First-grader Eddie Osman gets his COVID-19 vaccine Tuesday at Gault Elementary.

Morning Lookout: Booster FAQs, progress for kids and Durbin rocks on

By Will McCahill

Source: Lookout Santa Cruz

A good morning to you all, dear readers. It’s Friday, Nov. 19, and we’re looking at partly sunny skies and highs in the mid-60s.

I got my COVID booster shot Thursday evening, and Lookout has both boosters and vaccines for the younger crowd covered: Grace Stetson got some answers from Santa Cruz health folks about boosters, including how to get them. Haneen Zain, meanwhile, checked in on how the vax rollout is going for 5-to-11-year-olds.

That’s nowhere near all we have for you:

Contributor Lucille Tepperman caught up with hometown rocker James Durbin as he embarks on a bunch of shows around Santa Cruz County.
Wallace Baine mapped out changing times for the “Zoom Forward” literary event ahead of its latest installment this afternoon.
Wallace and Lookout’s dedicated Team BOLO delivered recommendations for things to do all over the county this weekend and beyond with another set of Best Bets.
And Lily Belli had an update on the aftermath of the walkout at downtown’s Cafe Gratitude.

Let’s dive in, shall we?

County parents lining up young ones for COVID-19 shots

Fifth-grader Kazel Oatey gets his first Pfizer shot Tuesday at Gault Elementary.

Nearly 3,000 kids ages 5 to 11 have gotten their first COVID-19 dose since last week. Lookout’s Haneen Zain reported on the vaccine progress.

➤ LAST WEEK: ‘We’re going to do our part’: Gault Elementary holds its first vaccine clinic for elementary students (Lookout)

The scoop on COVID boosters

A health care worker prepares a dose of the Janssen COVID-19 vaccine

Why should you do it? Where should you get it? Should you mix and match? Lookout’s Grace Stetson delivers the answers here.

James Durbin living out his heavy metal fantasies right here at home

James Durbin has a full slate of local shows coming up.

Onetime “American Idol” star James Durbin ups the ante from his Quiet Riot years and channels his love of Dio, Iron Maiden and Judas Priest on his latest album — and Santa Cruz fans will have plenty of chances to hear it. Lookout contributor Lucille Tepperman digs in here.

➤ DOWN THE LINE: Check out Wallace Baine’s expertly curated list of all the big events coming to Santa Cruz

After death of its creator, ‘Zoom Forward’ stays true to its name

Granddaughter Hannah Hutton is carrying on the literary event started by Santa Cruz artist and writer Jory Post. Lookout’s Wallace Baine charts the event’s evolution and talks to Friday’s featured writer.

Cafe Gratitude update: Reduced hours, jobs not restored

Cafe Gratitude on Lincoln Street downtown.

A walkout by about half of Cafe Gratitude’s staff earlier this month does not appear to have been successful. Lookout’s Lily Belli has the latest on a downtown institution.

➤ PREVIOUSLY: Owner, workers clash at longtime Santa Cruz vegan cafe rooted in mindfulness (Lookout)

Best Bets has Friday plans

Downtempo hip-hop and modern dance to comedy, art and bites and brews, Wallace Baine and Lookout’s Team BOLO have you covered on recommendations for things to do from now to Thanksgiving. Find it all here.

➤ CHECK THE FULL CALENDAR: BOLO, your place to go for things to do

UC officially ditches any tests for undergraduate admissions

A broken pencil on a standardized test sheet

After doing away with the SAT and ACT in 2020, the University of California said Thursday it would no longer consider using any tests as part of its undergraduate admissions process. Get the analysis here from our partners at CalMatters.

➤ MORE FROM UC: Lecturers hail new deal as ‘a landmark and transformative achievement’ (Lookout)

Around the county ...

➤ Good Samaritans aid teen; Scotts Valley police arrest her boyfriend (Santa Cruz Sentinel)
➤ Watsonville Ivy League Project founder honored (The Pajaronian)
➤ Residents question need for Pine Flat Road tree removal work (The Press Banner)
➤ Santa Cruz tourism is hoping for a rebound during the holidays (KSBW-TV)

And that should be enough to get you ready for Friday. But keep it tuned to Lookout — bookmark our website and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram — for all that’s in store, including another helping of Lily Belli’s Eaters Digest. And you can get it all delivered to your inbox or phone by visiting our Lookout Newsletter & Text Center.

To ensure you’re staying informed about all the goings-on in Santa Cruz, consider becoming a Lookout member. Our content isn’t possible without community support.

And now, onward — have a great day!

Will McCahill
Lookout Santa Cruz