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Credit: Kevin Painchaud / Lookout Santa Cruz

With mental health organization in limbo, homeless service provider’s proposal to run some programs sparks worries about peer-based model

By Max Chun

As the Mental Health Client Action Network works to get back on its feet, homeless services provider People First of Santa Cruz County could operate some of its programs. But MHCAN members worry outside management will fundamentally change its peer-based service model.

Credit: Via Pescavore

Pescavore founder’s defense attorney moves to dismiss some charges; jury trial set for March 23

By Lily Belli

Clarice Owens, the entrepreneur behind Pescavore tuna jerky, appeared in Santa Cruz County Superior Court on Wednesday ahead of a late-March jury trial on one felony stalking charge and 34 misdemeanor counts related to alleged online harassment and restraining order violations. Her public defender is arguing to dismiss 14 counts, including the felony charge, citing a lack of evidence.

Credit: Parallel Flight Technologies

This week in Santa Cruz County business: La Selva drone developer clears hurdle; funding for Scotts Valley energy company; Joby, Uber unveil new app 

By Jessica M. Pasko

A key milestone for Parallel Flight Technologies, $140 million for Heron Power Electronics Company and another step forward for Joby Aviation are among the topics in this week’s look at local business from Jessica M. Pasko.

Credit: Kevin Painchaud / Lookout Santa Cruz

Seymour Studios goes live with new community science podcast

By Cassidy Beach

The Seymour Marine Discovery Center launched a new podcast Tuesday to connect Santa Cruz County’s scientists, problem-solvers and community members. While the new show spotlights local environmental success stories, the studio itself offers an inclusive space for anyone in the community to record and share their message, conservation-focused or not.

Credit: Kevin Painchaud / Lookout Santa Cruz

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

By Hillary Ojeda

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.

Credit: Julia Demaree Nikhinson / Associated Press

‘Shocking’: What Supreme Court ruling on transgender policy means for California students

By Carolyn Jones / CalMatters

In a ruling this week, the Supreme Court blocked California’s policy barring school districts from requiring teachers to “out” transgender students to their parents, unless the students gave permission.

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Best of Santa Cruz County events, March 6-8

Here are some events you may be interested in this weekend:

Friday, Mar. 6

Saturday, Mar. 7

Sunday, Mar. 8

Add an event to our calendar

Max Chun is the general-assignment correspondent at Lookout Santa Cruz. Max’s position has pulled him in many different directions, seeing him cover development, COVID, the opioid crisis, labor, courts...