Quick Take:
Supporting local Santa Cruz businesses continues to be more important than ever. When it comes to buying gifts this...
Good morning! It’s Monday, Dec. 6, and after a foggy start, the forecast is calling for a cloudy day with highs in the 50s — and chances of rain in the evening and overnight hours:
Meantime, let’s get you caught up on what you need to know heading into the workweek:
- Lookout’s Mark Conley has the story of Nat Young, the Santa Cruz surfer who’s back on the big stage, powered by the spirit of his beloved late mother.
- Lookout’s Haneen Zain looks at UC Santa Cruz’s hybrid first quarter and the university’s plans to go to full in-person classes for the winter.
- A new tune from Watsonville singer-songwriter Michael Gaither has the attention of Lookout’s Wallace Baine, for how it faces that bewildering moment when you realize that you’re part of the supposedly wise-old-owl generation.
- And in case you missed it, Lookout’s Lily Belli delivered another helping of Eaters Digest, including an update on Tramonti’s Italian Christmas market.
So let’s get to those Monday headlines, shall we?
Santa Cruz surfer Nat Young scratches back onto the world tour in honor of his mom
After bursting onto the scene in 2013, Nat Young was on the outside looking in after four seasons. But now he’s back on surfing’s big stage. Lookout’s Mark Conley details the journey here.
➤ MORE FROM MARK: Tushar Atre’s death spurred his friends to build a unique life opportunity for kids
Grading UCSC’s fall quarter
UC Santa Cruz officials are preparing to offer 100% of courses in-person next quarter after what they say was a successful fall quarter with zero community transmission of COVID-19 on campus. Lookout’s Haneen Zain maps out what’s ahead.
➤ PRESSING ISSUE: What’s it like to study from a hotel? As housing crunch worsens, students at UCSC, elsewhere are finding out (CalMatters)
Ready or not, ‘We’re the Elders Now’
Michael Gaither’s new song is perfect for that autumnal post-Thanksgiving vibe, when wistfulness seems as natural as pumpkin pie, eggnog and old Nat King Cole records. Lookout’s Wallace Baine reflects.
➤ WANT MORE? Get all of Wallace’s coverage in one place
Tramonti’s Italian Christmas market returns
Lookout’s Lily Belli delivers another edition of Eaters Digest, including brain-boosting chocolate from a local company. Find the tasty goods here.
➤ STILL HUNGRY? More food and drink coverage from Lily
Democrats eye massive shift in war on wildfires
The Democrats’ social spending bill includes the largest-ever investment in forests, including major wildfire prevention funding. Our partners at the Los Angeles Times take a closer look.
➤ MORE CHALLENGES: The American West went through climate hell in 2021. But there’s still hope (Los Angeles Times)
Around the county …
➤ Warmer water attracts tuna to our area (Santa Cruz Sentinel)
➤ New food waste collection in Santa Cruz County: Costs, timing and details (Santa Cruz Local)
➤ Restaurant owner, airport management in dispute over transition plan (The Pajaronian)
➤ Wasting water? You could be hit with a $500 fine (San Jose Mercury News)
That will get you ready to take on any case of the Mondays. Keep tabs throughout the day by bookmarking our website and following us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram — and visit our Lookout Newsletter & Text Center to sign up for all the newsletters and alerts we offer.
To ensure you’re staying informed about all the goings-on in Santa Cruz, consider becoming a Lookout member. Our content isn’t possible without community support.
Be safe on the roads this morning, and have an excellent day!
Will McCahill
Lookout Santa Cruz