Local news in the classroom: Weekly roundup 3/4/26
Good afternoon,
Many researchers celebrate increased protections for puma populations around California, but others have worries regarding the potential land-use and livestock impacts for developers, ranchers, and farmers. The well-being of pumas isn’t the only concern in the county (or state) this week. The lecturers’ union at UC will start bargaining on March 5 for permanent job status, higher pay and stronger academic freedom protections. Though they teach almost a third of undergraduate courses at UC Santa Cruz, they feel made “second-class” in comparison to professors.
Before the stories, once again, thank you to everyone who told their students about Lookout’s journalism scholarship! Submissions were a joy to read and any high schooler who submitted should be proud. The top winners were announced last Friday at the Your Future is Our Business (YFIOB) annual luncheon. Stay tuned for the official announcement on Friday!
And a quick reminder about Lookout for Teachers, giving local middle and high school educators free, unlimited access to Lookout Santa Cruz’s independent, fact-based local journalism. Spots are filling up fast! Sign up today and share with a teacher you know! Secondary teachers can sign up with the link on this page.
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Current events to use in your classroom
Here’s a roundup of recent articles you could use in your classroom. Explore the linked lesson plans below for simple ways to facilitate reflection on these local events. Interested in more stories? Browse all our recent coverage here.
Big cats, bigger protections: Santa Cruz County mountain lions now listed as threatened
Why it matters: California law has now declared mountain lions in Santa Cruz County as threatened under California law, granting them stronger protections due to habitat loss and declining genetic diversity. The designation aims to help stabilize vulnerable Central Coast populations, but it may also affect development and land use decisions, possibly influencing how the region balances future infrastructural growth with wildlife conservation.
In the classroom: What are the problems mountain lions face as a result of them being “boxed in” by urban developments? Also, how might stronger protections for mountain lions affect people who live, farm, or build homes in the area?
UC lecturers are bargaining for a new contract. Who are they and what are they asking for?
Why it matters: Bargaining between UC-AFT (the union that represents lecturers) and the University of California system will start on March 5, with the union hoping to win lecturers across the UC system increased job stability and pay. Lecturers teach more than 30% of undergrad courses at UCSC, but don’t feel like their work is valued the same as other faculty members.
In the classroom: Why are UC lecturers pushing for permanent job status from day one and how does this differ from their current contract? What challenges do lecturers say they face in terms of pay and job security, and why do they feel like “second-class” faculty? How might a stronger contract for lecturers influence the quality of education for students?
LOCAL NEWS
Santa Cruz City Council explores age, speed limits for e-bikes as they zoom through the city
By Max Chun
February 26, 2026
City councilmembers say residents complain to them about speeding and reckless e-bike riders, and at their meeting this week said they want to explore pilot programs that preserve access to bikes for young people while keeping streets and sidewalks safe […]
Watsonville’s new police chief shares his views on ICE and Flock cameras, says he’s ready to learn and engage with the community
By Tania Ortiz
February 25, 2026
Brian Shab, a 27-year veteran police officer, spoke to Lookout about stepping into a new role as Watsonville’s 17th police chief and his goals for the department during his tenure.
Teachers stage coordinated walk-out during tense PVUSD board meeting
By Kevin Painchaud
March 2, 2026
More than 150 teachers and union supporters staged a coordinated walkout during a tense Pajaro Valley Unified School District board meeting Wednesday night […]
CALIFORNIA NEWS
Wave of California teacher strikes ‘is no coincidence’
By Carolyn Jones / CalMatters
February 27, 2026
The California Teachers Association organized to trigger a wave of negotiations and potential strikes to garner public attention and flex political muscle.
EDUCATOR RESOURCES
How student journalists put news literacy into action
From the News Literacy Project, students at Weir High School, the school that won the First Amendment Press Freedom Award in 2024 and 2025, speak about their media literacy growth and skills.
STUDENT STORIES
Learning to see a different future with Usher Syndrome
Americo Castillo, a 17-year old junior at Soquel High School, shares how he navigates school and life with Usher Syndrome.
Honor youth leaders and more at HERstory
Lookout is proud to co-host, alongside the Santa Cruz County Office of Education and the Santa Cruz Museum of Art and History the third annual HERstory event this Friday from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. at the MAH. Join us to celebrate the women who have made, are currently making and will make an impact in Santa Cruz County. And make sure you hear our amazing youth speakers, Amara Anderson and Ivory Woodson!
Thank you for all the work you do in our community. Your efforts help younger generations build media literacy skills, engage with their communities, and grow as active democratic citizens. If you’d like to learn more about our school programs, get involved, or have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at interns@lookoutlocal.com or my mentor Jamie Garfield (Director of Student and Community Engagement) at jamie@lookoutlocal.com
Best,
Ava Salinas
Educational Program Assistant
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