On Thursday evening, Mountain Elementary School’s fourth grade class will be performing a musical about the building of the transcontinental railroad. While the school’s students perform a play every year, this one is different. The school’s principal thinks this will be the first time they perform a musical written entirely by a student.
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A significant story with interest across the county
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Activists, grand jury want Santa Cruz County to get more involved in how pesticides are used
Local activists and Santa Cruz County’s civil grand jury are pressuring county officials to exercise more control over regulating pesticide applications, in addition to having better communication with South County officials and residents.
Posted inEducation
‘It’s terrifying. It’s like an apocalypse’: Pacific Collegiate School students march against Trump
A senior at Pacific Collegiate School, Zero Pabich felt horrible after the news of Donald Trump’s victory last week. So the day after the election, Pabich said they began organizing a protest to show that young people will continue fighting to protect the rights of marginalized communities.
Posted inAptos
As the Bayview Hotel changes hands, its memories — and its ghosts — will live on in its next life
After more than 20 years, the historic former Bayview Hotel in Aptos Village will be under new ownership. As a sale approaches that could restore the vacant building to a working hotel, one of the current owners’ daughters is planning a farewell event and garage sale this weekend while reflecting on her fondest memories of the building, as well as its supernatural quirks.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
‘I hope for the 1960s’: Republicans in Santa Cruz County come out of hiding after Trump’s victory
In the heart of liberal Santa Cruz County, an unlikely gathering of Donald Trump supporters came together on Election Night. After Trump’s second ascendancy to the White House, local conservatives and Trump supporters say they don’t want to hide anymore. Meanwhile, residents in the LGBTQ+ and immigrant communities gird for the second term of a president who has targeted them constantly.
Posted inEducation
After election, Santa Cruz County school leaders affirm rights of immigrant, LGBTQ+ communities
Santa Cruz County education leaders say there’s a feeling of anxiety among many families in the wake of Donald Trump’s presidential victory. To immigrant and LGBTQ+ families, they say they’ll uphold and protect their rights.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
After Trump win, leaders say they’ll protect Santa Cruz County’s immigrants
In the wake of Donald Trump’s victory Tuesday, a broad coalition of public and private sector leaders, including county officials, law enforcement, health care leaders and educators, is pledging to protect Santa Cruz County’s immigrants. In Watsonville, nonprofit organizations are beginning to navigate the potential impacts a second Trump presidency could have on the city’s large undocumented population and how they’ll reassure the community the next four years.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Skeptical voters asking ‘different’ questions compared to previous elections, county clerk says
As Election Day tensions run high nationwide, Santa Cruz County Clerk Trisha Webber foresees a smooth election locally, but says questions from voters this year have reflected the broader sense of skepticism around the electoral process.
Posted inEducation
Live Oak School District likely to implement layoffs in spring to address more than $700,000 budget deficit
Live Oak School District officials are working with consultants and Santa Cruz County officials to address a budget deficit ranging from $700,000 to $1 million. Superintendent Pat Sánchez said they’ll likely implement layoffs in the spring.
Posted inFood & Drink
Buzzy Santa Cruz business district aims to rebrand as Westside Marketplace
A group of business owners on the Westside in Santa Cruz is working to unite the area under a single name, Westside Marketplace, to promote the neighborhood as a destination for both locals and tourists. The brand is launching with an event on Nov. 16, “Welcome to Westside Marketplace,” with around a dozen vendors, so far, offering specials and pop-ups to attract newcomers.