Lookout PM: Matt Mahan on his Watsonville roots, RTC accused of violating Brown Act, and a local biz roundup

Welcome to Wednesday night’s Lookout PM.

Credit: Vera Nieuwenhuis / AP Content Services for the NFL

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.

Credit: Kevin Painchaud / Lookout Santa Cruz

RTC accused of violating state open meetings rules in move to cut ties with current rail operator

By Max Chun

The Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission has been accused of violating state open meetings laws in connection with its move to cut ties with the contractor that operates the Santa Cruz Branch Rail Line.

This week in Santa Cruz County business: Joby lawsuit against Archer Aviation moves to federal court; residents sound off on Catalyst demolition

By Jessica M. Pasko

Jessica M. Pasko’s weekly look at local business includes an update on Joby Aviation’s suit alleging corporate espionage by a competitor and recaps a contentious meeting on the fate of a downtown Santa Cruz landmark.

State OKs pop-up gear for spring Dungeness crab season

By Lily Belli

California Fish and Wildlife has approved ropeless pop-up gear for spring Dungeness crab fishing, allowing licensed fishers statewide to apply to use the whale-safe technology from April 1 through July 15.

Credit: Mariam Zuhaib / Associated Press

Supreme Court allows new California congressional districts that favor Democrats

By Mark Sherman / Associated Press

The Supreme Court on Wednesday allowed California to use a new voter-approved congressional map that is favorable to Democrats in this year’s elections, rejecting a last-ditch plea from state Republicans and the Trump administration.

Credit: Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter

Animal Control “flooded with calls” about yowling cat potentially trapped at construction site

By Max Chun

Santa Cruz County Animal Control is trying to locate a cat that may be trapped in a drain system at a construction site on the south side of Pacific Avenue in downtown Santa Cruz.

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