Measure C, an affordable housing measure backed by housing advocates and Santa Cruz officials, was narrowly winning its race as of early Wednesday, with about 52.5% of the vote. Measure B, a competing measure sponsored by local realtors, was poised for defeat, earning only about 12% of votes.
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Posted inEducation
UCSC astronomy Ph.D. survived war and helped build Kosovo’s first observatory. Now she’s bringing the cosmos to Bay Area classrooms.
After surviving the Kosovo War and witnessing her first solar eclipse as a child, UC Santa Cruz astronomy Ph.D. student Pranvera Hyseni turned a moment of wonder into a lifelong mission to bring astronomy education to her homeland.
Posted inLatest News
Too cute for comfort? Santa Cruz’s sea otters might have a publicity problem
As surfer-otter run-ins continue, researchers say people, not otters, are responsible. Human development has left Santa Cruz’s sea otters with nowhere to go, forcing them to get comfortable with people.
Posted inArts & Entertainment
The last trick-or-treat: Dag Weiser’s glorious Halloween yard show dazzles the neighborhood for the final time
For more than 40 years, Dag Weiser’s Market Street house in Santa Cruz was a dazzling display of creativity and charm every Halloween. But now the house has been sold, and a great local tradition comes to an end.
Posted inLatest News
Four takeaways from the RTC’s new passenger rail report
After years of studies, the RTC published its final report on a proposed passenger train this month ahead of a December meeting for the rail project. The plans largely stay the course, though some call for routing the train through the Beach Flats area to avoid the Boardwalk, with longer travel times and possibly higher costs.
Posted inHealth & Wellness
Federal shutdown could leave 35,000 Santa Cruz County residents without CalFresh as food banks brace for surging need
More than 35,000 Santa Cruz County residents could lose access to federal food assistance in November as the ongoing government shutdown halts CalFresh payments, leaving families and students scrambling for support.
Posted inEducation
Watsonville High student was suspended previously for fighting, aggressive behavior before Oct. 23 attacks
A Watsonville High School student arrested in last week’s assault had previously been suspended for fighting and was already facing possible expulsion for aggressive behavior, according to district and union officials.
Posted inEducation
Tutus, swim caps and accountability: Inside Shoreline Middle School’s beloved principal duo
At Shoreline Middle School, Principal Colleen Martin and Assistant Principal Melissa Nix have built a rare, enduring partnership that blends accountability, empathy and humor — earning them a reputation as the school’s “dream team.”
Posted inLatest News
Carmageddon: Final train report, Capitola Ave. bridge nears reopening, next steps for Grand Ave. pathway
The Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission published its final passenger rail concept report, setting up a crucial December discussion; meanwhile, the Capitola Avenue bridge is set to reopen by year’s end, and an update on the crumbling Grand Avenue pathway on Depot Hill.
Posted inArts & Entertainment
Experimental music and avant-garde art finds a home at Indexical
At 10 years old, the arts nonprofit Indexical is not only drawing consistent audiences to adventurous and avant-garde music, it’s taking its place in Santa Cruz County’s long, honorable tradition of supporting cutting-edge experimental music.