Jessica M. Pasko dives into the story behind the surf helmet a Santa Cruz company pitched on a recent episode of “Shark Tank,” explores The Catalyst’s iconic status and highlights numbers, names and events to know on the local business scene.
Cabrillo College
Posted inEducation
Cabrillo College governing board appoints former Watsonville mayor as new trustee
The Cabrillo College governing board voted 4–2 to appoint former Watsonville mayor Francisco “Paco” Estrada to fill the Area V trustee seat left vacant by the death of Manuel Bersamin. The board cited Estrada’s community ties, leadership experience and connection to Bersamin’s legacy in selecting him to serve through the 2026 election.
Posted inEducation
Cabrillo College governing board soliciting nominations for vacant seat after Manuel Bersamin’s sudden death
After Cabrillo College Trustee Manuel Bersamin died suddenly on Oct. 26, the college announced Tuesday it is searching for candidates to fill his seat.
Posted inEducation
Cabrillo College names four finalists for president, sets Nov. 12 public forums
Cabrillo College has unveiled a shortlist of four candidates to become the school’s next president, with plans for a community forum before aiming to select its next leader next month.
Posted inLatest News
Manuel Bersamin, Cabrillo College trustee, ex-Watsonville mayor, dies at 67
Manuel Bersamin, a former Watsonville mayor and Cabrillo College trustee with a passion for helping first-generation college students passed away Friday, the college said on Monday. He was 67.
Posted inEducation
Cabrillo College, UCSC break ground on joint housing project after last-minute deal to save state funding
Cabrillo College and UC Santa Cruz have officially broken ground on Costa Vista, a $181 million, 624-bed joint student housing project aimed at combating homelessness and housing insecurity among students.
Posted inEducation
Cabrillo College braces for $3M hit as feds cut grants for minority-serving programs
Cabrillo College leaders say they’re “deeply upset” after the Trump administration announced it would terminate $350 million in federal grants for minority-serving institutions — a move that could cost Cabrillo $3 million and affect two key student support programs.
Posted inEducation
Joint Cabrillo-UCSC student housing project to finally break ground this month
Cabrillo College and UC Santa Cruz will break ground Sept. 29 on a long-planned, $111 million joint student housing and child care project at Cabrillo’s Aptos campus, marking the community college’s first-ever student housing.
Posted inEducation
Cabrillo College begins search for new leader to navigate budget shortfalls, declining enrollment and looming federal threats
Cabrillo College has launched a national search for its next president, who will be tasked with addressing enrollment declines, multimillion-dollar budget deficits, and the college’s first on-campus housing project amid a challenging political and financial landscape. The new leader will succeed Matt Wetstein and must also navigate high housing costs, shifting federal policies, and growing calls for educational equity and community engagement.
Posted inArts & Entertainment
Santa Cruz’s big summer theater season begins this week with Sondheim, Shakespeare
Both Santa Cruz Shakespeare and Cabrillo Stage are opening their summer calendars this week, with “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” “Sweeney Todd” and “Into the Woods” on the slate.