What’s up, Santa Cruz County? It’s Wednesday, Sept. 24, and we could be dodging some raindrops as showers and thunderstorms move through the region this morning and early afternoon, with temperatures headed into the 70s and 80s.
WEDNESDAY NIGHT: Lookout, along with our partners at CalMatters, will present a screening of the documentary “Stripped for Parts: American Journalism on the Brink” at the Del Mar Theatre in Santa Cruz from 7 to 9 p.m. After the film, we will have a panel discussion with media leaders on the fight to rescue local news and its importance to democracy. You can get your tickets here.
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The news Tuesday that KION has shut down its local news operations came as a shock to both staff and viewers, Christopher Neely reports, and leaves KSBW as the only local TV station serving more than 750,000 residents across Santa Cruz, Monterey and San Benito counties.
The Watsonville City Council moved ahead Tuesday with next steps to help reduce the number of unhoused residents in the city, Tania Ortiz reports, adopting its first homelessness strategic plan. The plan focuses on four areas: housing, policy and funding, prevention and resources, and management and enforcement.
In her weekly look at local business, Jessica M. Pasko reports on a new study that found that surfing contributes nearly $200 million to the Santa Cruz County economy – a number that the study’s authors say is at increasing risk from the impacts of climate change.
Max Chun talked to local health officials about the confusion surrounding changing federal recommendations on vaccines, and reports that a state law enacted last week gives the California Department of Public Health the ultimate decision-making power for issuing vaccine recommendations.
The hump day headlines also include Santa Cruz County food & drink news from Lily Belli – let’s dig in, shall we?
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As KION ends local news, KSBW is now only TV broadcaster serving 750K on the Central Coast
In a move that stunned staff and viewers alike, Salinas-based KION abruptly shuttered its newsroom after 56 years, leaving the Central Coast with just one local TV news outlet and raising questions about who will tell the region’s stories. More here from Christopher Neely.
Watsonville City Council approves city’s first homelessness strategic plan
The Watsonville City Council voted to adopt the city’s first homelessness strategic plan at its meeting Tuesday night. The plan outlines the city’s approach to reducing homelessness and connecting unhoused residents to social services. Tania Ortiz reports.
DAILY DIGEST
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Thank you very much for reading – now get out there and show Wednesday who’s boss.
Will McCahill