What’s up, Lookout friends? It’s Tuesday, Oct. 21, and a foggy start around Santa Cruz County is forecast to give way to mostly sunny skies and temperatures ranging from mid-60s at our beaches to lower 80s in the mountains.
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Santa Cruz city workers are set to vote Tuesday afternoon on whether to authorize a strike, Max Chun reports, as they push for better pay, more staff and, for some, more support in handling harassment. The workers’ most recent three-year contract with the city expired Oct. 10.
Proposed changes to Pajaro Valley Unified School District’s policy on how controversial issues are discussed in classrooms are on the agenda at this week’s meeting of the district’s governing board. Teachers tell Hillary Ojeda that they believe the changes would give the superintendent too much power to shape discussions and could lead to censorship. “This policy is not about censorship, it’s about clarity,” a district rep said in response. “We trust our educators and value their professionalism.”
A housing development under consideration in Live Oak is the topic in Lookout’s Community Voices opinion section, with a group of residents outlining their opposition to a five-story, 57-unit apartment building at 841 Capitola Rd. They say the project would tower over their homes and properties, eliminate mature trees and worsen parking and traffic.
And Jana Marcus is back with a review of Santa Cruz County Actors’ Theatre’s current production of “Misery,” writing that William Goldman’s play, adapted from Stephen King’s best-selling novel, delivers a gripping dose of psychological terror that makes you squirm for all the right reasons.
To the headlines …
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Santa Cruz city workers to vote on strike authorization amid staffing concerns and claims of harassment
Santa Cruz city workers will vote Tuesday on whether to strike amid ongoing contract talks. They are asking for higher pay that matches other Bay Area cities and more workers to fill empty positions. Library staff say they need help dealing with troubled visitors and more support handling harassment complaints. Read more from Max Chun.
In PVUSD, a new policy on controversial issues in the classroom faces accusations of censorship
Teachers in Pajaro Valley Unified School District are protesting proposed policy changes they say could suppress classroom discussions on controversial topics by requiring prior approval from administrators. The district says the revisions aim to provide clarity and balance, but educators argue the vague language could lead to self-censorship and limit critical conversations on issues like climate change, immigration and labor rights. Hillary Ojeda reports.
DAILY DIGEST
That’s what I know this Tuesday morning, and with more still on the way from Lookout, you’ll want to stay tuned. Sign up here for breaking news alerts via email and for all of our other newsletters, including another taste of Santa Cruz County food & drink coming a little later with Lily Belli on Food. Download the Lookout Santa Cruz app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store to bring our award-winning local coverage along wherever your day takes you, and if your daily scroll includes social media, connect with Lookout on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Threads and Bluesky.
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Have a super Tuesday!
Will McCahill