What’s the word, Lookout friends? It is Friday, March 8, and sunny and 60s is the Santa Cruz County forecast, so get out there if you can because Mother Nature is set to turn the shower machine back on over the weekend.
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We’ve reported extensively on the controversy over barriers put up by a Rio Del Mar homeowners association around a walkway next to Seacliff State Beach and the $4.8 fine levied by the California Coastal Commission; now, Lookout photojournalist Kevin Painchaud takes the pulse on local sentiment for a video story from Beach Island.
The next round of vote tallies from Tuesday’s primary election is set to drop Friday afternoon – and Lookout will have full team coverage, so be sure to check back after 4 p.m. – and Watsonville Community Hospital officials are eyeing those numbers closely with a big bond measure hovering right around the approval mark, Hillary Ojeda reports. The $116 million Measure N needs 66.7% to pass; it was at 68.15% at latest count.
Wallace Baine is in the mix, too, catching up with members of local band Wolf Jett as they settle into a recording studio rebuilt after their previous one burned in the CZU fire and celebrate their latest album with an upcoming Kuumbwa show.
Headlines ahoy.
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On the fence: What homeowners, renters and neighbors are saying about Rio Del Mar HOA’s new coastal barrier
Lookout photojournalist Kevin Painchaud caught up with beachfront homeowners, renters and nearby residents to chat about a Rio Del Mar homeowners association’s decision to put up a large fence blocking access to a walkway along Seacliff State Beach. Here’s what he heard.
‘Crossing our fingers’: Watsonville hospital leaders eye slim lead on bond measure as vote count continues
Watsonville Community Hospital leaders say they’re holding their breath as they wait for the final votes to be counted for Measure N, the $116 million bond measure in Tuesday’s election. The approval rate was 68.15% heading into Friday’s vote update from the Santa Cruz County Clerk. Hillary Ojeda’s got the update.
DAILY DIGEST
That’s all for now, but PLENTY more coming later from Lookout. We’ll have Lily Belli’s Friday staple, Eaters Digest, a little later, and then, as mentioned, updates on all the Santa Cruz County races after the county clerk’s office releases new vote totals around 4 p.m. You can get election updates via our breaking news alerts by signing up here, and that link can also get you Eaters Digest and all of Lookout’s other newsletters. We bring you our coverage on social media, too: Get a piece of Lookout on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Threads and you won’t miss any of our local coverage.
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Enjoy what’s looking like a swell Friday, and may the weekend beyond be a safe, relaxing one.
Will McCahill