Good morning, everyone. It’s Monday, March 30, and it’s looking like more clouds than sun for Santa Cruz County, with highs ranging from the upper 60s to around 80, before chances of rain Tuesday and Wednesday.
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Hillary Ojeda spotlights a pair of impactful student leaders, reporting on the work Soquel High’s Ivory Woodson and Santa Cruz High’s Amara Anderson are doing as heads of their respective schools’ Black Student Unions. Not only have they hosted bonfire meet-ups, game nights, pumpkin carvings, Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day and fundraisers, they’re spearheading the development of a public service announcement addressing racial slurs in schools.
A trio of talented local bakers is changing the local bread and pastry scene, Lily Belli reports. In downtown Watsonville, Kevin Grenz molds stunning loaves of sourdough and plant-based treats that sell out daily; Justin Lenorovitz creates dazzling pastries using French techniques and playful inspiration to delight customers at the Capitola Mall; and in downtown Santa Cruz, Talia Damon has transformed the coffeehouse experience with elevated yet comforting muffins, cookies and cakes that defy expectations.
In his weekly Carmageddon column, Max Chun previews this week’s meeting of the Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission, at which it will consider a separation agreement with Progressive Rail in order to avoid a court battle following the RTC’s move to become the common carrier on the rail line. Commissioners will also consider entering a new contract with a new rail operator for part of the rail line in South County that still serves freight customers.
The day’s headlines also include Lookout’s coverage of the weekend’s “No Kings” rallies in Santa Cruz and Watsonville … away we go.
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Black Student Union presidents lead growth, anti-hate speech efforts
Soquel High student Ivory Woodson and Santa Cruz High student Amara Anderson are co-leading the development of a public service announcement addressing racial slurs in schools, just part of the impact they’re making as leaders of their schools’ Black Student Unions. Hillary Ojeda has the story.
Three bakers on the rise: The new faces reshaping Santa Cruz County’s bread and pastries
Across Santa Cruz County, three emerging bakers are gaining attention for distinctive breads and pastries that reflect their personal stories and creative ambitions. From a sold-out Watsonville sourdough shop to eye-catching Capitola confections and a reinvented downtown café pastry case, each is helping redefine the local baking scene. Get a taste from Lily Belli.
DAILY DIGEST
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Here’s to a smooth Monday for us all – thank you for reading.
Will McCahill