Many Santa Cruzans might think of the small Patagonia outlet store on River Street as the only local vestige of the iconic outdoor lifestyle brand forged on environmental consciousness that made big headlines recently. But the company’s ethos, made loud and clear by founder and indignant billionaire Yvon Chouinard, is also carried on by people like Kyle Thiermann, a Santa Cruz kid who grew up with a different idea about what a pro surfer could be.
Lookout Q&A
Posted inEducation
UCSC’s groundbreaking computer game program, top 5 nationally, charts ‘astonishing’ path
U.S. News and World Report ranked the UC Santa Cruz undergraduate game design program among the top five in the nation, tying with programs at MIT and Rochester Institute of Technology, according to its 2022-23 analysis. UCSC Computational Media professor Jim Whitehead told Lookout about the program’s history, how gaming studies have changed over time at UCSC and what some of his favorite games are.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
The ‘wounded healer’ who is helping Santa Cruz County through a time of mental health crisis
Xaloc Cabanes has survived a lot — and applied it, heading Santa Cruz County’s mental health advisory board. His “lived experience” leads the way as society deals with numerous challenges, old and new.
Posted inFood & Drink
‘We’re kind of a big family’: Inside the Aptos farmers market, Santa Cruz County’s first and biggest
For 30 years, Catherine Barr has managed the market, from its infancy hosting 15 scrappy farmers to now 70 and thriving each Saturday. As the pandemic ebbs, she outlines the market’s innovations, including a new cookbook exchange this year, a revived chef series and do-it-yourself crafts.
Posted inEducation
Imagining a new Seymour Center as climate change, and time, drive new realities
The Seymour Marine Discovery Center at UC Santa Cruz’s coastal campus is gearing up to revamp its visitor exhibits and experience. New executive director Jonathan Hicken hopes the center will become a hub for local leaders and community members to contribute to climate change resilience.
Posted inBusiness & Technology
UCSC prof Rob Fairlie talks Santa Cruz turning its dream of a small-business downtown into reality
After his research showed huge gaps in the pandemic’s effect on white-owned versus minority-owned businesses, UC Santa Cruz economics professor Rob Fairlie caught the attention of Congress, which used his findings to guide policies on the road to economic recovery. Now, as Santa Cruz pushes to get more small, women- and minority-owned businesses into downtown storefronts, Fairlie sits down with Lookout to discuss options to achieve this goal.
Posted inEvents, Watsonville / Pajaro
‘We should be perceived as a brand-new team’: CEO Steven Salyer outlines next steps for Watsonville hospital
After 20 years of struggling under for-profit ownership, Watsonville Community Hospital has returned to public hands as of Thursday. The Pajaro Valley Health Care District board and CEO Steven Salyer say they have a plan to make the hospital sustainable.
Posted inFood & Drink
Building our green town squares: Nesh Dhillon talks growth, future of Santa Cruz farmers markets
Nesh Dhillon has managed Santa Cruz Community Farmers’ Markets for more than 20 years. In that time, he has ushered in an expansion of five thriving markets from Felton to Live Oak and the inclusion of the global ready-to-eat food now satisfying our appetites.
Posted inK-12 Education
Affordability, teacher housing, student well-being: Superintendent outlines county’s top challenges
As schools welcomed students back to classrooms this past week, education leaders, including Santa Cruz County Superintendent Faris Sabbah, are ready to focus on student well-being, workforce housing solutions and funding. Local education faces the same issues as all employers — and increasing worries about a “fiscal cliff” even amid this year’s unprecedented state allocations.
Posted inRecreation & Sports
No Attitudes Allowed: Lizzy Fowler keeps beach volleyball fun, without the edge
Lizzy Fowler‘s classes have attracted veterans and newcomers alike, with players forging bonds that extend off the court. And the No. 1 rule for her popular monthly tournaments at Santa Cruz’s Main Beach? Go hard, have fun doing it.
