Good morning. It’s Friday, Aug. 28, and with a system moving through the Central Coast that could bring thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds, Santa Cruz County is under a red flag warning, signaling critical fire weather conditions, into the afternoon.
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Hillary Ojeda has more on the red flag warning, reporting that the National Weather Service is warning that lightning strikes could result in fires, and the forecast winds could cause rapid fire spread. The agency also points to an increased risk for power outages as the winds could bring tree limbs down onto power lines.
Hillary also had the news Thursday that Pajaro Valley Unified School District and its teachers union have struck a tentative agreement for a new contract. According to the union, the deal doesn’t include a health benefits cap, something that was a key sticking point during nearly a year of sometimes-contentious negotiations.
Former Soquel High pitcher Jake Escalante is on the mend from an elbow injury that ended his senior season and, John P. Hefti writes, is off to Arizona State, where his rehab from Tommy John surgery could keep him off the mound his freshman season. Escalante was selected by the Athletics in the 19th round of this year’s Major League Baseball draft but chose the college route instead.
Downtown Santa Cruz is the topic in Lookout’s Community Voices opinion section, with Santa Cruz city manager Matt Huffaker pushing back against the narrative that “nobody goes downtown anymore.” New businesses are opening, vacancies are falling and millions of people are showing up to shop, eat, study and spend time downtown, he writes.
Also among today’s headlines you’ll find a cheat sheet to going out and eating well around Santa Cruz County this weekend – away we go.
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Central Coast issued red flag warning Friday with thunderstorms, lightning in forecast
Lightning strikes could result in fires and winds that could gust up to 50 mph may cause rapid fire spread. The National Weather Service also warns of an increased risk for power outages as the winds could bring tree limbs down onto power lines. Hillary Ojeda has the details.
Former Soquel High ace Jake Escalante is rehabbing a torn elbow — and gearing up for Arizona State
Former Soquel High baseball standout Jake Escalante is navigating the mental and physical challenges of Tommy John surgery after a historic senior season, with the injury likely to keep the left-hander off the mound during his freshman year at Arizona State University. Despite being drafted by the Athletics, Escalante chose college baseball and is betting on a strong return. John P. Hefti caught up with him.
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Be safe out there today, everyone, and have a great weekend. As ever, thanks for reading!
Will McCahill