Lookout PM: Supes shelve discussion of their own pay, Driscoll's new CEO, Dharma's founder dies, and Santa Cruz Shakespeare's big 2027

Welcome to Tuesday night’s Lookout PM.

Credit: Kevin Painchaud / Lookout Santa Cruz

Amid fiscal crisis, Santa Cruz County supervisors table discussion of their own pay

By Tania Ortiz

Santa Cruz County supervisors have tabled until January a discussion on potential changes to how their salaries are determined, following concerns from several board members, who pointed out that bringing up the issue while the county faces budgetary issues is “not a good look.”

New Driscoll’s CEO Brie Reiter Smith succeeds Soren Bjorn

By Lily Belli

Brie Reiter Smith, vice chair of Driscoll’s board of directors, has replaced Soren Bjorn as chief executive officer, the Watsonville-based company announced on Tuesday.

Lily Belli on Food: Dharma’s founder dies; Humble Sea’s crawfish boil; Open Farm Tours return for 12th year

By Lily Belli

In her Tuesday newsletter, Lily Belli shares news of the passing of Bernie Shapiro, notes upcoming events at Humble Sea Brewing Co., Bookshop Santa Cruz and farms around the county, plus plenty more.

Santa Cruz Shakespeare goes big: Eight shows take the stage in 2027

By Jana Marcus

Santa Cruz Shakespeare is going bigger than ever in 2027, with eight productions stretching from spring through winter, including a record four-show summer season. But at a warm gathering in the Audrey Stanley Grove on Monday night, the company also looked back, surprising former artistic director Mike Ryan by naming the Grove stage in his honor.

Strong El Niño could bring a wet winter: Pajaro flood officials are taking extra precautions

By Tania Ortiz

Officials at the Pajaro Regional Flood Management Agency say they are making “more aggressive” winter preparations as climate experts are forecasting a strong El Niño.

Credit: Andres Kudacki / Associated Press

Dolly Parton, music star, actor and beloved figure who spanned generations, dies at 80

By Kristin M. Hall / Associated Press

Dolly Parton, the country music icon whose soaring vibrato vocals, poignant songwriting and sparkling costumes defined her rise from a log cabin in the Tennessee mountains to the height of stardom and acclaim, has died. She was 80 years old.

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