Local news in the classroom: Weekly roundup 10/21/25 The subject of community comes up in various ways this week. “No Kings” protests saw a significant turnout in Santa Cruz and Watsonville, including an address by 95 year old labor leader Dolores Huerta, and the Nickelodeon Theatre remains closed making residents wonder if independent cinema culture […]
educator alert
Educator Update: A doctor un-retires to serve his community and a rideshare program takes farmworkers to clinics free of charge
Local news in the classroom: Weekly roundup 10/14/25 Time to dig out the umbrellas and raincoats. It’s mid-October and we’re seeing some brief but mighty rain push us further into fall before the sun returns. This week we also see several health-related issues brought to light through multiple attempts to increase healthcare access in the […]
Educator Update: Homeless outreach programs react to settlement shifts and the Latino Affairs Commission calls for new immigrant protection laws
Local news in the classroom: Weekly roundup 10/7/25 Here’s your weekly educator update designed just for you – high school educators – where we hand-pick several stories that we think will resonate with you and your students – especially those that might spur discussion. First, I wanted to introduce myself, Ava Salinas, as Lookout’s new […]
Educator Update: University research funding uncertainty, and controversy with the “Renegade” heroics of the CZU fires
Local news in the classroom: Weekly roundup 9/30/2025 Here’s the weekly educator update designed just for high school educators – where we hand-pick several stories that we think will resonate with you and your students – especially those that might spur discussion. These alerts also highlight different resources we offer, such as our upcoming journalism […]
Educator Update: Debate over housing in Scotts Valley, surveillance concerns in Watsonville, and a final screening reminder
Local news in the classroom: Weekly roundup 9/23/25 Santa Cruz is buzzing with the return of UCSC students settling in for the new school year – but housing is making headlines beyond campus too. In Scotts Valley, the mayor is voicing concerns over a proposed affordable housing project, while in Watsonville, residents are urging city […]
Educator Update: Brown Berets return & Cabrillo faces funding hit
Local news in the classroom: Weekly roundup 9/15/25 As the new school year moves into full swing, students and families across Santa Cruz County are seeing how history, policy, and education funding shape daily life. From the revival of a historic activist group in Watsonville to looming federal cuts at Cabrillo College, this week’s headlines […]
Educator Update: Mental health gaps & COVID confusion
Local news in the classroom: Weekly roundup 9/9/25 As the new school year gets underway, many students and families in Santa Cruz County are feeling the ripple effects of decisions made in local government, health care, and beyond. From the sudden closure of a key mental health service to shifting rules around COVID vaccines, these […]
Educator Update: Labor Day lessons: Workers’ rights & clean energy
Local news in the classroom: Weekly roundup 9/2/25 Happy (day after) Labor Day! As we mark the holiday honoring workers’ rights and contributions, this week’s newsletter highlights stories that connect directly to themes of labor, energy, and community decisions – issues with both local and national impact, and rich potential for classroom discussion. Remember, high […]
Educator Update: Local stories to spark discussion in your classroom August 26, 2025
Local stories to spark discussion in the classroom As the school year settles into full swing, we’re excited to continue sharing resources designed just for Santa Cruz County educators. This newsletter brings you timely local stories to spark classroom discussion, plus updates on programs that can support your teaching. Fresh from Lookout – classroom-ready news: […]
Educator Update: Back-to-school with Lookout Santa Cruz
Welcome back to school! As you settle into your classrooms, we’re so glad to have you as part of our growing educator community. We are excited to share handpicked stories we think will resonate with you and your students — especially those that can spark meaningful discussion. And can’t wait to share updates on resources; […]
