Greetings, friends and neighbors. It is Wednesday, Nov. 26, and the pleasant weather continues for Santa Cruz County, with mid-70s forecast in the warmest mountain spots under sunny skies – and more of the same the next few days.
One programming note before the day’s headlines: Lookout’s newsletters will be on hiatus Thursday and Friday, but fear not, we’ll be back at it from Sunday Reads onward.
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After the news Tuesday that nonprofit Encompass Community Services would stop the local Head Start services it has run for more than 40 years, Hillary Ojeda reports that Colorado-based Community Development Institute will step in temporarily. Encompass leaders say that could help the federally funded program restart sooner after it was shuttered Oct. 31 amid the government shutdown.
A mainstay on Santa Cruz County’s indoor recreation (and birthday party) circuit is celebrating 75 years, with Jessica M. Pasko reporting on the timeless appeal of the Santa Cruz Roller Palladium. Diane Ethrington and her husband, Rick, bought it from its original owners in 1986, and its longevity is something of an anomaly in the world of roller rinks. Jessica also has her weekly survey of local business, including Joby Aviation accusing a rival of corporate espionage.
Lily Belli’s latest dispatch from Santa Cruz County’s bustling food & drink scene is also among the Wednesday headlines – let’s get after ’em.
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Colorado-based nonprofit tapped to temporarily run Santa Cruz County Head Start after Encompass exit
Encompass Community Services will hand off Santa Cruz County’s Head Start program to Denver-based Community Development Institute Head Start, which is expected to arrive Monday to begin reopening services that have been shuttered since Oct. 31. Encompass leaders say stepping aside will allow the federally funded program — which laid off 91 staff amid funding delays and shifting federal requirements — to restart more quickly while a long-term local operator is identified. Hillary Ojeda has details.
Santa Cruz Roller Palladium still provides timeless fun after 75 years
Little has changed about the Santa Cruz Roller Palladium since it opened in 1950, and for Diane Ethrington, who bought it with her husband from the original owners in 1986, its perennial appeal lies in its simplicity. Jessica M. Pasko takes us inside.
DAILY DIGEST
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Thank you for reading – have a great Wednesday, safe travels if you’re hitting the road, and I’ll see you back here Monday.
Will McCahill