Santa Cruz County and much of California are under a heat advisory as peak temperatures are forecast to reach the low 90s in Santa Cruz and Watsonville and the upper 90s in the mountains.
Watsonville / Pajaro
Posted inInside Lookout
Lookout in the Community: Trivia, election forums and more this September
At Lookout, we believe local journalism is about more than publishing stories. It’s about bringing people together, creating opportunities for conversation and helping our community stay informed and engaged. September is bringing plenty of opportunities to connect with the Lookout community – from a night of trivia with Wallace Baine to two local election forums.
Posted inEducation
A Pajaro Valley school board race is raising bigger questions about who should be eligible for public office in California
Whether a criminal record should matter to voters is playing out in the race for the Pajaro Valley Unified School District governing board, where candidate Curt Wilcox has a felony assault conviction and a history of run-ins with law enforcement. California law doesn’t stand in his way — but many think it should factor into their decision.
Posted inEducation
After Pajaro Middle teachers demanded principal’s removal, district appoints her to new admin role
Pajaro Middle School teachers say they’re relieved that Principal Nicole Killian is moving to a district office role. In May, they gave the district superintendent a vote of no confidence and demanded her removal.
Posted inFood & Drink
The best things I ate and drank in Santa Cruz County in August
Santa Cruz County chefs went all out in August with four playful dishes, from tomato-loaded pasta to unconventional burgers and a memorable wedge.
Posted inWatsonville / Pajaro
Watsonville Police Department receives federal grant for crime analysis
The Watsonville Police Department is receiving a $22,285 federal grant that will help fund the department’s ongoing efforts to understand crime patterns within the city.
Posted inHealth & Wellness
Watsonville Community Hospital received $10.6 million in state aid in June. Where did it go?
Watsonville Community Hospital leadership says it has used up the entirety of a $10.6 million grant for the facility. The hospital’s chief financial officer tells Lookout that the money was meant to be spent quickly.
Posted inHealth & Wellness
Watsonville Community Hospital recibió $10.6 millones en ayuda estatal en junio. ¿En qué se gastaron?
La dirección de Watsonville Community Hospital afirma que ya utilizó la totalidad de una subvención de $10.6 millones destinada al hospital. La directora financiera del hospital explicó a Lookout que el dinero debía gastarse rápidamente.
Posted inEducation
Pajaro Valley Unified hires new chief business officer after years of CBO turnover
Pajaro Valley Unified School District’s governing board hired Victoria Knutson, currently Newark Unified’s chief business officer, to fill the CBO role at a $248,418 salary — the district’s fourth person in that position in roughly three years, as trustees hope her experience will help guide upcoming school closures.
Posted inOpinion from Community Voices
Check the lake like you check the weather
Menlo Park student Amanda Lee-Shen’s experience with dangerous water at Pinto Lake sparked a mission to help others stay safe on Santa Cruz County’s waters. Here, the 11th grader at Castilleja School explains why checking lake conditions for harmful algal blooms should be as routine as checking the weather. She shares what to look for, how California’s warning signs work and why pets and wildlife face risks, especially from now through October. Her message is simple: Before you head to the lake, check the water.
