Morning Lookout: One eye on the weather, integrating computer science, and surf equity
A soggy good morning to you, Santa Cruz County. It’s Monday, Dec. 13, and it’s going to be a sloppy one, with rain expected into the overnight hours. Winds could be a problem, too:
Some rockslides have been reported on county roads, and mudslides and debris flows are a worry in areas scarred by the 2020 CZU Complex fire; take it slow out there today, and check back with Lookout for updates on this developing story.
Elsewhere, Lookout’s Hillary Ojeda went inside a Santa Cruz classroom to see how things like rocks and erosion are helping some elementary students to learn about computer science.
The backlash over gender inequity in an October surfing contest brought the issue into sharp focus, and Lookout’s Mark Conley and contributor Liza Monroy took a closer look.
Are we losing our edge? That’s the question about Santa Cruz that’s been on the mind of Lookout’s Wallace Baine, and while he’s got his thoughts, we’d also love to hear what you think. Hit us up: news@lookoutlocal.com.
Now, to the headlines:
Sewing, rock erosion and coding: How some elementary students are learning about computer science
For annual Computer Science Education Week, schools across Santa Cruz County focused on how to improve learning and equity in computer science. Lookout’s Hillary Ojeda got an up-close view.
➤ BACKGROUND: A computer science call to action: National education week kicks off in Santa Cruz County (Lookout)
The City of Santa Cruz welcomes holiday season shoppers and diners
The City of Santa Cruz welcomes holiday season shoppers and diners
Quick Take
Supporting local Santa Cruz businesses continues to be more important than ever. When it comes to buying gifts this...
Don’t mess with the women
Backlash over inequity in an October surf contest has led to a reexamination of fairness and the law. Go deep with Lookout’s Mark Conley and contributor Liza Monroy.
➤ COMEBACK KID: Santa Cruz surfer Nat Young scratches back onto the world tour in honor of his mom (Lookout)
Forget about keeping Santa Cruz weird; have we lost our once-notorious edge entirely?
When “The Lost Boys” came out in 1987, it put on display the edge Santa Cruz had become known for. Nearly a quarter-century later, it’s worth reevaluating whether those same eccentric ideals are still part of this place. Lookout’s Wallace Baine weighs in.
➤ MORE FROM WALLACE: Find all of his columns in one place
With 2022 campaign on horizon, Newsom has public stage to himself
Gov. Gavin Newsom is all but alone on the public stage with just six months to go before the June statewide primary, a testament to his defeat of the recall in California this fall. Our partners at the Los Angeles Times survey the state of affairs.
➤ MORE POLITICS: Find all of Lookout’s coverage here
Proposed state law seeks to ban freeway expansions in underserved communities
A California legislator has proposed blocking state funding and permits for freeway expansions in poor and polluted neighborhoods. The Times examines the proposal.
➤ MORE ON INFRASTRUCTURE: Biden signs historic $1 trillion bipartisan infrastructure bill (Los Angeles Times)
Around the county ...
➤ Santa Cruz youth football team wins Pop Warner Super Bowl (Santa Cruz Sentinel)
➤ State grant will help Watsonville renovate City Plaza (The Pajaronian)
➤ Ex-Scotts Valley cop says sexual harassment on force was not investigated (The Press Banner)
➤ Independent oversight possible for Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office (Santa Cruz Local)
That’s all for this Monday morning. Bookmark our website and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to stay current with the weather and more; you can also get text and email alerts, plus all the newsletters we offer, by visiting our Lookout Newsletter & Text Center.
And if you’re not already, please consider becoming a Lookout member. Our content isn’t possible without community support.
Stay safe today, folks — I’ll see you back here tomorrow morning.
Will McCahill
Lookout Santa Cruz
