let's be clear, this is probably one of the best childcare facilities we have in the county and these are NOT babysitters. As a parent I teamed with these teachers - and yes, they freaking teach - and as a result, had a great toddler who learned some outstanding socializing from the Toddler Center (YES, a TODDLER can learn). And I learned some great parenting techniques that gave my kid a consistent experience. I support their thinking about pay - I had always wished I could pay more because the service was so outstanding. And these kids form incredibly relationships with these teachers that can impact them for life. They certainly deserve to be paid a living wage. Our model for caring for kids is still backwards. Getting these little ones off on the right foot makes a difference in all ways - social, educational, health. I urge the County to make this a priority and I commend the Toddler Center for pressing the issue and advocating for their staff (which utlimately is advocating for the kids and their families).

Re: Military jet escorts biplane back to Watsonville airport; local pilot violated restricted airspace for Obama visit to LinkedIn

JCarole — Fri, 13 Feb 2015 18:13:20 -0000

I little video for you: http://instagram.com/p/zDuX...

Re: UFC will issue uniforms to its fighters next year

JCarole — Wed, 10 Dec 2014 12:11:40 -0000

Quite possibly one of the best nights EVER for weather, spirit, community. It was wonderful. Everyone was happy and helpful. The boats were great (thank you folks!) and the moon was amazing and no jackets required. Even traffic - which was tight - was pretty chill. We all came home feeling so happy. Thank you neighbors. Wow.

Re: School threat investigation continues in Santa Cruz

JCarole — Wed, 26 Nov 2014 14:04:22 -0000

If there's a laugh to be had, it's that's little detail: the cafeteria! OMG, so not a student, because according to my kid, no one eats there!

Re: Tesla share falls as Morgan Stanley cuts forecast on Model X delay

JCarole — Fri, 21 Nov 2014 13:16:23 -0000

Oh man, I don't know what else is here in comments but I love that I read yours first. I agree, restitution alone will keep this kid busy for the rest of his life. We don't need him in jail and destroying his life isn't the answer. Teens are possibly the stupidest people on earth when it comes to understanding the consequences of their actions. Yep, we were rattled by this but you know what, we had a lot of very good conversations as a result and priorities were reset. And unintended consequence that I am appreciating (and no, I don't ever want to do this again, let's be clear). I'm deeply disappointed this kid didn't think about what might happen next but other than the legal ramifications, I'm not sure I could have predicted what would happen.

Re: Letters, Oct. 26, 2014: Thanks and farewell to the invaluable Kaleidoscope

JCarole — Mon, 27 Oct 2014 13:42:26 -0000

Joy and Steve - I'm with you. Great people who filled a need in a community where learning is so valued. When we were in home school (with you Joy!) we spent so much time there. And it was our family's store-of-choice for present buying for nearly all ages. I can't believe someone didn't want to buy the business - thank you Kaleidoscope folks. We will miss you so much!

Re: Student found with gun at Santa Cruz middle school

JCarole — Fri, 10 Oct 2014 18:35:30 -0000

Kudos to the aide who so seemingly cooly got that gun the hell away from the kids. NICE.

Since this is the Sentinel and I have no idea what actually happened, I'm assuming when the Administration "examined" the damn gun, they just looked in the bag. Because touching it would be just dumb. Now let's find out how a 13 year old has big enough testicles to keep from telling the Police where the thing came from.

Re: Grey Bears thrift store in Santa Cruz gutted by fire

JCarole — Mon, 08 Sep 2014 13:52:17 -0000

The seniors are overlooked. Not the Grey Bears. I think you misread the sentence.

Re: Theater review: Cabrillo Stage 'puts together' Sondheim revue

JCarole — Fri, 18 Jul 2014 14:09:55 -0000

We went last night and left (with half the house) at the break. Impossible to hear and what I did hear was sexist, horrible, dated, anti-woman tripe. My teenage daughter left earlier after a disgusting song about needing a maid to cater to a man's "needs". My mom argued, "that's how it used to be" but I counter with - then leave it as old and don't give it a showcase. There are too many good shows this talented crew could focus on. This is the second bad choice this season (the other being Altar Boyz which has a tiny bit more storyline but does a nice job of being pretty anti-Jew if you ask me - we hated it as well - I mean it's rare I actually hate a show). I don't know if there's been a change in the management but I am deeply disappointed in this season and we've been compulsive season ticket holders. Alas, I won't jump so quickly next year. Sadly, I feel like I lost both time and money this year with both shows. Holding out hope for Oliver next month.

Re: Santa Cruz man killed in Hwy. 17 crash remembered as charismatic, funny

JCarole — Wed, 16 Jul 2014 00:10:15 -0000

This is so sad I don't even know what to say. You are a strong family and you don't deserve these tragic losses. Sending you strength.

Re: 'Dharma Punx' author Noah Levine offers a Buddhist approach to addiction recovery in 'Refuge Recovery'

JCarole — Fri, 11 Jul 2014 16:13:41 -0000

Really enjoyed his first book - candid, real, local - will be interesting to learn about how his journey has continued. If you have a kid who's on the "edge" Dharma Punx is a good read. It's amazing how some kids get lost and his story is probably like so many that exist today.

Re: One killed in multi-vehicle injury crash on northbound Highway 17 near Los Gatos

JCarole — Fri, 11 Jul 2014 13:09:30 -0000

The big rigs pay a ton of the taxes (that used to go to keeping our roads in good repair). the issue here isn't about being a big rig, it's about driving it recklessly. Rig speed needs to be low going up or downhill (this is where it always speeds up and slows down) and they simply need to take the time they need to stay in control of their vehicle. There are tons of lane jockeys who think nothing of changing lanes right in front of trucks (totally suicidal IMHO) but truck drivers should be used to that and accommodate. Who cares about lawsuits and blame - when it's all done, so many lives have been devastated - we all need to drive that hill so damn carefully. My condolences to all the families.

Re: Graffiti, damaged trees found at Harbor High School in Santa Cruz

JCarole — Fri, 13 Jun 2014 14:22:02 -0000

Good discussion about this happening on Take Back Santa Cruz including some very generous folks offering to help with repairs. Join the group, join the discussion and if you can help, it will be appreciated (especially with the trees!). https://www.facebook.com/gr...

Re: Medical Marijuana- What’s It Good For?

JCarole — Sun, 08 Jun 2014 20:06:52 -0000

So does it have to be legal to do good studies? I feel like there's still so much to learn on the good and bad side.

Re: Medical Marijuana- What’s It Good For?

JCarole — Sun, 08 Jun 2014 20:04:46 -0000

So interesting, that's what I was wondering about. I don't want Ambien if a little tea with THC honey in it works just as well. Do you smoke or use derivatives?

Re: Introducing Community Voices - Santa Cruz Sentinel

JCarole — Mon, 02 Jun 2014 22:48:56 -0000

YAY! Good work folks. I know it's hard but glad to see it continue.

Re: Santa Cruz celebrates equality at 40th annual Pride Parade

JCarole — Mon, 02 Jun 2014 12:53:48 -0000

Totally agree. Lame pics on Instagram too. Worst photo selection EVER and the event was great. So much love. So much fun and happiness and yet these pics - just terrible.

Re: Man arrested after Santa Cruz stabbing

JCarole — Fri, 16 May 2014 14:06:53 -0000

Or the furniture store. I hate the way this is written because it seems like the crime happened in Live Oak but the victim is from Live Oak (which seems like we are parsing things a bit) and the damn crime happened in Santa Cruz. Good chance your Car Wash guess is spot on.