Alex Yasbek thought he was doing everything he could to prevent climate change. He went vegan, rode his bike to work, “was into solar before it was legal.” But, then, four years ago, he started working as an environmental program manager for the City of Watsonville and he realized two things: his own privilege and how the systems we have created make it too hard to make environmentally friendly choices, particularly for front-line communities, like those in Watsonville. And the pace of change is too slow to match the impact. “Real climate action is going to require entirely new systems and ways of living,” he writes. From food to banking to fossil fuels, he says it’s time for a radical rethink.
Watsonville
Posted inUncategorized
How I Got My Job: El Sistema’s Isabelle Tuncer on leading a nonprofit: ‘My advice is to dream big’
Isabelle Tuncer, executive director of nonprofit organization El Sistema Santa Cruz, spoke with Lookout about being involved in the nonprofit sector, how organizations like hers can act as first responders to support those in crisis, and the effects of the Pajaro floods on students and families.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
In the Public Interest: As Santa Cruz County faces a mandate of fourfold increase in new housing, all stick, no carrot from state
In this edition of In the Public Interest, Christopher Neely delves into regional housing allocation numbers, how many new units Santa Cruz County and its cities are expected to build by 2031 and the state of California’s approach to making sure those goals are met.
Posted inCoast Life
Bearing valentines for Watsonville, Michael Gaither returns with new album, El Vaquero celebration
Still basking in the glow of his 60th birthday, bard of Watsonville Michael Gaither takes to the stage Saturday at El Vaquero Winery to fete the release of his first album since pre-pandemic times, “Welcome Back: A Collection.”
Posted inLatest News
Padilla, Panetta promise to ‘pressure’ pace of Pajaro levee project
U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla and Rep. Jimmy Panetta visited the banks of the Pajaro River on Wednesday in an effort to get the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers moving faster on not only repairs to the levee whose failure flooded the town of Pajaro in March but also the long-promised levee overhaul. The Corps is aiming to finish emergency repairs by the fall, and to break ground on a long-promised $400 million upgrade by summer 2024.
Posted inFood & Drink
Lily Belli on Food: Salmon woes, Grahm’s Popelouchum blanc and Penny Ice expands north
Hello eaters! Jessica M. Pasko here. While Lily is out on maternity leave, I’m pitching in on the latest local food news. A little about me — I’m a writer and a native of upstate New York, living in Santa Cruz for over a decade. Our rich food culture is just one of the many […]
Posted inPolitics & Policy
In the Public Interest: Supes want Santa Cruz County businesses to open bathrooms to public, but will they?
In this edition of In the Public Interest, Christopher Neely examines efforts by the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors to increase public access to restrooms, whether that’s through ordinances requiring private businesses to open their bathrooms, or an incentive program to encourage them.
Posted inLatest News
How a Pajaro Middle School teacher and her students are navigating recovery after Pajaro River levee breach
More than 400 students from Pajaro Middle School are now learning in makeshift classroom setups at Watsonville’s Lakeview Middle after their school flooded in March. “I find myself just feeling guilty that I’m trying to make the situation feel normal,” said Ebelin Mata, who teaches sixth and seventh graders. “When it’s not.”
Posted inFood & Drink
Lily Belli on Food: CCOF’s 50 years of organics, Sampa stakes out B40 corner & Emozioni update
Hello eaters! Jessica M. Pasko here. While Lily is out on maternity leave, I’m pitching in on the latest local food news. A little about me — I’m a writer and a native of upstate New York, living in Santa Cruz for over a decade. Our rich food culture is just one of the many […]
Posted inFood & Drink
CCOF reflects on half-century of California organic certification, looks ahead
Born at a kitchen table in Live Oak, California Certified Organic Farmers is the standard-bearer for the movement in California and beyond. As it celebrates its 50th year, the organization is focused on what’s next. Among the key questions facing CEO Kelly Damewood: “What is the best way to convey the value of organic certification and how do we remove some of the barriers” to becoming certified organic.