Computer Science Education Week Community Nights are open to K-12 students, parents and community members to explore hands-on activities that showcase opportunities within the computer science field.
Cecilia Schutz
Cecilia Schutz is a fourth-year anthropology and Spanish studies student at UC Santa Cruz. Originally from Portland, Oregon, she developed an interest in local news and community engagement over the course of her time in Santa Cruz. In 2024, she joined UCSC’s student-run newspaper, City on a Hill Press, as a photographer. She later assumed the role as photo editor before joining the reporting desk, covering various topics ranging from campus protests to cultural events. She currently works as the opinion editor at the student-run paper, helping to streamline editorial content and story pitches. She has a fondness for coastal cities and is eager to explore the various sides of Santa Cruz county as an intern at Lookout.
Santa Cruz High music director to march in Rose Parade on New Year’s Day
Christina Latham is among 300 band directors invited to make up a marching band of music teachers from around the country at the Jan. 1 Rose Parade in Pasadena.
Capitola unveils new interpretive signage for wharf
The City of Capitola has installed informational signage on the Capitola Wharf at viewpoints overlooking the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. The signage is one of many new additions to the wharf after powerful northwest swells tore away its middle section in January 2023.
Beach hazards, coastal flood advisory in effect this week for Santa Cruz County
A beach hazards statement is in effect through 10 p.m. Wednesday due to an increased risk for strong sneaker waves and rip currents, and the National Weather Service also issued a coastal flood advisory from 6 a.m. Tuesday to 3 p.m. Sunday due to king tides, which are the highest tides of the year.
Scotts Valley Water District’s new well pumps 432,000 gallons per day
Scotts Valley Water District has added a new well to its water system. Sucinto Well is now operational and can pump up to 300 gallons of water per minute.
Santa Cruz Metro hosts ‘Stuff the Bus’ food drive Dec. 3
The Santa Cruz Metropolitan Transit District’s annual Stuff the Bus Food Drive will return for another year to support local families facing food insecurity during the holidays.
Cal Fire will require permits for backyard debris burns starting in December
Cal Fire San Mateo-Santa Cruz is changing its policy on burning debris in residential backyards. Effective Dec. 1, all residents of unincorporated areas of Santa Cruz County will need to fill out an online form and obtain a Cal Fire Residential Burn Permit in order to conduct backyard burning.
Entangled pelican rescued by high school surfer off Cowell Beach
A pelican trapped in fishing line was rescued after a woman spotted it off Santa Cruz’s Cowell Beach and two Santa Cruz High School surfers helped cut the bird free. Two other entangled birds died.
Pianist Benny Green takes the stage alongside UC Santa Cruz Jazz Big Band on Dec. 7
The UC Santa Cruz Jazz Big Band is holding a concert on Dec. 7 at the Music Center Recital Hall, with guest artist Benny Green under the direction of UCSC music lecturer Charles Hamilton.
Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks’ holiday sale happening the first weekend of December
Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks is kicking off the holiday season by hosting its annual ParkStore holiday sale at four separate locations on Dec. 6 and 7 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

