What’s happening, Santa Cruz County? It is Tuesday, July 15, and the forecast calls for the marine layer to hang around a bit, with temperatures from the 60s to the 80s once the sun breaks through.
JUMP TO … Neighborhood Roundup | Latest News | Opinion | Briefs | Event Calendar | Job Board | Puzzles
Hillary Ojeda has the story of how Davenport’s tiny Pacific Elementary School has bucked the county trend of declining enrollment. The appeal, educators and families say, is the mix of small class sizes, unconventional programs and participation from a bought-in community.
With the ongoing closure of the Murray Street Bridge wreaking havoc for businesses and residents around the Santa Cruz Harbor, the port district is planning a trial run for extending its water taxi hours beyond just the weekends, Max Chun reports. Max also caught up with recent Scotts Valley High grad Kaleb Wing after the right-handed pitcher was selected by the Chicago Cubs in the fourth round of the Major League Baseball draft.
Sondheim and Shakespeare are on the menu this week as local theater productions kick off the summer season, Wallace Baine reports. Cabrillo Stage unveils “Sweeney Todd” on Friday, the same day as Santa Cruz Shakespeare opens “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” and “Into the Woods” debuts Saturday at the Audrey Stanley Grove at DeLaveaga Park.
In Lookout’s Community Voices opinion section, legislation under consideration in Sacramento is the topic for Cynthia Rachel of charter school operator Innovative Education Management. Assembly Bill 84 would block flex-based charter schools from partnering with local enrichment providers, she writes in urging a no vote.
The day’s headlines also include a second murder charge stemming from the April discovery of a Watsonville man’s body on the Pajaro River levee – onward.
Were you forwarded this newsletter? Sign up here to receive Morning Lookout in your inbox every weekday.
How tiny Pacific Elementary defied the trend of declining enrollment: Student chefs, small classes and parent volunteers
While California schools struggle to grow enrollment, Davenport’s Pacific Elementary has expanded its student body by more than 60% in the past eight years through a blend of unconventional programs, small class sizes and deep community involvement. Read Hillary Ojeda’s story here.
With Murray Street Bridge closed, port district to explore extended hours for water taxi in coming weeks
The Santa Cruz Port District is eyeing a pilot project to determine whether enough people are interested and would use its water taxi service beyond its current hours as locals continue to adjust to the closure of the Murray Street Bridge thoroughfare. Max Chun has the latest.
DAILY DIGEST
A full plate this Tuesday morning, to be sure, and there’s plenty more cooking in the Lookout kitchen. Lily Belli on Food is among what’s on the menu, and that’s just one of the many newsletters and breaking news alerts you can sign up for here. Download the Lookout Santa Cruz app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store to take our award-winning local coverage along for your daily ride, and if you’re on social media, find us there, too, on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Threads and Bluesky.
Our content isn’t possible without community support, so if you’re not already, please consider becoming a Lookout member.
Have a super Tuesday!
Will McCahill