Morning Lookout: Verve Coffee’s bank shot, Cabrillo renaming update and a bánh mí pop-up

G’morning, news connoisseurs. It’s Friday, Aug. 18, and the Santa Cruz County forecast is similar to what we’ve seen all week: morning clouds, afternoon sun, temps in the 70s and 80s. And that’s about where we’ll be through the weekend, with the possibility of a few raindrops Sunday night into Monday from what will then be the remnants of Hurricane Hilary (about which more later).

Rather spin the wheel on Lookout’s latest than take my guided tour? Have at it.
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An iconic Santa Cruz brand is going national, and Ashley Spencer has a look at where Verve Coffee Roasters stands as its partnership with Capital One brings its boutique, surfer-chic vibe to dozens of the bank’s cafés.

With next steps in Cabrillo College’s renaming process delayed, Hillary Ojeda talked to folks on both sides about strategy. More in-person public engagement is the goal for those leading the move to change the school’s name.

And ahead of her Eaters Digest newsletter, coming later Friday, Lily Belli samples the Vietnamese-style sandwiches of Back Door Bánh Mí, a pop-up from chef Andy Huynh of Full Steam Dumpling. Read on for her verdict and for info on when you can get a taste yourself.

Friday’s headlines also include Wallace Baine’s roadmap to the weekend around Santa Cruz County — let’s go.

The bravado, the brand and the beans: Verve Coffee achieves a national footprint

(Kevin Painchaud / Lookout Santa Cruz)

As a partnership with banking giant Capital One catapults Verve Coffee Roasters into dozens of highly visible locations across the U.S., the artisanal brand that started on 41st Avenue in 2007 continues to spread its wings well beyond Santa Cruz. Read more here from Ashley Spencer.

➤ BIG BRANDS ON LOCAL SCENE: Wait, it’s Denny’s? The rise of virtual restaurants and the mysterious origins of your delivery order

With delay in Cabrillo College renaming, what are supporters and opponents of the change planning?

(Kevin Painchaud / Lookout Santa Cruz)

More public engagement around the proposed name change, and a possible new survey, are under consideration by Cabrillo College trustees. Keeping the Cabrillo name is not. Meanwhile, opponents of the name change say they have not settled on a new strategy. Hillary Ojeda reports.

➤ CABRILLO COLLEGE NAME CHANGE: Find Lookout’s continuing news and opinion coverage here

Upcoming events in Santa Cruz County

FRIDAY 9/29
Midtown Fridays @1111 Soquel Ave.
Food Truck Friday @Skypark
Mountain Film on Tour Santa Cruz @Rio Theatre
Roosevelt @The Catalyst

SATURDAY 9/30
Out of The Darkness Santa Cruz County Walk @Skypark
Community Crafters-Basic Earring Making Workshop @Boulder Creek Branch Library
Farm Dinner @1481 San Miguel Canyon Rd.
Big Mountain @Moe’s Alley
MaMuse, WildChoir & The Feelings Parade @Rio Theatre

SUNDAY 10/1
Halloween Pop-up Event @Little Trends
Rail & Trail Festival @Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
David Luning @Kuumbwa Jazz Center
Marc E. Bassy @The Catalyst

I hope I’ve given you enough fuel to tackle your Friday and get to the good stuff beyond, but don’t sleep on Lookout. Coming later, you might remember, is Lily Belli’s latest Eaters Digest, which you can get served right to your inbox by clicking here. While you’re there, don’t forget to sign up for Lookout’s other newsletters, including Sunday Reads and In the Public Interest, Christopher Neely’s Monday look at Santa Cruz County politics and policy. Oh, and breaking news alerts, too, via email and text. You can also stay current on local news and views by following Lookout on social media — we’re on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Threads.

Our content isn’t possible without community support, so if you’re not already, please consider becoming a Lookout member.

Cheers to a pleasant Friday, and have a safe, relaxing weekend.

Will McCahill
Lookout Santa Cruz