Local news in the classroom: Weekly roundup 11/18/25
The first few weeks of November saw the results of state elections, including the success of California’s Prop 50 and of Santa Cruz’s Prop C. November has also seen rainy weather ramp up. Coincidentally, the Santa Cruz Water Department reveals its 25-year-in-the-making plan to change city water rules to provide a consistent water supply in Santa Cruz and make the San Lorenzo River a better place for trout and coho salmon to thrive. Meanwhile, two seasoned tech industry workers explain why they decided to get into the food business and how they provide both a physical and digital space for learning and working on artificial intelligence projects.
Also, Lookout’s annual journalism scholarship, where students write about a local “unsung hero,” is officially taking submissions! All high school students in Santa Cruz County are encouraged to apply. The top ten winners will be published on Lookout’s site and the top three winners will win $500 each. Check out more information, including entry requirements, here. If you would like to assign this to your class and would like us to host a class workshop, or have a Lookout representative come to your class to share more info, we would be happy to! Feel free to reach out with any questions at interns@lookoutlocal.com or jamie@lookoutlocal.com.
This week’s highlighted stories
Changing tides in Santa Cruz water management seek to support fish populations in the San Lorenzo
Why it matters: Santa Cruz’s water department has been working for 25 years on adjusting the city’s water rules. Trout and salmon used to fill the river, but salmon are now endangered and steelhead trout threatened due to pollution and water harvesting from humans. New regulations take into consideration these other species and might limit how much water the city can take from the river depending on time of year, amount of water in the river, and fish life cycles.
In the classroom: Prompt students to consider the importance of considering the interests of both humans and fish. For comprehension, ask them what the article says about why water levels matter to trout and salmon and what new ways the plan introduces for Santa Cruz getting enough water for residents without pulling from the river?
With Pie Fi, Pleasure Pizza owners seek to build local hub for AI development
Why it matters: Sol and Erica Lipman, previously working in tech, took over Pleasure Pizza a few years ago after feeling disconnected from other people due to the nature of their work and due to the pandemic. They recently launched an interesting new project that aims to bring AI development to Santa Cruz. Pie Fi is a physical space to work, learn, and meet, hosting for example a summer program and drop in Wednesday sessions.
In the classroom: What are the benefits of in-person interactions and spaces like these as opposed to remote work and learning? Also, do students find this type of space and program exciting, or do they maybe want to be more careful and cautious about bringing AI development to Santa Cruz County?
More current events for the classroom
‘It feels impossible right now’: Ahead of Thanksgiving, families turn to food pantries in record numbers
Grocery prices and recent disruptions to federal food aid are pushing more Santa Cruz County […]
As government shutdown ends, Santa Cruz County nonprofit scrambles to restart Head Start child care program
Encompass Community Services is scrambling to reopen Head Start, a federally funded low-income child care […]
Santa Cruz County schools hope new sports facilities will draw more students
Schools across Santa Cruz County are unveiling major athletic facility upgrades — from New Brighton […]
California News
Rep. Nancy Pelosi announces retirement after 38 years in Congress
By CalMatters
The decision by Rep. Nancy Pelosi, 85, to retire comes amid Democrats’ cries for a new generation of leadership and sets the stage for a showdown between a progressive challenger and a well-known moderate state senator.
His students suddenly started getting A’s. Did a Google AI tool go too far?
By Carolyn Jones / CalMatters
Some teachers say that artificial intelligence tools, particularly Google Lens, have made it impossible to enforce academic integrity in the classroom — with potentially harmful long-term effects on students’ learning.
Interested in more stories? Browse all our recent coverage here.
Educator Resources
Help Students Fact-Check the Web Like the Pros
From Common Sense Media, a short article on how students can be critical about what they read online and on social media that also provides a list of resources to help them fact check information.
From Common Sense Media, an article that provides guidance on how to approach conversations about AI with parents, some information regarding the impact of AI, and suggested boundaries.
Lookout will be accepting submissions for our journalism scholarship contest from November to February. We invite all high school students in Santa Cruz County to apply. Top three winners win $500 each and top ten winners get published on the Lookout site.
Book a class visit with Lookout Santa Cruz
We’d love to visit your classroom! Lookout staff can come to your classroom and lead a workshop about various things from journalism to elections. These workshops last the length of one class period and are a great way to get your students engaged in different aspects of learning. Reach out if you are interested.
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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