Name dropping Silicon Valley Business Journal honors Justin White – Santa Cruz Sentinel

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 “40 Under 40” in-person event held Aug. 18 at the Serpentine Pavilion in San Jose.

White is the CEO of K&D Landscaping, a full-service construction, water 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.

Ariana Rios honored

Ariana Rios on Thursday was honored as Dispatcher of the Year by Santa Cruz Regional 9-1-1 for fiscal year 2022-23. Rios began her career as a dispatcher assistant at Santa Cruz Regional 9-1-1 in June 2016, according to the meeting agenda.

After starting as a dispatcher assistant, Rios took on additional roles, including emergency medical dispatcher and fire pod dispatcher. In July 2020, Rios was certified as a Spanish bilingual dispatcher.

She received a proclamation at Thursday’s meeting.

Forbes recognizes Sutter

Sutter Health was named as one of The Best Employers for Women this year by Forbes. Thirty-five health care organizations were recognized as part of Forbes’ list, according to a news release. Sutter Health ranked 18th.

Sutter is a health care network serving more than 3 million patients in Northern California.

Education

The following local students were honored for their academic achievement:

• Kelly Schweitzer, of Santa Cruz, earned a doctor of chiropractic degree from Palmer College of Chiropractic’s 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’s West Campus in San Jose.

• Thomas Dachs, of Santa Cruz, was named to the spring 2022 term dean’s list at Palmer College of Chiropractic’s West Campus in San Jose.

• Jake Hedrick, of Watsonville, was named to the spring 2022 term dean’s list at Palmer College of Chiropractic’s West Campus in San Jose.

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