Good morning everyone,
Max Chun here filling in for Will McCahill today. Hope everyone’s week has gone well as it comes to a close. It’s expected to be a very nice day today, with clear skies and highs in the mid-70s.
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Lily Belli reports that strawberry growers had an incredible year in 2025, with the crop’s value seeing a 27% jump to roughly $279 million, up from $218 million in 2024. This is likely due to more fields and production, and a higher price per ton.
Hillary Ojeda lays out the Pajaro Valley Unified School District Area VII race, which features incumbent Misty Navarro seeking reelection against first-time candidate Mads Realmuto. District layoffs are a hot topic in the race, with the two hopefuls diverging on their views of them.
In Lookout’s Community Voices opinion section, Community Bridges CEO Ray Cancino discusses the impending closure of the organization’s community-based Enhanced Care Management program, which aims to help Medi-Cal patients with complicated needs. Having been caused by a shift in payment model, Cancino isn’t convinced the move is actually going to save money.
Before we get into the news, a word from Director of Student and Community Engagement Jamie Garfield:
Last night, Lookout Santa Cruz hosted a Watsonville City Council candidate forum for Districts 5 and 7, bringing candidates and community members together for a conversation about the issues shaping the city.
The audience came ready to participate — submitting a wide range of thoughtful questions for the candidates. In fact, there were so many questions that we ran out of time before we could get to all of them.The result was an engaged conversation that gave voters an opportunity to hear from the people seeking to represent them on the City Council.
Thank you to everyone who joined us, submitted questions and took part in the conversation. Civic engagement is at its best when communities ask questions, listen to different perspectives and stay involved in the decisions that affect their future.
Now, for the headlines…
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Santa Cruz strawberries had a $61 million year. Here’s what drove the surge
Santa Cruz County’s agricultural economy grew 2.8% in 2025, driven largely by a 27% jump in strawberry value to nearly $279 million, while other major crops saw more mixed results.
Incumbent Misty Navarro faces Mads Realmulto in PVUSD Trustee Area VII race
Incumbent Misty Navarro and district parent Mads Realmuto are competing for the Trustee Area VII seat on the Pajaro Valley Unified School District governing board. Navarro was appointed to the seat in October 2024, after Jennifer Holm resigned from the board.
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Have a great Thursday!
Max Chun
