Pajaro Valley Unified School District is set to review plans on Wednesday to build teacher housing and a new performing arts center after voters approved a $315 million bond measure in November. The district will discuss two feasibility studies for an apartment complex that could be built at one of seven school sites, with costs ranging from $52 million to $87 million, alongside plans for a new performing arts center that could cost $24 million.
Corralitos / Freedom
Posted inEducation
Five new faces and a fresh start: How controversy over ethnic studies helped reshape Pajaro Valley Unified School District
Three incumbents on the Pajaro Valley Unified School District governing board lost their seats to three newcomers in the November election. District community members talked to Lookout about how they think that happened.
Posted inEducation
With bond measures totaling $480 million approved, county school districts eager to get improvements started
Four Santa Cruz County public school districts received official approval this week that their bond measures passed, clearing the way for repairing leaky roofs, refurbishing athletic fields and potentially building workforce housing. Leaders told Lookout they’re relieved and appreciative of the community’s support.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
For voters in Watsonville’s District 6, Dutra’s community ties outweighed legal troubles
Jimmy Dutra won reelection to the Watsonville City Council with 55% of the vote, two months after a jury found him liable for sexually assaulting a minor in a civil lawsuit. Some voters in District 6 cited Dutra’s neighborhood advocacy as the reason behind their support, while others questioned the lawsuit’s validity.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
District 2 Santa Cruz County supervisor: Kim De Serpa defeats Kristen Brown
After Tuesday’s vote update, Kim De Serpa has won the District 2 Santa Cruz County supervisor seat narrowly over Kristen Brown, who conceded. De Serpa finished with a 722-vote lead over Brown, or 51% to 48%.
Posted inEducation
School district ballot measures: Most districts secure victories, Live Oak falls short
The majority of Santa Cruz County school district bond and parcel tax measures secured victories after a 4 p.m. Tuesday voting update. Live Oak School District’s Measure N was the only bond measure to fail.
Posted inRecreation & Sports
Nisene Marks, Soquel Demonstration forests to see prescribed burns starting in early December
California State Parks is conducting prescribed burns at The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park starting in early December and continuing through late January.
Posted inFood & Drink
Lily Belli on Food: Mackenzies’ farewell, Pacific Cookie’s giftable towers and taming the Thanksgiving control freak
Mackenzies Chocolates closing, crab season still on hold, local artists add to Pacific Cookie Company’s appeal, an honor for winemaker Ryan Alfaro and plenty more Santa Cruz County food & drink news in Lily Belli’s pre-Thanksgiving newsletter.
Posted inLatest News
Meet Rosemary, Stevie, Bean and other pets available for adoption in Santa Cruz County
With countless animals in need of loving homes, here is the first of a regular roundup of pets available for adoption at the Santa Cruz County Shelter.
Posted inLatest News
Early morning crash kills pedestrian in Watsonville
A woman was killed in a car accident early Tuesday morning in Watsonville. Police did not release her name, but said that she was 53 years old and from Royal Oaks, southeast of Watsonville. California Highway Patrol officers responded to a crash at about 6:30 a.m. near the intersection of Green Valley Road and Pinto […]
