The Trump administration confirmed Thursday that it plans to open the California coast to oil drilling, with two possible leases along the Central Coast. Local officials tell Lookout they’re organizing to fight offshore oil extraction with lawsuits.
Latest News
Posted inPolitics & Policy
In reversal, Watsonville reinstates labor pact with unions, adds exemptions for some projects
The Watsonville City Council reversed its earlier decision to scrap the city’s project labor agreement with trade unions, adding changes that would allow certain projects to be exempt from having to use unionized workers.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
County to hold new vote on battery storage regulations in January
The Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors has scheduled a hearing on rules regulating the development of battery storage facilities in January. This follows a vote to delay a discussion of the ordinance for at least three months.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Citing safety concerns, Santa Cruz County supervisors delay new battery storage law for up to three months
The Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors put off passing new rules regulating battery storage facilities for up to three months after elected officials raised concerns Tuesday with a proposed ordinance drafted by county staff.
Posted inLatest News
UCSC employees stage a two-day strike amid stalled negotiations
UC Santa Cruz employees represented by AFSCME Local 3299 are striking Monday and Tuesday, reducing dining hall hours, health appointments and bus service on campus.
Posted inLatest News
Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks’ holiday sale happening the first weekend of December
Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks is kicking off the holiday season by hosting its annual ParkStore holiday sale at four separate locations on Dec. 6 and 7 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Posted inLatest News
Santa Margarita Groundwater Agency considers whether its use of groundwater is sustainable
The Santa Margarita Groundwater Agency, which serves the San Lorenzo Valley and Scotts Valley, is undergoing a review to make sure it’s not depleting its groundwater, as required by state water regulations.
Posted inEducation
‘Moral failure’: Parents, mental health workers urge PVUSD trustees to reject sweeping layoffs
Teachers, mental health clinicians and parents packed Watsonville’s City Council chambers Wednesday night to plead with Pajaro Valley Unified School District officials to scrap a plan to cut 160 full-time positions next month.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Battery storage developer backs Santa Cruz County’s proposed new rules ahead of Tuesday vote
New Leaf Energy, the developer behind the proposed battery storage facility near Watsonville, tells Lookout that the company is hopeful the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors will move ahead on new regulations for battery plants on Tuesday.
Posted inLatest News
CHP officer, motorist hurt after falling tree strikes vehicles on Highway 17 during powerful storm
Two people, including a California Highway Patrol officer, were treated in hospital for minor injuries after a tree fell onto their vehicles on Highway 17 in the Santa Cruz Mountains during a powerful storm that swept through the region on Thursday.