Lookout PM: Young UCSC grad’s bid for state senate, county board demographics, and an online survey for a comprehensive Highway 17 plan

Recent UCSC grad hopes to be one of youngest elected to California Senate

By Hillary Ojeda

A recent UC Santa Cruz graduate, 23-year-old Zennon Ulyate-Crow, has launched a campaign for the California state Senate District 24 seat, hoping to become one of the youngest people elected to the chamber. The former Santa Cruz transportation commissioner and student housing advocate says his campaign is driven by issues facing his generation, including the rising cost of living, housing shortages and government accountability.

Survey of who serves on government commissions shows areas for improvement to reflect Santa Cruz County demographics

By Cecilia Schutz

A demographic survey of the people who serve on government boards and committees in Santa Cruz County found gaps in representation among Latine residents, renters, South County residents and young adults — all of whom make up a greater portion of the population than are represented in these appointed, volunteer positions.

Weekender: Celebrating local women, Watsonville Film Festival & February’s food faves

Your cheat sheet for eating well and going out in Santa Cruz County, with recommendations from Lookout correspondent Lily Belli.

Highway 17 comprehensive multimodal corridor plan online survey now open

Seeking to address congestion, safety, climate change and accessibility for pedestrians, transit users, bus riders and bicyclists along Highway 17, Caltrans is seeking input from Santa Cruz County residents.

OPINION: Sanctuary and solidarity: When deportations surge on the Central Coast, we must be ready

By Paul Johnston

Amid rising deportations along California’s Central Coast, retired sociologist and Santa Cruz Welcoming Network member Paul Johnston urges communities to organize and to close two urgent gaps: emergency legal aid for those detained by ICE and support for families left behind. He points to the Puentes Fund, which assists families facing detention or deportation, and calls for broader community action — from fundraising gatherings to organized “circles of care” rooted in schools, faith groups and neighborhoods.

A podcaster gave Newsom a gun. Are California laws keeping him from taking it home?

Last year, conservative podcaster Shawn Ryan gave Gavin Newsom a SIG Sauer handgun, which the governor has yet to take home. To do so, Newsom would have to navigate a complicated web of California gun laws.