LOOKOUT PM: Meet the new Santa Cruz police and fire chiefs; both sides of Measure D weigh in

By Max Chun

Source: Lookout Santa Cruz

Good day, friends,

The warm weather stuck around today, even if the sky did take on a grayer tone than we’ve been seeing recently. Nevertheless, it’s clear that summer is right around the corner.

Before we get started, I’ll remind you about our North County Candidates Forum once again.

We will be hosting and moderating two panel conversations: one with 3rd District County Supervisor candidates and another with California 28th Assembly District candidates. Attendees can hear from the candidates as they speak about their top priorities and the community’s most pertinent issues. Click the banner to register!

Let’s get on with it, then ...

Weekender: Moms, monsters, free music and a bewitching trivia question

Musicians perform on a flatbed truck amid the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021

Upcoming: Mr. Wallace Baine gives you the scoop on the latest events, a live broadcast of the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, and where to find last minute Mother’s Day gifts. Check out the latest edition of the Weekender here.

➤ Keith Greeninger makes peace with the chaos

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New Santa Cruz police chief Bernie Escalante takes on staffing woes, COVID impacts and mental wellness

A visiting nurse prepares a syringe to be used for the vaccine.

Transitioning in: After serving as interim chief following the resignation of former chief Andy Mills in October, Bernie Escalante moves into his role as new police chief with goals to build staffing and trusting relationships with the community. Several days after his official appointment, he told Lookout about his vision and the department’s challenges. See his whole conversation with Hillary Ojeda.

➤Bernie Escalante named interim Santa Cruz police chief

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People call the fire department for everything: A Q&A with new Santa Cruz fire chief Rob Oatey

Aptos resident Kelly Spellman at the Blossom's Farmstore & Coffeeshop.

Fired up: Climate change. Drought. More public needs of every kind. We asked new city of Santa Cruz fire chief Rob Oatey what motivates him, and challenges him, in his new role. See what he told Grace.

➤ A tale of two recoveries: Rebuilding frustrates CZU families; officials say they’re ahead of the curve

Opinion: Vote yes on Measure D

From YES Greenway: A trail-only option is the best, most realistic option for our Santa Cruz community. It will preserve our natural landscape, can be built now and doesn’t depend on imagined future funding. Measure D makes sense and is the logical way forward. Read the op-ed here.

➤ Santa Cruz City Council offers a unanimous ‘no’ on divisive Measure D; Greenway proponents unfazed

Opinion: Vote no on Measure D

From No on D: Measure D will hurt our community by permanently ending the rail + trail plan connecting Santa Cruz and Watsonville. Measure D undermines decades of public planning and hurts commuters, the environment and our future economy. That’s why numerous elected officials and more than 30 local organizations oppose Measure D. It deserves a no vote. Read the op-ed here.

➤ YES Greenway files police report for defaced campaign signs; opposition calls it a desperation move