Lookout PM: Cabrillo College board meeting turmoil, South County’s changing politics, Salty Otter owner responds to AI logo criticism, Cat & Cloud café workers unionize

Cabrillo trustee leaves board meeting after confrontation over racist comments; staff criticize rest of board for inaction

At two consecutive Cabrillo College governing board meetings, trustee Steve Trujillo drew criticism for singling out a Black staff member during a discussion about a racist video and for later invoking his past relationship with a Black partner while defending himself, before abruptly leaving Monday’s meeting. Faculty and staff denounced the remarks and the board’s failure to intervene.

Lily Belli on Food: Cat & Cloud’s union push; AI controversy at Salty Otter; April’s vegan chef challenge

In the return of her Tuesday newsletter, Lily Belli notes unionization efforts at local coffee chain Cat & Cloud and a downtown Santa Cruz restaurant changing its logo over artificial intelligence backlash, and looks ahead to a plant-based April.

Change afoot in South County politics? Keep an eye on the upcoming county supervisor race

By Tania Ortiz

Longtime political observers see a shift in Watsonville’s political landscape as the 2026 election cycle gets underway. Lookout spoke with current and former elected officials and community leaders about where South County politics is heading.

Salty Otter owner says AI logo uproar has ‘crushed’ her lifelong dream

By Lily Belli

Following a wave of online criticism and one-star reviews from locals, The Salty Otter Sports Grill replaced its colorful, AI-assisted otter logo with a stark black-and-white design.

Cat & Cloud café workers move to form a union — and they won’t need an election to do it

By Max Chun

Just two days after Cat & Cloud café workers sent a letter to the company’s owners to formally announce their intention to unionize, the employees’ union heard from the owners’ attorneys, saying they would recognize the union without an election.

OPINION: I’m a nurse. I advocate for my patients. That’s why I’m questioning how Watsonville Community Hospital is spending its money.

By Driss Hassam

Watsonville Community Hospital nurse Driss Hassam is calling for greater transparency in how the publicly funded hospital spends its money, citing shortages of basic supplies and delayed patient care. Hassam questions hospital priorities as more than $200 million in bonds, grants and donations have flowed through Watsonville Community Hospital in recent years. He contrasts front-line conditions with administrative spending, consulting contracts and unfulfilled promises tied to voter-approved Measure N. Hassam argues that financial decisions should be publicly scrutinized and focused on expanding clinical services and patient care.