Quick Take:
The largest survey of homeless Californians in decades aims to dispel myths about what drives that state’s most pressing...
Hiya, friends and neighbors. It’s Wednesday, June 21, and it’s looking to be another sunny day in Santa Cruz County — a happy coincidence indeed since it’s our longest of the year as summer officially arrives — with high temps into the 70s.
Looking to just dive right into Lookout’s latest?
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After years on one environmental advocacy group’s list of dirtiest California beaches, Santa Cruz’s Cowell Beach has earned its fourth consecutive “A” grade, Max Chun reports. What’s behind the turnaround? More precise water sampling and a concerted effort to improve the situation.
If you’ve turned on your TV or opened your mailbox lately, you might’ve gotten an eyeful of ads opposing the Fast Food Franchisor Responsibility Act. If Assembly Bill 1228 becomes law, it would make corporate fast food franchisors jointly liable for labor-rights violations at their franchise locations, and Beki San Martin has more on what both sides in the statewide battle are arguing.
The hump day headlines also include the latest in Santa Cruz County food and drink news, including the reopening of a pair of local restaurants, plus an in-depth survey of California’s homeless residents and just how water much the wet winter put into the state’s biggest reservoirs. To the headlines we go …
Cowell Beach, once among California’s most polluted, gets ‘A’ for cleanliness for fourth straight year
For the fourth consecutive year, Cowell Beach received a high grade on nonprofit Heal The Bay’s annual beach report card, keeping it off of the “Beach Bummers” list of notably dirty beaches. Changes in infrastructure at the wharf and Neary Lagoon have made the difference, says environmental compliance manager Akin Babatola. Details here from Max Chun.
➤ FROM 2021: Capitola Beach bummer: After popular spot gets unhealthy F, is it safe to swim there?
Santa Cruz County finds itself on front lines of statewide battle over fast food franchisor liability bill
No on AB 1228, a coalition opposing a California bill that would make fast food franchisors liable for labor violations at their franchise locations, is running a heavy campaign in Santa Cruz. But proponents of the Fast Food Franchisor Responsibility Act say the bill would benefit franchise owners and workers. Beki San Martin reports.
➤ RELATED: Fast food industry pushes to halt AB 257, a California law that could raise worker wages
That’s the lay of the land around Santa Cruz County as summer arrives — and with more coming from Lookout, we’ve got a bunch of ways for you to stay on top of all the local news and views. Follow Lookout on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, and sign up here for breaking news alerts via text and email, plus all of our other newsletters (up Thursday: Wallace Baine’s Weekender, packed full of recommendations for things to do plus news and notes from our arts and entertainment scene).
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Remember those dark, rainy days of winter when you longed for a gorgeous, long sunny day? It’s here, so get out there and drink it in.
Will McCahill
Lookout Santa Cruz
Upcoming events in Santa Cruz County
FRIDAY 10/20
The Mountain Affair @Ristorante Casa Nostra
Beers, Bikes and Bon Bons @Santa Cruz Mountain Brewing
Vine to View Dinner @Chaminade Resort & Spa
10 O’Clock Lunch Band @Mid-County Senior Center
“The Thin Place” by Lucas Hnath @Santa Cruz Actors’ Theatre
SATURDAY 10/21
Wonderland – The Gala @Hotel Paradox
Pickleball Tournament @Cabrillo College
20th Annual Bonny Doon Art, Wine & Brew Festival @Crest Ranch
The 7th Annual Floating Pumpkin Patch @Simpkins Family Swim Center
Pleasure Point Sip & Stroll @Pleasure Point
Symphony Concert: Operas Of Seville @Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium
Uncork Corralitos @Alladin Nursery
SUNDAY 10/22
Symphony Concert: Operas Of Seville @Henry J. Mello Center for the Performing Arts
Lydia Pense & Cold Blood @Moe’s Alley
Gaby Castro @Chaminade Resort & Spa
Solidarity Records: The Fully Baked Tour @Shanty Shack Brewing
An Evening With Patty Griffin & Todd Snider @Rio Theatre