Good morning, folks. It’s Thursday, April 2, and I hope you’re no worse for wear (other than some grogginess, maybe) after that earthquake in the wee hours. Weatherwise, the Santa Cruz County forecast calls for mostly sunny skies and temperatures in the 60s as we embark on a bit of a warming trend.
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Max Chun gauged the reaction of Santa Cruz candidates after the county’s Democratic Central Committee couldn’t agree on endorsements in the city’s mayoral or city council races after a Tuesday forum. Most agreed that while a DCC nod would’ve been a boost, they’re focused on going directly to the voters themselves.
The inaugural Santa Cruz Vegan Chef Challenge is on, and Lily Belli has an overview of the countywide event running all month. The event asks participating businesses to add new plant-based items to the menu, and invites diners to review their favorite meals online.
In Lookout’s Community Voices opinion section, a local doctor warns that just because it’s warming up doesn’t mean we can let our guard down on dangerous respiratory viruses. Overlapping infections and shifting seasonal patterns – ie, COVID surging during warmer months – can have serious consequences, family medicine physician Patrick Cudahy writes.
Headlines ahoy.
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Santa Cruz candidates mostly unfazed at lack of Democratic Central Committee endorsements
The Democratic Central Committee could not come to a consensus on which Santa Cruz City Council and mayoral candidates to endorse, so it will not endorse anyone ahead of the June 2 primary. However, many on the campaign trail say it doesn’t make a difference to them — and might even be a good thing. Here’s what Max Chun heard.
27 participating restaurants debut new vegan options for countywide April challenge
More than two dozen restaurants countywide are debuting new plant-based dishes as part of April’s inaugural Santa Cruz Vegan Chef Challenge. The event, organized by Vegan Outreach, aims to expand vegan options and encourage broader interest in plant-based eating, with a winning restaurant to be announced in May. Get a taste from Lily Belli.
DAILY DIGEST
If you’re among the many whose thoughts might be turning to the weekend, stay tuned as Lookout’s coverage continues. Coming later is your cheat sheet to going out and eating well around Santa Cruz County via Weekender, one of the many free newsletters and breaking news alerts you can sign up for here. Breaking news notifications are just one great feature of the Lookout Santa Cruz app, available in both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, and give Lookout a follow on Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram and/or Threads if you’re into the social media thing.
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Thanks for reading, and have a good Thursday.
Will McCahill