Ask Lookout is Lookout’s own forum for investigating and exploring the questions that locals might wonder about: Was the “Cement Ship” a party boat? What’s the story with the “door to nowhere” on Front Street? Did the Virgin Mary visit Watsonville?
Aptos
Posted inEducation
PVUSD board weighs future of ethnic studies contract as community rallies behind program
After not renewng an ethnic studies contract with Community Responsive Education last year over antisemitism concerns, Pajaro Valley Unified School District is considering hiring a new ethnic studies consultant. Despite vocal opposition, students, teachers and most trustees praised the program’s impact in a meeting on Friday. There are two town halls scheduled before a May board decision.
Posted inEducation
Cabrillo College horticulture students help plan native, sustainable garden
The one-day beautification effort will create a drought-tolerant, eco-conscious landscape in partnership with K&D Landscaping, designed by Shanti Wertz of Evolve Exteriors and Nicola Hughes of Cabrillo Horticulture with support from students in the horticulture department. The native plant landscape design celebrates California’s native plants and Indigenous culture while providing a new outdoor lab area for students. Plants will be labeled to encourage community learning and cultural appreciation.
Posted inEducation
Ceiba charter school to remain in current location under proposed deal
Ceiba College Preparatory Academy in Watsonville has been in a legal battle to be able to stay in its current location for years. During a Wednesday meeting, Pajaro Valley Unified School District’s governing board will vote on an agreement officials believe will allow them to stay.
Posted inBusiness & Technology
This week in Santa Cruz County business: New Toadal Fitness opens downtown as Lincoln Ave. location shutters; uncertain times for day laborers
In her weekly look at local business, Jessica M. Pasko has an update on Toadal Fitness’ moves, what Santa Cruz County day laborers are seeing and names, numbers and dates to know.
Posted inLatest News
Fire, police unite to honor fallen Santa Cruz Regional 911 dispatcher
Santa Cruz Regional 911 dispatcher Billie Savell was honored by a formal procession on Saturday after a multiyear battle with stage 4 cancer.
Posted inEducation
Father of Aptos High principal confirms she didn’t resign
After Aptos High School Principal Alison Hanks-Sloan announced that she wouldn’t be returning to the school as principal next year, teachers and parents were shocked and confused. The father of Hanks-Sloan told Lookout he has seen a letter from the district’s human resources department that informs Hanks-Sloan that she’s being reassigned from her position, and isn’t a resignation letter.
Posted inLatest News
Carmageddon: Work, erosion continues on West Cliff Drive as next 5 years begin to take shape
The City of Santa Cruz is preparing to begin work on several projects along West Cliff Drive as early as this year, now that the city council has officially approved the road’s five-year roadmap. Meanwhile, more erosion is manifesting in an area that was already closed for about 18 months following the 2023 storms.
Posted inFood & Drink
Eaters Digest: Six food & drink events this spring
Now that spring is officially here, Lily Belli has six food & drink events to celebrate the season around Santa Cruz County.
Posted inEducation
Aptos High principal tells school she won’t return for next academic year, inspiring a petition to keep her there
Aptos High School teachers and families were shocked and saddened to hear that Principal Alison Hanks-Sloan won’t be returning to the position next year. District officials say she resigned, but teachers believe she was told to leave.
