LOOKOUT PM: UCSC genomics, the Quarry’s rebirth, and fires in the kitchen

Happy Tuesday, everyone.

Looks like today’s chilly weather is going to continue through the week, with temperatures expected to barely scrape 60 degrees.

If you’re a cold weather person, seize the moment and take the opportunity to bundle up before the summer heat arrives once again.

So, onto the headlines …

How UC Santa Cruz scientists bridged the gap in the human genome

Shaun Burns — UCSC Genomics Institute Associate Director Karen Miga. Credit: Via UC Santa Cruz

Big steps: An international team of scientists, co-led by UCSC Genomics Institute Associate Director Karen Miga, completed the first gap-free human genome sequence — an achievement experts weren’t expecting to happen this quickly. Her team’s work builds on the efforts of UCSC computer scientists who helped assemble the first working draft of a human genome with the international Human Genome Project in 2000. Hillary Ojeda has the story.

➤ No more mask mandate: UC Santa Cruz students greet coming change warily

In its rebirth, UCSC Quarry to debut summer music series

Chicano Batman performs at UCSC's Quarry Amphitheater in 2017. — Chicano Batman performs at UCSC’s Quarry Amphitheater in 2017. Credit: Via UC Santa Cruz

A new era: Newly announced concerts by indie pop singer Carla Morrison and electronica band STS9 suggest Quarry Amphitheater is ready to emerge as an impressive new concert venue. Check out the full story from Wallace Baine.

➤ Despite shake-up, Actors’ Theatre’s ‘8 Tens’ show will go on

CLICK HERE FOR STUDENT SIGNUP

Restaurant fires, Roux Dat leaves Abbott Square vacancy, and COVID strikes home

Roux Dat Cajun Creole has left the Octagon after two years, but it's unclear what will take its place. — Roux Dat Cajun Creole has left the Octagon after two years, but it’s unclear what will take its place. Credit: Kevin Painchaud // Lookout Santa Cruz

Lily Belli on Food: A new Abbott Square vacancy, fires at local restaurants, and an unfortunate run in with our good friend COVID are just a few of the things in Lily Belli’s newsletter this week. Get the full rundown here.

➤ EATERS DIGEST: The Prevedelli legacy, Easter eats and farmers market finds.

California companies with ties to Chinese aluminum giant to pay $1.8 billion for avoiding import duties

Truckers now navigate 26 miles of roads to pick up cargo inside Maersk's APM Terminal at the Port of Los Angeles. — The Port of Los Angeles in September 2019. Credit: Christina House / Los Angeles Times

Restitution: The firms sought to evade high anti-dumping and countervailing duties on aluminum extrusions imported into the U.S. More from the L.A. Times here.

Coachella, spring break, Easter and rising coronavirus: How to stay safe

A first grader holds hands with his mother as he walks to be tested for the coronavirus before attending classes at Northridge Middle School. Credit: Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times

COVID Today: Here’s what you need to know amid a holiday season — including Easter, Ramadan and Passover — spring break and events like Coachella and Stagecoach. More from the L.A. Times here.

➤ Lookout’s COVID Dashboard