Local news in the classroom: Weekly roundup 2/11/26
In the second month of the new year, growth is on the mind of the community in various ways. Watsonville has hired the consulting firm Retail Strategies to market the town to national retailers at trade shows. The town is hoping to create new shopping and dining experiences to aid economic development and local spending. At the same time, local scientists and conservationists from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Monterey Bay Salmon and Trout Project, Scott Creek Life Cycle Monitoring Station, and Resource Conservation District detail some of the intricacies, struggles, and strategies of preserving endangered native salmon species and share their optimism for the future.
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.
Lastly, there are just several days left for students to submit to Lookout’s journalism scholarship where they profile an “unsung hero” in the community! All high school students are invited to apply. Top three winners receive $500 each and top ten winners are published on Lookout’s site! Deadline to apply: 2/16/26.
This week’s highlighted stories
Watsonville hires ‘matchmaker’ to spur economic development
Why it matters: Working with an Alabama-based retail consultant, Watsonville is aiming to boost their economic development with national retailers and dining options, prompting contemplation on how to create a community where businesses can thrive and interest local residents.
In the classroom: What is the role of the consulting firm in Watsonville; why is it called a “matchmaker”? If you were an employee at the consulting firm, how would you make your decisions about what businesses to partner with? What kind of information would you want to have about Watsonville and about prospective retail partners? What are the other developments named in the article that Watsonville is currently working on?
Holding the line: What’s happening with salmon in Santa Cruz County
Why it matters: Salmon numbers in Santa Cruz County remain below historic norms, due to a number of reasons. Santa Cruz salmon are more vulnerable than their northern counterparts due to warmer water temperatures and habitat destruction remains a consistent issue. However, not all hope is lost; it seems like this season’s numbers might see an improvement from the 2020-2024 season.
In the classroom: Describe the differences between steelhead salmon and coho salmon and why these differences exist. What have scientists learned about local salmon populations due to monitoring practices (such as at Scott Creek)? How might they be able to use this information to promote further species growth in the future? Which salmon conservation effort do you find the most interesting and/or effective and why?
Local news to use in the classroom
Q&A: Matt Mahan on how growing up in Watsonville shaped run for California governor
By Hillary Ojeda
San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, who was raised in Watsonville, says his working-class upbringing in the Pajaro Valley — shaped by immigrant farmworker communities, Catholic schooling and parents who lived paycheck to paycheck — informs his bid for California governor. The moderate Democrat joins a crowded field of more than 20 candidates, pitching government accountability, housing reform and tougher intervention on addiction and mental illness as central planks of his campaign.
Pajaro Valley Unified to eliminate assistant principal positions in elementary schools
By Hillary Ojeda
Pajaro Valley Unified School District administrators are proposing to eliminate 17 assistant principal positions at elementary schools next academic year, a move that has alarmed teachers already reeling from roughly 160 recent layoffs. Union leaders and educators say the cuts could strain school operations, jeopardize safety and place additional burdens on teachers and principals.
Despite partial Murray Street Bridge reopening, businesses continue to hurt
By Lillian Schrock-Clevenger
H&H Fresh Fish Co. in the Santa Cruz Harbor has seen an uptick in customers since the city reopened the Murray Street Bridge to eastbound traffic last week. But businesses on the west side of the bridge continue to suffer almost a year into the three-year construction project, and say they’ve lost faith that the city is listening.
Ryan Coonerty announces run for Santa Cruz mayor, reentering electoral politics
By Max Chun
About three years after he wrapped up his second term as District 3 county supervisor, longtime Santa Cruz politico Ryan Coonerty returns to electoral politics with a run for Santa Cruz mayor in 2026. He previously held the mayor position in 2008 and 2011, when it was a ministerial, rotating term among city councilmembers.
Interested in more stories? Browse all our recent coverage here.
California News
Here’s how Newsom proposes to revamp California’s education department
By John Fensterwald / Edsource
Gov. Gavin Newsom has put forth his plan to shift responsibility for the California Department of Education from the state superintendent to the governor and state board of ed. Rarely has a proposal to transform a bureaucracy moved so quickly from academia to legislation.
Educator Resources: Share with your students
Latino Role Models conference
At Cabrillo College, the 16th annual Latino Role Models conference, a free event for all Santa Cruz County students (6th grade to college) and their families. In addition to keynote speaker Dr. Adriana Ayala, Executive Director Chicana Latina Foundation, the event features panel presentations, college and community resources, lunch, and door prizes. Date: February 21, 2026, 9am – 1pm
Free Tutoring
A collaboration between Senderos, UCSC, and The Humanities Department that offers free academic tutoring for students in grades 5-12 every Wednesday 5-7PM at the Branciforte Small Schools Library.
Journalism Scholarship – FIVE DAYS LEFT TO APPLY!
Lookout is 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. The deadline to apply is February 16.
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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