Justin White, CEO of Watsonville’s K&D Landscaping, was honored with a “40 Under 40” award from the Silicon Valley Business Journal.
All 40 honorees will be recognized at this year’s in-person “40 Under 40” event held Aug. 18 at the Serpentine Pavilion in San Jose.
White is the CEO of K&D Landscaping, a full-service construction, management and maintenance company located in Santa Cruz County, according to the release announcing the award. Taking over the family business in 2015, White has focused on sustainable growth with increased profitability.
Dear Ariana Rios
Ariana Rios on Thursday was honored as Santa Cruz Regional 9-1-1 Dispatcher of the Year for the 2022-23 fiscal year. Rios began her career as an assistant dispatcher at Santa Cruz Regional 9-1-1 in June 2016, according to the meeting agenda.
After starting as an assistant dispatcher, Rios took on other roles, including emergency medical dispatcher and fire dispatcher. In July 2020, Rios was certified as a bilingual Spanish dispatcher.
She received a proclamation at Thursday’s meeting.
Forbes knows Sutter
Sutter Health was named one of the Best Employers for Women this year by Forbes. Thirty-five healthcare organizations were recognized as part of the Forbes list, according to a press release. Sutter Health was ranked 18th.
Sutter is a healthcare network serving more than 3 million patients in Northern California.
educatIon
The following local students were honored for their academic achievements:
• Kelly Schweitzer, of Santa Cruz, earned a doctorate of chiropractic degree from Palmer College of Chiropractic West Campus in San Jose.
• Coral Brady, of Santa Cruz, was named to the spring 2022 term dean’s list at Palmer College of Chiropractic West Campus in San Jose.
• Thomas Dachs, of Santa Cruz, was named to the dean’s list for the spring 2022 term at Palmer College of Chiropractic West Campus in San Jose.
• Jake Hedrick, of Watsonville, was named to the dean’s list for the spring 2022 term at Palmer College of Chiropractic West Campus in San Jose.
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