Lookout PM: New county CEO to be announced in coming days, Head Start safe through October, invasive mosquitos resurface, and new downtown food businesses

Welcome to Tuesday night’s Lookout PM.

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Credit: Kevin Painchaud / Lookout Santa Cruz

Board of Supervisors makes decision on new county CEO, announcement imminent

The Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors has hired a new county executive officer following Carlos Palacios’ retirement announcement in June. The new executive will be formally announced either Wednesday or Thursday. Continue reading…

Lily Belli on Food: More food businesses coming to downtown Santa Cruz, Alice Waters at the Rio and a ranch dressing recipe to try

In her Tuesday newsletter, Lily Belli has word on Mane Kitchen & Cocktails taking over the former Betty’s Eat Inn on Pacific Avenue and Switch Bakery coming to Café Limelight’s Cedar Street spot, highlights upcoming events and shares a recipe that’s been a recent hit. Continue reading…

Free child care program Head Start secures enough funding to remain open through end of October

A free child care program serving low-income families in Santa Cruz County will remain open through October after securing $362,000 in emergency funding from local agencies, following a sudden loss of federal support. Continue reading…

Credit: James Gathany / U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Vector control ballot measure takes on new urgency as invasive mosquitoes resurface in Santa Cruz County

As Santa Cruz County’s mosquito control program seeks more funding from voters, an invasive species of disease-carrying mosquito is resurfacing in Boulder Creek, two years after it was eradicated from the area. Continue reading…

County’s Latino Affairs Commission pushes to turn symbolic immigration sanctuary pledge into binding law

Santa Cruz County officials are facing pressure to do more than promise to safeguard the area’s immigrant community from federal immigration actions – such as passing a legally binding ordinance. Continue reading…

OPINION: Santa Cruz says it wants fewer cars. So why is it making biking so dangerous?

Santa Cruz could lead the nation in safe, active transportation — yet city leaders keep stalling, writes local bike enthusiast Brooke Secor. While e-bikes boom and collisions rise, officials have not added even basic protections for cyclists and pedestrians. Continue reading…

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