After weeks of negotiations, Gov. Gavin Newsom and top Democrats in the Legislature say they have a budget deal. Legislators will start voting today on bills related to the agreement, which sets spending and policy across a wide range of issues affecting Californians.
Events
Posted inArts & Entertainment, Events
Weekender: One local’s letters to the wind, go for Baroque at Boomeria and time for trivia
Hi friends, These incredibly long evening daylight hours make for great exercising or gardening, but once nightfall finally does arrive, here’s an appropriate film recommendation for this time of year, 2002’s “Insomnia” featuring Al Pacino as an out-of-town detective who arrives in a small town in Alaska to investigate a murder and can’t quite get […]
Posted inArts & Entertainment, Events
Weekender: Meet up with the Lost Boys, a math-music mashup & George Winston’s local connection
Hi friends, If you’ve ever ridden the Logger’s Revenge ride at the Boardwalk, you might understand a bit about how I feel about the summer. We’re right at the top of the flume, ready for the plunge with the upcoming solstice. Hold on, it’s going to be a great ride. Now, on with the show. […]
Posted inEvents, Politics & Policy
Renters’ rights: California advocates chip away at landlords’ political influence
As groups representing landlords and real estate pour millions of dollars into political coffers to influence housing policy, tenant groups are celebrating recent victories.
Posted inEvents, Health & Wellness
Watsonville Community Hospital nurses protest staffing issues, virtual doctors, as contract negotiations begin
Nurses at Watsonville Community Hospital held a news conference Tuesday to highlight the departure of 42 nurses since new public ownership — Pajaro Valley Healthcare District — reduced the number of part-time positions available. They say they want a union contract with the district that addresses this and other daily challenges nurses face at the hospital.
Posted inArts & Entertainment, Events
Weekender: An epic tradition, pops goes the symphony and get your trivia brain back in gear
Hi friends, Canada is burning, the Pacific Northwest is caught in a heat wave and millions of us in California are forgetting what sunshine looks like. Ho hum, another June in the surreal 21st century. What climate surprises are in store for us this summer? I shiver to think … or maybe I’m shivering for […]
Posted inArts & Entertainment, Events
Weekender: Pride weekend, First Friday, our own Tom Brady & beer and ‘La Bohème’
Hi friends, Happy Pride weekend. Considering what’s happening in states like Texas, Tennessee and Florida, the struggles of LGBTQ+ — particularly trans — people to live in freedom and peace is the civil rights issue of our age. Is it time for another Freedom Ride of idealistic young allies to arrive in red states by […]
Posted inArts & Entertainment, Events
Weekender: Artist’s take on downtown development, bringing Cabrillo Fest home & free music outdoors
Hi friends, Remember these names: Morgen Jacobs. Joey Spence. Victor Gonzalez. Andres Perez. Bernard P. Corpuz. Kylan Jones-Huffman. Jason Hendrix. They are among those from Santa Cruz County who lost their lives in combat serving their country in Iraq and Afghanistan. This Memorial Day, let’s honor them and their families not with grief or guilt, […]
Posted inEvents, Latest News
Newsom unveils sweeping plan to speed up California infrastructure projects
Gov. Gavin Newsom’s infrastructure plan could shorten construction of bridges, broadband, water projects and highway maintenance by three years and save the state millions of dollars. At the center of the plan is the polarizing California Environmental Quality Act.
Posted inArts & Entertainment, Events
Weekender: Tay Lion roars again, playwrights honing their chops and Blissed-out art
Hi friends, If you have memories of the great Bay Area icon Vida Blue, who died last week, you and I should really get coffee sometime. I’ll be the one wearing the garish green-and-yellow Vida Blue jersey. RIP to one of my childhood superheroes. Now, on with the show. This Just In! He’s a national […]