On this November’s ballot, five school bond measures, totaling $525 million, propose making infrastructure repairs to roofs and athletic fields, modernizing classrooms, and in some cases, building rental apartments for staff and teachers. District leaders talked to Lookout about some of the major projects the bond measures, if approved, would fund.
Scotts Valley
Posted inFood & Drink
Best of Santa Cruz County food & drink events, Aug. 16-22
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 inArts & Entertainment
Baine’s Nine: Nine necessary know-abouts for the week ahead in Santa Cruz County arts & entertainment, Aug. 15-22
With the weekend nearly here, get your B9 shot in the form of Baine’s Nine, Wallace Baine’s recommendations for things to do around Santa Cruz County via Lookout’s BOLO events calendar.
Posted inLatest News
FEMA’s pause on disaster relief sends shudders through Santa Cruz County government
The Federal Emergency Management Agency has temporarily run out of money to fund new disaster repair, which could delay seven major road projects in Santa Cruz County needed in the wake of 2023 storms. Although Congress could fix the issue by fall, it’s exacerbating tension over how FEMA funding and reimbursement issues affect the county’s budget.
Posted inFood & Drink
Lily Belli on Food: Possible changes to Crow’s Nest beach parties post shooting; new tenant for ex-Little Caesars spot in Live Oak
What to know in Santa Cruz County food & drink via Lookout’s Lily Belli.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Scotts Valley Mayor Randy Johnson, Councilmember Jack Dilles not seeking reelection
Among the early surprises in this year’s election season is the decision by Scotts Valley Mayor Randy Johnson and Councilmember Jack Dilles to not seek reelection. With a combined 36 years of city council experience, the elder statesmen of the Santa Cruz Mountains say it’s time to pass the torch to new people.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Santa Cruz County 2024 elections: What we know at the filing deadline about who is running
The field is set for Santa Cruz County’s nonpartisan general election on Nov. 5. Scotts Valley Mayor Randy Johnson chose not to seek reelection after 28 years on the city council. In Watsonville, former Cabrillo College trustee Martha Vega is challenging Mayor Vanessa Quiroz-Carter for city council. And there are competitive races for offices ranging from county supervisor to local fire districts. But not all of the 108 seats up for election have attracted candidates, and most races will not be competitive.
Posted inRecreation & Sports
Pair of Santa Cruz County Olympians get medal chances as Paris Games hit final weekend
Aptos native Nikki Hiltz runs in the women’s 1,500-meter final on Saturday and new Santa Cruz resident Kelsey Robinson Cook is headed to the gold-medal match with with the U.S. women’s volleyball team Sunday. They’re hoping to add to a local medal haul that includes a historic silver for mountain biker Haley Batten.
Posted inLatest News
Scotts Valley police charge former teen counselor with attempting to meet minor for sex
Scotts Valley police investigators arrested a former Boys and Girls Club teen counselor during an undercover operation last week and charged him with contact of a minor with intent to commit sexual offense, human trafficking and annoying/molesting a victim under 18 years of age.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
In the Public Interest: The Everest-esque task of paying for affordable housing and other takeaways from Lookout’s housing panel
Inside Santa Cruz County politics and policy with Lookout correspondent Christopher Neely.