A train runs through us: Why the polarizing rail trail issue has divided us in a time that demands unity
What’s wrong with the rail trail debate is what’s wrong with American democracy in 2022, Wallace Baine writes. Why isn’t “Maybe,” or “It’s Complicated,” or “This Is Not My Field,” or “Whatever, Dude” one of the answers to a profound question of how we live our lives, recreate and commute in Santa Cruz County? Read his full Sunday column here.
➤ MORE FROM WALLACE: Find all of his columns in one place
Life, death and Measure D: A lose-lose proposition for us all
Ryan Coonerty dreams of getting hit by a meteor rather than face another discussion about Measure D. The 3rd District Supervisor says the intensity of debate around Measure D is pointless given one stark political reality: no matter how the vote goes, without compromises, Santa Cruz County won’t build anything for decades. Read his Community Voices op-ed here.
➤ SANTA CRUZ’S OPINION FORUM: Explore our new Community Voices section
‘Bans Off Our Bodies’ march draws hundreds to downtown Santa Cruz
With the U.S. Supreme Court seemingly set to overturn the decision that legalized abortion nationwide, Santa Cruz joined cities large and small across the country Saturday in making its opposition heard. Get the sights and sounds here.
➤ MORE: ‘It’s really unknown territory’: Longtime Planned Parenthood leaders look back — and forward (Lookout)
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District 3 forum fireworks: Sparks fly as Kalantari-Johnson, Cummings spar on homelessness, districting
As the June 7 election nears, the three candidates vying for the county supervisor seat that covers most of Santa Cruz and the North Coast — Shebreh Kalantari-Johnson, Justin Cummings and Ami Chen Mills — engaged in a spirited, pointed back-and-forth Thursday night. Meanwhile, four candidates — Liz Lawler, Gail Pellerin, Rob Rennie and Joe Thompson — for the newly redrawn State Assembly District 28 talked through a wide range of state-meets-local topics, and on where to spend California’s $68 billion surplus. Mark Conley takes us inside the event.
➤ ELECTION 2022: Find all of Lookout’s local and state election coverage here
Sweet Bean’s vegan treats, Newtown Noir apple wine and Live Earth U-picks return
From a high-end Alderwood-Australian wine pairing to vegan breakfast pastries, Lily Belli has you covered for great eating this weekend and beyond. Chow down on her latest Eaters Digest here.
➤ MORE FROM LILY: Find all of Lookout’s food & drink coverage in one place
In case you missed it …
➤ Glass shortage spells the end of innovative Kitchen Witch Bone Broth (Lily Belli)
➤ ‘We’re bringing the NEST to more kids’: Digital NEST takes flight in aiming to serve kids in nine communities by 2026 (Hillary Ojeda)
➤ Two Santa Cruz Starbucks vote in favor of unionization, a first in California (Max Chun)
➤ Area Guide: Scotts Valley, a (really nice) place apart (Laura Albrecht)