Quick Take:
Health care organizations looks to strengthen services for low-income and homeless residents of the county to bolster...
Good morning, Lookout fam! It’s Friday, Dec. 3, and after that long sunny stretch, we’ve got a record-scratch foggy morning that should give way to sun and 60s as the day goes on. Fingers crossed for some rain next week:
We’re in the holiday spirit, if you hadn’t noticed, and our Keeping It Local gift guide has a wealth of ideas for even that super-hard-to-buy-for person on your list. Wallace Baine’s latest installment focuses on apparel, and today will bring another set of recommendations from Lily Belli.
Wallace and Lookout’s Team BOLO also have the holidays front and center in the latest helping of Best Bets — with music, lights and markets, there’s plenty going on this weekend and beyond.
And voting is open ahead of Tuesday’s special election for Watsonville City Council; Lookout’s Grace Stetson has a rundown on the candidates, how to cast your ballot and more.
Let’s hit those Friday headlines:
Keeping It Local: When it comes to apparel, ‘buying local’ is in the eye of the wearer
Lookout’s “Keeping It Local” gift guide rolls along as Wallace Baine threads his way through Santa Cruz clothing options. Get his thoughts here.
➤ READ THE WHOLE SERIES: Keeping It Local: Lookout shows you how to keep your hard-earned dollars here in Santa Cruz
Watsonville City Council special election window closes Tuesday — here’s what you need to know
Following the unexpected departure of District 2 Councilmember Aurelio Gonzalez in September, two people are vying in a special election to replace him on the Watsonville City Council. Get the details here from Lookout’s Grace Stetson.
➤ MORE FROM SOUTH COUNTY: Find all our Watsonville coverage here
Best Bets is stoked for the weekend
From First Friday activities galore to Coltrane at UC Santa Cruz and holiday music and lights all over the county, Wallace Baine and Lookout’s Team BOLO have recommendations for things to do this weekend and beyond. Find ‘em all here.
➤ LONG-TERM PLANNING: Check out Down The Line, Wallace’s expertly curated list of big events coming our way
A ‘no snow’ California could come sooner than you think
New research has found that winters of low snow, or even no snow, could become a regular occurrence in California in as little as 35 years. Our partners at the Los Angeles Times sort through the findings.
➤ CHALLENGES ABOUND: The American West went through climate hell in 2021. But there’s still hope (Los Angeles Times)
New California law eases aid-in-dying process
A revision to a 2015 statute loosens some restrictions that proponents say have become barriers to dying people who wish to avail themselves of the law. Read more here from our partners at Kaiser Health News.
➤ MORE HEALTH & WELLNESS NEWS: Find all of Lookout’s coverage here
ICYMI: MLB lockout could take a while
MLB commissioner Rob Manfred and players union chief Tony Clark staged separate news conferences Thursday, with each side blaming the other for the lockout. The Times looks at how ugly things might get.
➤ PREVIOUSLY: MLB commences lockout as CBA expires, triggering baseball’s first work stoppage in 26 years (Los Angeles Times)
Around the county …
➤ Santa Cruz man sentenced to 6 years for attacking a Black man (KSBW-TV)
➤ Scotts Valley selects new city manager (The Press Banner)
➤ Santa Cruz RTC approves deferred road maintenance (Santa Cruz Sentinel)
➤ Watsonville historian Lou Arbanas dies (The Pajaronian)
Plenty more coming from Lookout this first Friday of December — a double scoop of Lily Belli, for example, with not only her latest contribution to our Keeping It Local gift guide but also another helping of Eaters Digest. Bookmark our website to keep up on everything, and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. You can also get text and email alerts and subscribe to our other newsletters via our Lookout Newsletter & Text Center.
To ensure you’re staying informed about all the goings-on in Santa Cruz, consider becoming a Lookout member. Our content isn’t possible without community support.
May your Friday be a breeze, and have a most excellent weekend — I’ll catch you all back here Monday morning.
Will McCahill
Lookout Santa Cruz