What’s up, Lookout readers? It’s Wednesday, March 4, and it’s looking like a clouds-to-sun day for Santa Cruz County, with temperatures warming into the upper 60s once things clear up.
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Monday night’s meeting of Cabrillo College’s governing board saw trustee Steve Trujillo leave early after he was confronted over racist comments, Hillary Ojeda reports. It was the second meeting in a row at which Trujillo made such remarks, and his fellow board members came under criticism from Cabrillo employees for their inaction.
Max Chun has an update on the Mental Health Client Action Network, which closed abruptly last year. Homeless service provider People First of Santa Cruz County has submitted a proposal to operate some of MHCAN’s programs while the peer-run organization gets back on its feet, but some MHCAN members worry that putting an outside organization in charge goes against its mission and philosophy, especially its commitment to peer-run programming for people with mental illness.
Jessica M. Pasko has the latest from Santa Cruz County business, including La Selva Beach drone developer Parallel Flight Technologies clearing a key federal hurdle, more funding for a Scotts Valley company working to transform electric grid technology and Joby Aviation getting another step closer to rolling out electric air taxis as part of its partnership with Uber.
The Seymour Marine Discovery Center has launched a new podcast to connect Santa Cruz County’s scientists, problem-solvers and community members, Cassidy Beach reports – produced at the new Seymour Studios, which offers an inclusive space for anyone in the community to record and share their message.
To the headlines …
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Cabrillo trustee leaves board meeting after confrontation over racist comments; staff criticize rest of board for inaction
At two consecutive Cabrillo College governing board meetings, trustee Steve Trujillo drew criticism for singling out a Black staff member during a discussion about a racist video and for later invoking his past relationship with a Black partner while defending himself, before abruptly leaving Monday’s meeting. Faculty and staff denounced the remarks and the board’s failure to intervene. Hillary Ojeda reports.
With mental health organization in limbo, homeless service provider’s proposal to run some programs sparks worries about peer-based model
As the Mental Health Client Action Network works to get back on its feet, homeless services provider People First of Santa Cruz County could operate some of its programs. But MHCAN members worry outside management will fundamentally change its peer-based service model. Max Chun has the latest.
DAILY DIGEST
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Thank you for reading – now get on out and make the most of your Wednesday.
Will McCahill