Activist Omar Dieguez told Lookout that Pajaro Valley Unified School District is not allowing him to present to students about the harms of pesticides during his monthlong hunger strike.
K-12 Education
Posted inEducation
Aptos High aims to reopen Friday after experiencing prolonged power outages
Aptos High School canceled class Thursday as crews work to restore power to the campus after a prolonged outage that began on Saturday. A district spokesperson told Lookout that the school is aiming to reopen on Friday.
Posted inLatest News
A Santa Cruz teen’s lemonade stand fundraiser has helped feed thousands. After 7 years, it’s his final pour.
Santa Cruz High senior Drew Trowbridge will host his seventh and final lemonade stand fundraiser on Sunday, Sept. 28, aiming to surpass $5,001 for Second Harvest Food Bank — capping a community effort that has raised more than $16,400 since 2018.
Posted inOpinion from Community Voices
PVUSD needs to do more to support Aptos High students
Ian Hsu, a 2025 graduate of Aptos High School, says Pajaro Valley Unified School District must do more to invest in the high school and rebuild a culture of confidence, opportunity and support. Budget cuts, he writes, have slashed key programs and worsened morale.
Posted inEducation
Without power at school, some Aptos High students leave class early
A prolonged power outage at Aptos High School disrupted classes and led many students to leave early Monday. PG&E confirmed that the school was receiving power and said the issues stemmed from the school’s internal equipment.
Posted inEducation
Live Oak School District plan to move students to new school sparks parent backlash
Facing staffing challenges and an unexpected increase in transitional kindergarten enrollment, Live Oak School District is asking families to voluntarily transfer students to another school in the district.
Posted inEducation
Pajaro Valley Unified School District hires new chief business officer after tense exchange over contract
The Pajaro Valley Unified School District board hired a new chief business officer Wednesday night, but the moment was briefly overshadowed by a tense exchange between Superintendent Heather Contreras and Trustee Joy Flynn over contract language regarding health benefits.
Posted inOpinion from Community Voices
Omar Dieguez: Driscoll’s can do more to protect Watsonville kids and residents
Watsonville native Omar Dieguez is on a monthlong hunger strike to protest the use of pesticides near schools in the Pajaro Valley. His goal is to pressure local berry growers, particularly Driscoll’s, to stop spraying pesticides near schools and work to convert to organic practices.
Posted inEducation
Ben Lomond’s Alba Schoolhouse delisted as historic landmark, but rebuilding efforts continue
The historic Alba Schoolhouse in Ben Lomond was officially delisted from the county’s landmark inventory this week, but a dedicated group of volunteers is pushing forward with long-term plans to rebuild what was lost in the 2020 CZU fire.
Posted inEducation
Pajaro Valley Unified faces financial future with vote on new business chief, look at unspent arts funding and budget update
The Pajaro Valley Unified School District board will vote Wednesday on a new chief business officer as it faces continued fiscal challenges. Trustees will also hear a report showing improvements in student attendance, suspensions and graduation rates across the district.