Morning Lookout: Omicron’s local impact, Klay Thompson in town and more gift guides
A good day to you, dear readers. It’s Tuesday, Nov. 30 — seriously, December is just about here — and we have another chilly start that will give way to a sunny day with highs into the low 70s around Santa Cruz County.
A reminder if your plans include a trip north later this morning:
Meanwhile, there’s plenty to cover on this side the hill:
- With the Omicron variant top of mind, Lookout’s Hillary Ojeda talked to to Deputy Health Officer David Ghilarducci about what it means for Santa Cruz County.
- Golden State Warriors star Klay Thompson is in town, practicing with the Santa Cruz Warriors as he continues his rehab from ACL and Achilles injuries, and Lookout’s Max Chun got a peek.
- Lookout’s Lily Belli brought recommendations for spirits, wine, beer and coffee in another installment of our Keeping It Local holiday gift guide.
- And Lily also has a look at the latest addition to the downtown food scene, Santa Cruz Waffle Shop.
To the headlines!
Santa Cruz County health officials: Only a matter of time before Omicron arrives; vaccination imperative
The best ways to avoid spread and protect against serious illness remain the same as the COVID pandemic enters a new phase. Read what Dr. David Ghilarducci told Lookout’s Hillary Ojeda.
➤ GET BOOSTED: Facing Omicron threat, CDC says all adults should get COVID-19 booster vaccine (Los Angeles Times)
Quick Take
Libraries need Friends. They also need space. Not any old space. They need inviting, flexible, supportive spaces that...
Keeping It Local: Get your loved ones toasting with Santa Cruz’s quaffable best
Lookout’s Lily Belli keeps our local holiday gift guide going with recs on spirits, wine, coffee and more. Get it all right here.
➤ FIND THE WHOLE SERIES: Keeping It Local: Lookout shows you how to keep your hard-earned dollars here in Santa Cruz
Klay Thompson’s road back to Golden State comes through Santa Cruz
Thompson hasn’t played since the 2019 NBA Finals after suffering a pair of serious injuries. Lookout’s Max Chun got a look at the Splash Brother.
➤ MORE SEA DUBS: With the sweet sounds of Warriors basketball set to return, here are the new faces at the helm (Lookout)
Santa Cruz Waffle Shop sets up shop at Metro station
The waffles masquerading as highly decorated donuts are “pure fun, and the ensuing sugar rush is sure to get you where you need to go faster than any city bus.” Get the scoop here from Lookout’s Lily Belli.
➤ MORE FROM LILY: Find all of her Eaters Digest columns here
Bay Federal raises nearly $11,000 for Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Foundation
Bay Federal raises nearly $11,000 for Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Foundation
Quick Take
In true sustainable fashion, Bay Federal Credit Union partnered with the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary...
How bad will Omicron be? Scientists won’t really know for months
Omicron’s impact on the COVID-19 pandemic will depend on a variety of factors that will take days to weeks for scientists to untangle. Our partners at the Los Angeles Times map out what’s next.
➤ MORE OMICRON: WHO says new coronavirus variant poses ‘very high’ risk of global infection surges (Los Angeles Times)
Some California cities aim to blunt new duplex law
Some cities in California want to put restrictions on Senate Bill 9, a new law that aims to increase development in single-family home neighborhoods. Read more here from the Times.
➤ BACKGROUND: SB 9 and SB 10 are law — what does that mean in Santa Cruz County and beyond? (Lookout)
Around the county ...
➤ Watsonville Community Hospital faces closure if not purchased by Jan. 28 (The Pajaronian)
➤ Woman rescued after falling down Davenport beach cliff (KSBW-TV)
➤ Santa Cruz’s Nat Young makes early exit in Hawaii (Santa Cruz Sentinel)
That’s it for now, but there’s plenty more ahead today, including another installment of our Keeping It Local holiday gift guide (it’s Wallace Baine’s turn). Bookmark our website to stay in the know, and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. You can also get text and email alerts, plus our other newsletters, by visiting the Lookout Newsletter & Text Center.
And please consider becoming a Lookout member if you’re not already. Our content isn’t possible without community support.
Enjoy this Tuesday, and send November out with a bang!
Will McCahill
Lookout Santa Cruz
Quick Take
