Lookout PM: Pushback to Michael Cheek release plan, suspect in clocktower stabbing charged with murder after victim dies, and a local biz roundu

Welcome to Wednesday night’s Lookout PM.

Credit: Kevin Painchaud / Lookout Santa Cruz

City of Santa Cruz strongly opposing plan to place rapist Michael Cheek in Santa Cruz hotel

By Tania Ortiz

The City of Santa Cruz is opposing a plan to release rapist Michael Cheek from state custody and place him in a hotel on Ocean Street, if a first option in Watsonville is “not viable.”

One of two victims in clocktower stabbing dies after two weeks on life support; suspect rebooked and charged with murder

Justin Moore, the second victim in a March 21 stabbing near the downtown Santa Cruz clocktower, died this past weekend at Stanford University Medical Center following about two weeks on life support, according to his mother. He was 42.

This week in Santa Cruz County business: County reaches settlement with Walgreens; businesses invited to partake in World Cup promotions

By Jessica M. Pasko

Jessica M. Pasko’s weekly column returns with news of Santa Cruz County getting more than half a million from pharmacy giant Walgreens and local businesses’ chance to get in on World Cup fever, plus names, numbers and dates to know.

Last-minute protest against Trump’s Iran threats draws community response

By Max Chun

More than 40 county residents gathered at the corner of Ocean Street and Water Street to protest the U.S.-Israel war in Iran and President Donald Trump’s threats to blow up power plants, bridges, and other civilian infrastructure.

Dominican Hospital to share a new president with Redwood City’s Sequoia Hospital

By Hillary Ojeda

Dominican Hospital will begin sharing a president with Sequoia Hospital in Redwood City next week. The leadership change follows the retirement of longtime president Dr. Nanette Mickiewicz and comes as the hospital faces ongoing challenges with staffing, retention and capacity, concerns nurses hope new CEO Christine McSweeney will address.

Credit: City Of Santa Cruz Public Works Resource Recovery Division

Earth Day returns to downtown Santa Cruz

By Ashley Palma-Jimenez

Community members will be celebrating Earth Day in downtown Santa Cruz along Pacific Avenue, Cooper Street and at Abbott Square Market from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on April 18.

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