Good morning, one and all. It is Friday, Dec. 20 – the last mostly sunny day for a little while around Santa Cruz County before we hit another dodging-the-raindrops stretch.
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We’ll start off with Tania Ortiz, who reports on the latest chapter in the story of a proposed “tiny village” that would provide housing for the homeless in Watsonville. A resident whose appeal of the project was denied earlier this month by the planning commission is taking her case to the city council.
Max Chun has the latest from the trial over the possible release of Adrian Gonzalez, convicted in 2021 of the rape and murder of Santa Cruz 8-year-old Madyson Middleton. Ahead of a monthlong recess, the jury heard testimony Thursday from mental health workers about the progress they’ve seen from Gonzalez during his detention.
The Flynn Creek Circus is back at the Capitola Mall, and Wallace Baine has a preview of this year’s show, on now through Jan. 5. The storytelling and acrobatics are certainly family-friendly, he writes, but there are a handful of adults-only performances, with more skin, more salty language and more irreverence.
And if you’re in the market for a good bottle of wine or two for that holiday party or meal, we know just whom to turn to: Wine expert Laurie Love is back with a list of 10 local wines to add to your celebrations – and, at under $30, without breaking the bank.
The Friday headlines also include the milestone reopening of a stretch of West Cliff Drive battered by storms nearly two years ago, so let’s have at it.
Watsonville resident files new appeal over ‘tiny village’ to city council
Watsonville resident Catalina Torres filed a new appeal asking the city council to rescind zoning approval of a 34-unit “tiny village” project that would provide shelter for the unhoused on land at Westview Presbyterian Church. Tania Ortiz has the latest.
Justice workers praise Adrian Gonzalez’s treatment progress as release trial enters monthlong pause
Mental health workers testified for the defense Thursday about Adrian Gonzalez’s rehabilitation progress in custody, nearly a decade after he murdered Santa Cruz 8-year-old Maddy Middleton, as his release trial begins a monthlong recess. Max Chun was in the courtroom.
DAILY DIGEST
That, friends and neighbors, is Friday morning’s view from the Lookout flight deck; we’ve got plenty more queued up for takeoff, so you’ll want to stay tuned. Coming in a few hours, for instance, is Lily Belli’s Friday staple, Eaters Digest – one of the many newsletters and breaking news alerts you’d do well to sign up for here. If social media is your jam, Lookout is there, too. Stay current on our award-winning Santa Cruz County coverage by following Lookout on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and/or Threads.
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I’ll be taking a few days off next week so you’ll be in the very capable hands of my Lookout colleagues – happy holidays to all, safe travels if you’re hitting the road, and thanks as always for reading.
Will McCahill