A team of educators, farmers and activists is working to transform an unused baseball field on the Del Mar Elementary School campus in Live Oak into a farm for the district. The farm would grow food for the district’s nutrition program, educate students on agriculture and food production, and serve as a community hub. The project has been approved by the district and is currently seeking funding.
Eastside / Live Oak / Pleasure Point
Eastside Santa Cruz, Live Oak and Pleasure Point neighborhoods
Posted inEducation
Drawing from our natural world: How curator Liz Broughton brings ‘Art of Nature’ exhibit to life
Liz Broughton has curated the “Art of Nature” exhibit at the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History for more than a decade and loves the way it brings the wonder of nature to life. The exhibit’s 60 objects are designed to see, touch and make visitors think about the natural world and how artists depict it. Broughton, who grew up in the San Lorenzo Valley, is the museum’s longest full-time employee; she has watched the museum change over the years and says it works to tell stories that are “relevant” to our community.
Posted inLatest News
Wildlife groups seek county’s financial help for starving pelicans as number of sick birds declines
The number of sick and injured brown pelicans in Santa Cruz County has decreased quite a bit in recent weeks, but International Bird Rescue in Fairfield is still busy finishing rehabilitation for birds from all over the state, including locally. The organization, along with Native Animal Rescue of Santa Cruz County, is requesting additional funding from the county to help with costs associated with caring for the influx of ailing pelicans.
Posted inLatest News
Carmageddon: Reimagine Metro changes — behind a 23% ridership jump — keep coming, with next slate set for June
Before Phase 2 of Reimagine Metro is implemented in September, the final changes included in Phase 1 plans will go into effect in mid-June. Here’s what that will look like for Santa Cruz County’s transit agency.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
After years under siege, Santa Cruz County voters likely to see local climate resilience tax on November ballot
The Water and Wildfire Protection Act would impose a flat $87 tax annually on all parcel owners throughout Santa Cruz County in order to raise money for climate resilience projects. The group behind it has submitted more than 16,000 signatures, which the county clerk must verify for the measure to qualify for the November ballot.
Posted inFood & Drink
Best of Santa Cruz County food & drink events, May 17-23
Lookout food & drink correspondent Lily Belli highlights top events happening around Santa Cruz County in the coming week, plus more listings from Lookout’s BOLO events calendar.
Posted inEducation
Live Oak School District sees more unrest as superintendent letter surprises parents, teachers
Live Oak School District parents and teachers say they were surprised to read a recent letter from the outgoing superintendent about the district’s budget crisis. In it, Daisy Morales disagreed with a County Office of Education financial assessment, leveling allegations that county superintendent Faris Sabbah rejected.
Posted inHealth & Wellness
Could Dominican Oaks’ recent COVID outbreak be a precursor to a summer surge?
The Dominican Oaks retirement community in Santa Cruz saw a spike in COVID cases over the past few weeks. While that outbreak is now waning, and fortunately resulted in just mild illness for the affected residents, public health officials are keeping a close eye on new subvariants that could cause a surge of cases in the coming months.
Posted inFood & Drink
Lily Belli on Food: Beckmann’s pie honors, Humble Sea in S.F., Whale City Aptos opens
Lookout food & drink correspondent Lily Belli notes blue-ribbon success for Santa Cruz’s Beckmann’s Bakery, another new location for a Westside brewery, a long-anticipated addition to the Whale City family and much more in her Tuesday newsletter.
Posted inFood & Drink
Beckmann’s Bakery scores big again at National Pie Championships
Santa Cruz-based Beckmann’s Bakery earned three Best in Show blue ribbons at the National Pie Championships in Florida for its berry bomb (mixed berry), cherry and peach pies. The new winning peach flavor will be released in mid-June.
