Happy holidays, readers! It’s Monday, Dec. 23. I’m Tamsin McMahon, Lookout’s managing editor. Will McCahill is off for the week. I’ll be filling in, along with correspondent Max Chun.
A winter storm is set to wallop the region starting later this afternoon, bringing strong winds and waves that could tower up to 40 feet. We may also see some rain this afternoon into tomorrow, along with the potential for isolated thunderstorms on Tuesday. The National Weather Service issued a high surf warning and coastal flood warning that are set to run through noon tomorrow.
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Santa Cruz County’s incoming supervisors, Kim De Serpa and Monica Martinez, will be sworn into office at 2 p.m. today, though they won’t officially assume their duties until Jan. 6. Felipe Hernandez will take the helm of the board of supervisors as chair.
On that note, Christopher Neely examines how the political landscape of Santa Cruz County could be reshaped in 2025, from the re-election of Donald Trump to challenges facing new city councils and the board of supervisors.
Hillary Ojeda reports on how local school districts are facing a sobering financial reality as pandemic funds dry up, with Pajaro Valley Unified and Live Oak school districts preparing for significant cuts.
Max Chun delivers the latest on multiple transit projects, from a weather-delayed segment of the Coastal Rail Trail, to Metro’s decision to cancel some routes because of problems with its aging bus fleet, along with updates about construction on Highway 1 and Highway 9.
And Lily Belli introduces us to Stefanie Berntson, who has curated Bookshop Santa Cruz’s cookbook collection for more than three decades.
There’s plenty to chew on today. So let’s get to the headlines:
Four political questions in Santa Cruz County for 2025
As 2025 dawns, election results — not campaigns — promise to shape Santa Cruz County’s future. From Donald Trump’s White House return to transformative local projects, shifting political alliances, and new leadership challenges, the year ahead could redefine our communities.
As federal pandemic aid ends, Santa Cruz County school districts prepare for budget cuts, layoffs
Facing millions in budget shortfalls, Pajaro Valley and Live Oak school districts expect to make deep spending cuts as pandemic-relief funding expires and they confront the effects of declining enrollment. For PVUSD, that is likely to mean slashing expenses for mental health staff and […]
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That wraps up our Monday morning update, but there’s more Santa Cruz County coverage heading your way. Keep an eye out for Christopher Neely’s latest in our In the Public Interest newsletter, packed with essential local political insights.
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If you visit the beach to see the high surf, remember to stay safe. I’ll catch you back here tomorrow.
Tamsin McMahon