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Pajaro Valley school board votes to cut nearly 160 jobs, more than 40 in special education, during stormy meeting
In a marathon, chaotic session that ended with the room being cleared because of disruptions, Pajaro Valley Unified School District trustees voted Thursday to cut 160 jobs in an effort to stay solvent and comply with California budget requirements.
Eaters Digest: Ube Overnight Oats at Cat & Cloud
A stop at Cat & Cloud’s Westside Santa Cruz café leads to a delicious breakfast discovery for Lily Belli, whose Friday newsletter also includes event recommendations for the weekend and beyond and food & drink stories you might’ve missed. Continue reading…
Drop in whale entanglements fuels optimism that Dungeness crab season can open Jan. 1
State wildlife officials are flying the California coast this week, counting humpback and blue whales to determine whether the commercial Dungeness crab season can safely open on Jan. 1 or should be delayed to protect whales.
County housing market sales, inventory trend down as slow season begins
The Santa Cruz County housing market saw its sales drop and the number of houses on the market fall below 400 for the first time since March as the slow time of the year takes hold. Inventory remains higher than the same time last year, and houses are also taking longer to sell than they did a year ago.
California’s last nuclear power plant faces renewed scrutiny as it gains latest permit
The California Coastal Commission is requiring the state’s last nuclear power plant – Diablo Canyon, near San Luis Obispo – to conserve 4,000 acres of surrounding land to keep operating until 2030.
Capitola City Council votes to fund conceptual plan to repair crumbling Grand Avenue pathway
Capitola will spend $13,000 for a concept design and survey of the popular bluffside Grand Avenue walking path on Depot Hill, a section of which collapsed into the ocean in February.
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Best of Santa Cruz County events, December 12-14
Here are some events you may be interested in this weekend:
Friday, Dec. 12
- Exhibition—”Weather and the Whale” | 12 p.m. @ Institute of the Arts and Sciences
- Sewing Lessons for Beginners | 10 a.m. @ Everything Home | $60 to $90 (Save 10% when you purchase 6 weeks up front.)
- VOLUNTEER AT HOPES CLOSET / VOLUNTARIADO EN HOPES CLOSET | 10 a.m. @ Hopes Closet | Free
- Guided Tour | 1 p.m. @ Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History
- The Oberufer Shepherds | 7 p.m. @ Santa Cruz Actors’ Theatre | $20
- Moe’s Alley Presents: The Chop Tops – Final Reunion Shows (Night 1) | 9 p.m. @ Moe’s Alley
- Princes of Surf 2025: Heʻe Nalu Santa Cruz | 11 a.m. @ Solari Gallery
- HERstory Nominations Open | 12 p.m. @
Saturday, Dec. 13
- Winter Wonderland: Breakfast with the Grinch | 9 a.m. @ Simpkins Family Swim Center | $7 to $15 ( Adults: $15; Youth $7)
- Cars and Coffee | 9 a.m. @ East Lake Village Shopping Center | Free
- Aptos Farmers Market | 8 a.m. @ Cabrillo College | Free
- Segundo Sabado/Second Saturday Watsonville | 1 p.m. @ Downtown Arts District | Free
- Moe’s Alley Presents: The Chop Tops – Final Reunion Shows (Night 2) | 9 p.m. @ Moe’s Alley
- Gingerbread Cookie Workshop | 2 p.m. @ Lito’s Community Cafe and Market | $45 to $55
- Felton Music Hall presents… T Sisters | 8 p.m. @
- Kuumbwa Jazz 50th Anniversary Celebration feat. Ambrose Akinmusire | 7 p.m. @ Kuumbwa Jazz
Repeats once more on December 13
Sunday, Dec. 14
- Open Mic Comedy at Shanty Shack | 7 p.m. @ Shanty Shack | Free
- Paradox Holiday Market | 11 a.m. @ Hotel Paradox | Free
- Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park – Highlights Loop Guided Hike | 10 a.m. @ Visitor Center | Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
- Siena House Holiday Market | 2 p.m. @ Holy Cross Pre-school Parking lot | Free
- Madson Wines Holiday Market Party | 1 p.m. @ Madson Wines | Free
- Succulent Craft Class at Bruno’s! | 12 p.m. @ Bruno’s Bar and Grill | $44.52
- Holiday Gift Making (Ages 7-12) | 10 a.m. @ Santa Cruz Maker Studios | $50 to $100
Repeats once more on December 14
- Be Natural’s Last Show of the Season at Woodhouse Santa Cruz | 12 p.m. @ Woodhouse Blending & Brewing | Free