Quick Take:
The August 2020 CZU wildfire scorched over 85,000 acres of Big Basin Redwoods State Park. California State Parks redwood...
Top of the morning to you, friends. It’s Tuesday, Nov. 16, and many of us are still shaking off some fog that will give way to a mix of sun and clouds around Santa Cruz County, with highs in the low to mid-60s.
There’s good news this morning about a beloved local institution, but before we get to that …
Our call for Unsung Santa Cruz nominees has resulted in some amazing candidates. We will keep the nominee doors open here at least until the end of the week, and then we’ve got to make some tough decisions and get going on these inspiring stories. So if you’ve got a special, under-the-radar someone in mind who deserves an end-of-2021 shoutout, we’re all ears. Hit us up at news@lookoutlocal.com.
And now, to the headlines I promised:
Palace Arts will now remain open in Capitola under new local ownership
The family that took over local restaurants the Crow’s Nest, Gilda’s on the Wharf and Santa Cruz Diner are the new owners of the 41st Avenue Palace store. Read what the parties are saying here.
➤ PREVIOUSLY: ‘One last Christmas season’: Months after saying goodbye to Santa Cruz, Palace Arts to leave Capitola (Lookout)
Judge OKs placement of sexually violent predator in Bonny Doon
Over the objections of prosecutors and neighbors Monday, a Santa Cruz judge approved the placement of Michael Cheek, diagnosed as a sexually violent predator, in a Bonny Doon home. Lookout’s Hillary Ojeda lays out what’s next.
➤ FROM SEPTEMBER: A test of ‘Bonny Doon Strong’: Why a ‘sexually violent predator’ should not be this community’s next battle (Lookout)
Rehousing Wave ramping up efforts for the unhoused
In March, Santa Cruz County launched the “Rehousing Wave” program, offering landlords financial incentives to house community residents experiencing homelessness. Lookout’s Grace Stetson looks at the program’s target numbers and more.
➤ MORE LOCAL HOUSING: ‘It’s infuriating’: Why Santa Cruz’s earliest ADU adopters are asking where to find their perks (Lookout)
How to set ground rules — about COVID vaccines and more — ahead of holiday gatherings
It’s OK to ask about vaccination status and have hard conversations with family about holiday gatherings and COVID safety. Just do it with respect. Our partners at the Los Angeles Times check in with experts.
➤ READY FOR THE NEXT DOSE? Can I get my COVID-19 booster shot now? Here’s what you need to know (Los Angeles Times)
70% of Californians have gotten at least one COVID vaccine dose
The milestone comes as officials urge more residents to get the shots, part of the effort to ward off a feared coronavirus resurgence this winter. The Times takes a closer look at our statewide numbers.
➤ WARNING SIGNS? COVID-19 surge in Europe as it heads into winter could bode ill for U.S. (Los Angeles Times)
Around the county …
➤ Santa Cruz’s Bubba Trumbull steps down as football coach after 15 seasons at helm (Sentinel)
➤ Watsonville City Council again meeting to discuss interim city manager position (Pajaronian)
➤ 12 inmates test positive for COVID-19 in Santa Cruz County Jail (KION-TV)
➤ Zayante volunteer firefighters recall harrowing Dixie days (Good Times)
That’s what I know as we embark on our Tuesday journey. You can keep tabs throughout the day by bookmarking our website and following us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. If you’re enjoying our coverage, please tell your family and friends about our Lookout Newsletter & Text Center, where they can sign up for all the newsletters and alerts we offer.
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Now get out there and attack this day with an enthusiasm unknown to mankind!
Will McCahill
Lookout Santa Cruz