Inspired by recent climate disasters in Santa Cruz County, Edible Landscaping instructor Mimi Schilling decided to focus on edible plants native to the Central Coast when she took over the longstanding Cabrillo College course last fall. She also launched a monthly film series on food sovereignty, which culminates in a five-course dinner prepared by Central Coast-based Indigenous chef Christina Lonewolf and a screening of the film “Gather.” Students in the class are growing miner’s lettuce, an edible plant found widely in California, to use in the feast.
Higher Ed
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California’s fund to build student housing runs dry — leaving community colleges in the lurch
Feather River College is still reeling from the 2021 Dixie fire, which destroyed hundreds of homes in the surrounding community and warped the housing market. The college is one of many California schools that have tried — and failed — to secure state grants to build more student housing.
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Hundreds of UC Santa Cruz employees join systemwide unfair labor practices strike
UC Santa Cruz health care and technical workers walked off the job Wednesday, joining a statewide strike over wages and alleged unfair labor practices. Unions say staffing shortages and cost-of-living pressures across the University of California system demand urgent action.
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Two UC unions to hold multiday strikes starting Wednesday
Two unions representing about 55,000 University of California employees are holding multiday strikes starting Wednesday at UC campuses statewide, including UC Santa Cruz. Union officials say they’re striking over unfair labor practice charges they filed against the UC, accusing the university of infringing on their free speech rights.
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‘We’re not in violation of the law’: Santa Cruz County schools respond to memo to end DEI initiatives or risk losing federal funding
In a Friday memo from the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights, federal officials told schools and universities they have two weeks to end all diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives or risk losing federal funding. Santa Cruz County school and college leaders told Lookout that while the memo is concerning, they believe they’re not at risk of losing funding as they’re following state and federal laws.
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About 200 undocumented UCSC students and supporters march against Trump immigration policies
UC Santa Cruz undocumented students and their supporters spoke out against President Donald Trump’s attacks on the immigrant community in a march and rallies on Tuesday. They also announced a list of demands, such as providing immediate access to emergency funds and establishing a permanent physical space on campus for undocumented students, directed to UCSC officials.
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Fewer California high school seniors are applying for financial aid. Some blame Trump’s immigration policies
Applications for financial aid by high school seniors in California are down 25% compared to this time last year. Although financial aid application information has not been shared with immigration or other agencies in the past, many fear that will change.
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Cabrillo College President Matt Wetstein announces retirement
Cabrillo College President Matt Wetstein announced Monday night that he’ll be retiring at the end of the year – capping more than seven years of service in Santa Cruz County. He told Lookout about his favorite memories at Cabrillo and his plans for retirement.
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Cabrillo-UC Santa Cruz joint housing development continues to move forward
Cabrillo College’s governing board on Monday night approved several items related to the joint affordable-housing project with UC Santa Cruz. The trustees unanimously OK’d several agreements with the developer, Greystar Development LLC, that allow the college to continue advancing the project.
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UC Santa Cruz report details socioeconomic challenges for Black populations in Monterey, San Benito counties
Using U.S. Census Bureau data from 2018 to 2022, UC Santa Cruz researchers published a report detailing the challenges and demographics of African American populations in Monterey and San Benito counties. They hope the report will provide a baseline for why programs focused on providing equitable access to jobs, housing and health care are needed.