Morning Lookout: Gail Pellerin’s wisdom, caregivers’ holiday sacrifices
Good morning! It’s Friday, Nov. 26, and we’ll have a mix of sun and clouds around Santa Cruz County, with highs in the 60s.
Let’s get you all ready for the day, whether it’s back to work, hitting the road, shopping or just enjoying some time off.
Lookout’s Grace Stetson caught up with former county clerk Gail Pellerin, who has devoted more of her time to mental health advocacy and suicide prevention work since retiring last year.
Meanwhile, Lookout contributor Andrew Lachman brings us a look at caregivers who are sacrificing time with family this holiday season to serve elderly clients.
In case you missed it, Lookout’s Max Chun surveys the local nonprofit scene for organizations that could use our help feeding Santa Cruzans in need.
And if you’re looking to get out and about this holiday weekend, Wallace Baine and Lookout’s dedicated Team BOLO have recommendations aplenty for things to do.
So let’s get to those headlines:
Gail Pellerin shares her pain of loss, wisdom on navigating the holidays
Pellerin lost her husband of 25 years, Tom, to suicide three years ago and has become an outspoken advocate for those facing similar challenges. Lookout’s Grace Stetson has a Q&A with the former county clerk.
➤ IN SCHOOLS: Helping students, families navigate mental health: $4M grant will target challenge of finding services
Quick Take
These four local Santa Cruz County nonprofits make it their mission year-round to empower youth, fight hunger, and...
Giving thanks with selflessness
Caregivers say they are incredibly grateful for the trust they have been given, but they ask people to remember they often give up their own holidays to serve the some of the most vulnerable. Lookout’s Andrew Lachman has their stories.
➤ HOLIDAY PREPAREDNESS: COVID-19 Thanksgiving, Round 2: How to prepare, when to mask up ... and what about those unvaxed relatives? (Lookout)
Feeding Santa Cruz 2021
With many Santa Cruzans in need, local nonprofits could use a helping hand. Lookout’s Max Chun maps out volunteer opportunities and more.
➤ RELATED: The need ‘keeps growing’: Volunteers to feed the hungry remain in high demand as holidays draw closer (Lookout)
Best Bets is ready for the weekend
Get a jump on holiday shopping with outdoor markets, hit up some art exhibitions or take in some live music — there’s plenty to do all over Santa Cruz County. Get recommendations here from Wallace Baine & Co.
➤ OUR FULL EVENTS CALENDAR: BOLO, your place to go for things to do
ICYMI: PV High teachers’ complaints about staff shortage impacts paint grim picture
Pajaro Valley Unified School District teachers say vacancies are negatively affecting students, and district officials say they’ve been working to fill them. Lookout’s Hillary Ojeda explores the situation.
➤ VAX PROGRESS IN SCHOOLS: ‘So much hope, so much participation’: County parents lining up young ones for COVID-19 shots (Lookout)
Kaiser Permanente grants target housing, health, social services
Kaiser Permanente grants target housing, health, social services
Quick Take
Health care organizations looks to strengthen services for low-income and homeless residents of the county to bolster...
‘There is nothing alive on that tree’
Most of the giant sequoias killed by the KNP Complex fire this fall were in a single grove, where flames might have blanketed the tops of the trees that rise more than 250 feet. Our partners at the Los Angeles Times visit the area.
➤ LOOKOUT’S WILDFIRE RESOURCE CENTER: Everything you need to be prepared before, during and after a wildfire
Around the county ...
➤ Santa Cruz METRO CEO reflects on his tenure before exit (Santa Cruz Sentinel)
➤ Parents ask for SLVUSD to investigate classroom disturbance (The Press Banner)
➤ Crest Ranch keeps holiday tradition going despite devastating fire (KSBW-TV)
That’ll get your tank topped off for this Friday — but Lookout has lots more on tap today, including another helping of Lily Belli’s Eater’s Digest, so keep tabs by bookmarking our website and following us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. And if you’re enjoying our coverage, please tell your family and friends about our Lookout Newsletter & Text Center, where they can sign up for all the newsletters and alerts we offer.
And if you’re not already, consider becoming a Lookout member. Our content isn’t possible without community support.
Now get out there and seize the day, and have a great weekend!
Will McCahill
Lookout Santa Cruz
