Good morning! It is Friday, July 17, and the forecast is calling for another nice one around Santa Cruz County, with mostly sunny skies and temperatures ranging from the upper 60s near the water to the mid-80s in the mountains.
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UC Santa Cruz’s move to raise parking rates continues to roil the campus, with Hillary Ojeda reporting that a coalition of workers and students is pushing to at least delay the hikes until more voices are heard. “It’s unfortunate when we’re not incorporated in these decisions that are going to very much impact our experiences as students,” said one member of a student commission that advocates for student voices in the university’s transportation decisions.
Meanwhile, Thursday brought the news from campus that Samuel Waymon, the legendary composer and activist who spent a quarter-century shaping the sound of his sister Nina Simone, is bringing his six-decade cultural legacy to UC Santa Cruz this October for a weeklong residency.
A number of Santa Cruz County transportation projects are getting a boost as part of a $2.5 billion package announced Thursday by California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office. The millions coming to our area include projects in Castle Rock State Park and Watsonville, plus a major new interchange near Castroville, Max Chun reports.
Among the TGIF headlines you’ll also find Weekender, your cheat sheet for going out and eating well around Santa Cruz County – away we go.
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UCSC workers say administration violated ‘good faith’ measures by implementing parking rate increases
UC Santa Cruz faculty, students and campus unions are fighting back against new parking rate increases, accusing the administration of implementing the hikes in bad faith and violating its own policies. Hillary Ojeda has the details.
Legendary composer and Nina Simone brother, collaborator Samuel Waymon to bring six-decade legacy to UCSC
Samuel Waymon’s career has spanned more than 60 years in theater, music and film, and he also worked alongside his late sister, playing the organ, composing, producing and managing. More here.
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Here’s to a smooth Friday, and a safe, relaxing weekend beyond. Thank you for reading!
Will McCahill