The Kitchen Witch Gut Reset is a five-day cleanse that consists of bone broth-based soups.

Morning Lookout: A gut check for 2022 (literally!) and looking at new laws

By Will McCahill

Source: Lookout Santa Cruz

A good day to you, Santa Cruz! It’s Tuesday, Jan. 4, and we’ll see some showers this morning, part of a mostly cloudy with highs in the mid- to upper 50s.

A reminder if you’re headed over the hill a little later:

Speaking of feeling a little off, nutritionist, acupuncturist and herbalist Magali Brecke talked to Lookout’s Lily Belli about why some of us might need a gut reset after the holiday season.

Among other things to note as we embark on 2022, Lookout’s Grace Stetson and Hillary Ojeda took a closer look at some of the laws that have just gone into effect and how they might affect Santa Cruz County. And as the Omicron surge sweeps across California, we checked in on where to get a COVID-19 test as Santa Cruz County ramps up options.

Let’s hit those headlines and more:

A gut check for 2022

It’s worth noting how food and wellness often intersect, says Magali Brecke, a licensed acupuncturist and herbalist, and a functional nutritionist. Brecke talks gut reset and more with Lookout’s Lily Belli.

➤ MORE FROM LILY: Find all our food and drink coverage in one place

The new state laws going into effect — and their impact on Santa Cruz County

Shoppers walk through The Grove enjoying a beautiful fall day in Los Angeles

Limiting liability for prescribed control burns and an increase in the minimum wage are just two of the new laws now on the books. Lookout’s Grace Stetson and Hillary Ojeda survey the local impact.

➤ LOOKING AHEAD: With the California Legislature back in session, here’s what to expect in 2022 (CalMatters)

COVID testing update

Medical assistant Jackie Diaz performs a COVID test at the Inspire Diagnostics site at Cabrillo College.

Santa Cruz County is ramping up options as demand surges and with return to school imminent. Get details on where and when to get tested and more.

➤ MORE OMICRON: How safe are indoor gyms during Omicron surge? What experts say (Los Angeles Times)

Big jumps in COVID-19 patients, but this surge is different

Hospital workers tend to a COVID-19 patient

Roughly two-thirds of patients who have tested positive at the four hospitals run by the L.A. County Department of Health Services were admitted for something other than the coronavirus. Our partners at the Los Angeles Times compare this winter to last.

The Theranos verdict won’t stop investors from pouring money into the next big fraud

Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes was found guilty of multiple charges in January 2022.

The lesson of Theranos and yesterday’s guilty verdict for Elizabeth Holmes is that even big-name investors can be fooled. And will continue to be. Get the full analysis from the Times’ Michael Hiltzik.

➤ MONDAY’S VERDICT: Former Theranos CEO Elizabeth Holmes guilty of fraud and conspiracy (Los Angeles Times)

Around the county ...

➤ Few Santa Cruz arrests, citations for New Year’s Eve (Santa Cruz Sentinel)
➤ Missing Santa Cruz woman found by search and rescue team (KSBW-TV)
➤ New fee for people in Watsonville who wish to use a disposable cup (KION-TV)

That’s it for now, but keep tabs throughout the day by bookmarking our website and following us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. We can also deliver Lookout right to your phone and inbox — find out more at our Lookout Newsletter & Text Center.

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Be safe out there this Tuesday — catch you back here tomorrow morning!

Will McCahill
Lookout Santa Cruz