Lookout PM: San Jose chain's downtown brunch spot, local rabbi reflects on Bondi Beach shooting, Watsonville fire chief retires after 35 years

Welcome to Tuesday night’s Lookout PM.

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Lily Belli on Food: S.J. chain bringing Midtown brunch to downtown Santa Cruz; gluten-free Switch Bakery sets January café opening

The Breakfast Club at Midtown is set to take over the former Alderwood Pacific spot in downtown Santa Cruz, while a few blocks away, gluten-free farmers market standby Switch Bakery will open in the former Café Limelight early next month.

Credit: Dov Harrington, Creative Commons

‘We’re not going to retreat’: Local rabbi reflects on the Bondi Beach shooting

Local celebrants of Hanukkah gathered on Sunday night in downtown Santa Cruz for the first night of the joyous Jewish holiday. But their minds were on the senseless killing of Hanukkah celebrants half a world away, in Sydney, Australia. Continue reading…

Watsonville Fire Chief Rudy López announces retirement after 35 years of service

After nearly 35 years of service, the fire chief who led evacuations in Watsonville during the 2023 floods announced his retirement Tuesday morning. Rudy López’s last day will be Dec. 31.

Credit: City of Scotts Valley / Facebook

Storm damage shuts down lane of Glenwood Drive in Scotts Valley for four weeks

The City of Scotts Valley is preparing to begin work on Glenwood Drive, which sustained significant storm damage in mid-November. The emergency repair work is expected to start next week and will last four weeks if weather permits.

Credit: Larry Valenzuela / CalMatters/CatchLight Local

Republicans ask federal court to overturn California’s new Prop 50 maps

Republicans and the Trump administration are hoping a panel of federal judges in Los Angeles will halt the new Proposition 50 maps from taking effect. But given the Supreme Court’s recent ruling greenlighting Texas’ redrawn maps, their odds appear long.

Credit: Kevin Painchaud / Lookout Santa Cruz

After three-week dry spell, rain is coming to Santa Cruz County

The National Weather Service is forecasting three separate weather systems — weak storms — to hit Santa Cruz County this week.

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