As Big Tobacco fights California’s statewide actions, Santa Cruz becomes the first bigger county to ban those products with “a taste or smell other than tobacco.” Scotts Valley’s new ordinance, to take effect July 15, completes city and county action intended to reduce fast-growing use among young people.
Scotts Valley
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Soul-searching in Scotts Valley: Flag flap highlights ongoing community issues around diversity and inclusion
The flag controversy — possibly equating a gay pride flag with that of the NRA or KKK — simply reflected Santa Cruz’s least diverse city coming to grips with new realities. An active Facebook group, with 230 members, is pushing forward on diversity and equity while Scotts Valley leaders candidly confront their city’s issues.
Posted inK-12 Education
Santa Cruz school districts’ transitional kindergarten plans taking shape, but much still left to do
While summer is just now officially kicking off, the school year already feels around the corner for Santa Cruz County school districts preparing to add a new grade level to their campuses: transitional kindergarten for 4-year-olds. Several districts have already submitted their TK plans — to meet a June 30 deadline — to the California Department of Education.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
‘I’m the one who had to bury my son’: Scotts Valley mom fights for change in wake of bullied child’s suicide
Scotts Valley High freshman Mateo Deihl was different, his family and friends say, in wonderful ways. A traumatized product of the foster care system, he had compassion for others and tried to be nice to all. It made him an easy target for bullying. When his mother stepped in to try to help affect change, she says her attempts went unheeded at the middle school and high school. Mateo took his own life in February and now his mom, Regina Deihl, a longtime lawyer in the juvenile justice system, must decide what path to take in honoring his legacy.
Posted inFood & Drink
EATERS DIGEST: Seabright Deli delights, Alderwood expands chef’s counter and Capitola Tap House opens
Suggestions for a delicious Father’s Day, a new taphouse opens in Capitola Village, Alderwood expands its chef’s counter tasting menu, a fish sandwich that ticks all the boxes at Seabright Deli and more as Lily Belli returns.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
When is your new library ready? A Lookout guide to the emerging branches
Four redone Santa Cruz County library branches have reopened and four more will throw open their doors by the end of the year. We check in on the generational investment of $67 million county voters made in 2016.
Posted inFood & Drink
EATERS DIGEST: Olallieberries return, lattes at Honeylux & a downtown restaurant cruise
In this berry-licious issue of Eaters Digest, find rare and delicate olallieberries at Prevedelli Farms and treat yourself to a strawberries-and-cream berry tea latte at Honeylux in Watsonville.
Posted inHousing & Development
Cities, county and UC Santa Cruz outline their housing plans
At the Housing Santa Cruz County forum Wednesday, hosted and co-sponsored by Lookout, local officials explained what’s been done and what’s on the drawing boards.
Posted inHousing & Development
‘Not everybody really gets to live in a beach town’: Realtors on what’s ‘getting worse’ in Santa Cruz real estate
Suddenly rising interest rates have thrown a new wrench into the plans of prospective home buyers. Can it get any worse? We asked a pair of real estate agents, veteran Kelley Trousdale and relative newcomer Rebecca Wallace.
Posted inFood & Drink
EATERS DIGEST: Sweet Bean’s vegan treats, Newtown Noir apple wine and Live Earth U-picks return
From a high-end Alderwood-Australian wine pairing to vegan breakfast pastries, we’ve got you covered for a great eating weekend ahead.