Sunday Reads: Unsung heroes in environmentalism and education, plus making holiday memories

Andy Carman matches restless locals with volunteer opportunities in defense of the planet

(Kevin Painchaud / Lookout Santa Cruz)

Where the enormity of the challenges facing the planet drags some into defeatism, it had the opposite effect on Andy Carman, galvanizing the Santa Cruz psychotherapist into action. “Andy, quit whining about what’s needed and what’s missing,” he told himself, and Environteers soon followed. Wallace Baine profiles Carman for our Unsung Santa Cruz series.

➤ MORE UNSUNG SANTA CRUZ: Lookout highlights regular folks doing great things

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Preserving our diverse ecosystems: All Land Trust donations doubled through Dec 31

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Preserving our diverse ecosystems: All Land Trust donations doubled through Dec 31

Presented by The Land Trust of Santa Cruz County

Her classroom and sex education curriculum help students feel safe and included

(Kevin Painchaud/Lookout Local )

As an English and health teacher at Delta Charter High School, Jamie Cutter has her hands full. Students and other education leaders say she’s made a difference in Santa Cruz County by helping youth develop healthy and critical decision-making skills in and outside the classroom. Hillary Ojeda profiles Cutter for our Unsung Santa Cruz series.

➤ MORE FROM K-12 EDUCATION: California schools, including in Santa Cruz, set for ‘windfall’ in arts funding starting in 2023-24

This really is a season of magic and memories

(Via Claudia Sternbach)

Lookout columnist Claudia Sternbach remembers her “Christmas pasts” in Santa Cruz, when as a young mother she tried to give her daughter the sort of memories she didn’t have as a child. She remembers window shopping at Leask’s department store on Pacific Avenue and when shopkeepers handed out cookies and cocoa. Now, she realizes, the memories are more hers than her daughter’s. She’s OK with that. The memories sustain her all year. Read her column here.

➤ MORE FROM CLAUDIA STERNBACH: Need holiday reading recommendations? Try these books on for size

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