Educator Update: Save the Bay event to feature activists and policy-makers who argue against offshore drilling and PVUSD officials discuss next steps in process of renaming Cesar Chavez Middle School

Local news in the classroom: Weekly roundup 4/21/26

Good afternoon,

Happy almost Earth Day! We truly know the important role teachers play in helping students think critically about the world around them and the choices communities face. We hope this roundup will help you in your discussions with students. From environmental stewardship to questions of history, identity, and civic responsibility, these stories offer meaningful opportunities for discussion and reflection in the classroom.

Both of our featured stories today explore how communities navigate complex decisions. One article focuses on a local environmental response to the proposed expansion of offshore drilling, highlighting how residents and activists are working together to explore alternative, more environmentally friendly alternatives and to influence national policy. The other looks at the debate in Watsonville over renaming a school that honors Cesar Chavez, raising questions about historical legacy, the community’s values, and financial realities. Keep reading to hear more about these articles and some discussion questions for you to use in the classroom.

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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.

Save the Bay event targets Trump plan for offshore oil drilling 

Why it matters: After the Trump administration’s increased efforts to reopen offshore drilling and seabed mining, an event on 4/26 at the Vets Hall in Santa Cruz will feature local politicians, environmental activists, and musicians who oppose the plans to drill for oil and mine minerals off CA’s coast, highlighting the community efforts that face the issue. 

In the classroom: What did leaked documents about the government’s plans reveal about what might change about California’s coastline? Describe the process of sea-bed mining. Why do you think it might be risky to allow sea-bed mining if it was only allowed for exploratory purposes until 2025? Are its effects on marine animals known or understood? What do you think motivates community members to organize events like Save the Bay? 

Renaming Watsonville’s Cesar Chavez Middle School could cost $100,000, district says 

Why it matters: Pajaro Valley Unified SD officials say renaming Cesar Chavez Middle School could cost more than $100,000. Though trustees continue to support the decision to remove his name due to recent abuse allegations, they raise concerns about cost, the risk of naming after individuals, and the potential of the school later facing closure. 

In the classroom: Is spending over $100,000 to rename a school after a person justified? Can you think of something else the money could/should be used for in a school district? Would you rename the school after another person, or choose something else? Who should have the most influence in deciding a school’s name – students, parents, staff, or the broader community? 

LOCAL NEWS

CALIFORNIA NEWS

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STUDENT STORIES

Driving Through Colorado Changed How I See My Childhood 

In collaboration with PBS News Student Reporting Labs, a podcast episode produced by teens for teens with reflections on growing up, nostalgia, and reflection.

Celebrating our 2026 Student Journalism winners – and the teachers who inspire them

Students from all over Santa Cruz County entered our Journalism Scholarship which highlights an unsung hero from the Santa Cruz County community. You can read about the journalism scholarship and what made these winning stories special here. I want to give a big thank you to everyone who told their students about Lookout’s journalism scholarship! The 2026 winners have been chosen and they are published here and on the Student Stories page. 

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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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