Good morning everyone,
Max Chun here filling in for Will McCahill, who is enjoying some well-deserved time off. I hope everyone had a good holiday and stayed as dry as possible! Today we’re looking at mostly clear skies with highs in the low-60s.
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I spoke with Fred Keeley recently, who looks back on his three years as mayor thus far, and discussed how he envisions his final year in 2026. He isn’t planning any big initiatives right now, but will support other councilmembers’ policy goals, which he believes is an apt way to conclude his political career.
Hillary Ojeda sat down with Carol Turley, the new Pajaro Valley Unified School District board president, who had a rocky first meeting. Some board members and labor leaders were surprised with her leadership style, but she says her approach is intentional.
Hillary also reports on California State University Monterey Bay, which was the only campus in the 22-school CSU system to meet all six of its goals included in the system’s Graduation Initiative 2025. The school also led the state in improvements to four- and six-year graduation rates.
I give you the rundown on the next slate of Soquel Drive improvements to bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure, traffic signals, curb ramps, and more. This next phase will run between State Park Drive and Freedom Boulevard, and the county is currently seeking a project manager for the pre-construction work.
Now, to the headlines…
Newsmakers 2025: Approaching final year in office, Fred Keeley reflects on a busy ’25 and ‘promises kept’
The new downtown expansion district, an affordable housing measure and a rail-trail compromise all came to fruition in 2025. Now, Fred Keeley, Santa Cruz’s first four-year elected mayor, looks to his final year in office.
New Pajaro Valley Unified school board president surprises with management style
New PVUSD board president Carol Turley’s first meeting in the role was marked by frequent interruptions of fellow trustees and a stricter enforcement of agenda limits, leaving some board members and labor leaders frustrated and questioning her leadership style. Turley says the approach is intended to curb disorder and prevent Brown Act violations as the board confronts major decisions on layoffs and potential school closures.
DAILY DIGEST
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Have a great start to your week and I’ll talk to you again tomorrow!
Max Chun