Hey hey hey. It is Friday, June 21 – summer is firmly here, and Santa Cruz County weather is playing its part, with the marine layer giving way to mostly sunny and 70s near the coast, sunny and upper 80s in the mountains (and getting warmer for the weekend).
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A busy Friday so let’s get right to it. Hillary Ojeda has an update on the investigation into December’s fatal bus crash on the UC Santa Cruz campus – but school officials aren’t saying much, and maintenance records obtained by Lookout bring little clarity.
Max Chun looks at the financial woes facing the Felton Fire Protection District, which is mulling a shared-services agreement with state agency Cal Fire as it also considers a ballot measure to raise money.
Then we pass the mic to Lily Belli. She’s got a review of the recently reopened Alderwood Santa Cruz, which, under the direction of new chef Mikey Adams, has streamlined its menu and beverage offerings in a more relaxed setting that, she writes, retains “the technique-driven elegance that sets the downtown restaurant apart from its neighbors.”
Lily’s guide to Santa Cruz County’s hot dog purveyors is finally here, just in time for summer, and she spotlights seven spots spanning the length of the county from Boulder Creek to Watsonville that are elevating the all-American dog to an art form.
The Friday headlines also include Wallace Baine’s roadmap to a buzzy weekend in local arts and entertainment – so let’s go!
What caused December’s UCSC bus crash? After six months, records made public so far show little
Six months after the on-campus bus crash that led to the death of driver Dan Stevenson, UC Santa Cruz officials say they’re still investigating the cause. Through a public records request, Lookout obtained maintenance records that shed little light on what might have happened. Hillary Ojeda has the details.
Hot dog! Here’s where to enjoy the best hot dogs of the summer in Santa Cruz County
Hot dogs are an iconic summer meal, and in Santa Cruz County, six hot dog vendors plus one café are offering fresh takes on the classic all year long. Lily Belli tried them all, and brings a recommendation from each. Check out the menu here.
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I told you it’s a busy Friday! And, yes indeed, there’s more on the way from Lookout. A third helping of Lily Belli is among what’s still coming, so sign up here for her Eaters Digest and all of our other newsletters (including our specially curated Sunday Reads over the weekend), plus breaking news alerts via email and text. You can stay current with Santa Cruz County goings-on via social media, too, where you’ll find Lookout on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Threads.
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Cheers to a good Friday, and have a safe, relaxing weekend beyond.
Will McCahill