Lookout Santa Cruz

In a letter to the editor, the CEO of Second Harvest Food Bank Santa Cruz County welcomes Independence Day and notes her organization’s role in nourishing the American Dream.

Civic partner content: A collaborative initiative amplifying nonprofits’ missions, expanding community engagement and driving meaningful impact. Learn more here.

Annual campaign adds first-ever TK backpacks as nearly 2,900 local students face homelessness and housing insecurity

Before the first day of school arrives, United Way Santa Cruz County and the Santa Cruz County Office of Education are once again rallying the community to ensure every student has the tools they need to succeed.

Starting July 1, the 17th annual Stuff the Bus School Supply Drive invites residents, businesses and community organizations to help provide 2,500 backpacks filled with school supplies for students experiencing homelessness, housing insecurity and other hardships across Santa Cruz County.

This year marks a new milestone for the campaign: For the first time, Stuff the Bus will include smaller backpacks designed specifically for transitional kindergarten and early childhood students, helping meet the needs of some of the county’s youngest learners.

The need remains significant. According to the Santa Cruz County Office of Education, 2,866 students in grades TK through 12 experienced homelessness during the 2024-25 school year under the McKinney-Vento Act. That includes 2,322 students living doubled up with other families, 308 who were unsheltered, 171 living in shelters and 65 staying in hotels or motels.

“The first day of school should be a moment of excitement and belonging for every student,” said Santa Cruz County Superintendent of Schools Faris Sabbah. “For families facing homelessness, housing instability or other hardships, basic school supplies are one more financial burden. Stuff the Bus is one way our community shows students that they are seen, supported and ready to succeed.”

Organizers say that having a backpack stocked with notebooks, pencils and other essentials does more than prepare students academically — it helps them begin the year with confidence and dignity.

“A backpack filled with school supplies can help a student walk into class feeling prepared, confident and supported,” said United Way Santa Cruz County CEO Yvette Lopez Brooks. “Stuff the Bus reflects what is possible when our community comes together around children and families, and we are grateful for the donors, volunteers, sponsors and partners who make this campaign possible each year.”

Community members can support the effort in several ways, including making direct donations, sponsoring backpacks, organizing workplace supply drives or volunteering during the annual Stuff-A-Thon. A contribution of $30 provides one student with a fully stocked backpack.

The campaign culminates with the Stuff-A-Thon on Saturday, Aug. 1, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Kaiser Permanente Arena in downtown Santa Cruz. Volunteers of all ages will help fill thousands of backpacks that will be distributed to students and families throughout the county.

Held in partnership with the Santa Cruz Warriors and with support from UPS, the event brings together community volunteers, local businesses and nonprofit partners to ensure students across Santa Cruz County can begin the school year ready to learn.

The campaign is rooted in a simple idea: Every child deserves to start school with the materials they need to thrive. By coming together as a community, Santa Cruz County can help remove barriers to learning and create a stronger foundation for student success.

To donate, sponsor or volunteer, visit unitedwaysc.org/stb.

The post Stuff the Bus returns to help 2,500 Santa Cruz County students start the school year ready to learn appeared first on Lookout Santa Cruz.

With the long holiday weekend nearly here, check out things to do around Santa Cruz County with a recommendation from Lily Belli and a specially curated list from Lookout’s BOLO events calendar.

On June 11, I had the opportunity to attend the Youth & Adult Partnership (YAP) Summit at Cabrillo College’s Horticulture Center. I attended the event as a member of the United Way of Santa Cruz County’s team helping facilitate the event and as a Cal State Monterey Bay student. I am passionate about youth voice and community change for the betterment of future generations. Throughout the day, youth leaders, educators, nonprofit professionals and community partners had an opportunity to come together and discuss how we can strengthen youth-adult partnerships as well as create spaces where young people are not only invited into conversations but are empowered to create the change they want to see in the world, as Gandhi would say. 

On the day of, I helped support the event behind the scenes. While I was helping, I also had the opportunity to take a step back and witness the conversations taking place. I was able to see youth and adults engage in meaningful conversations about leadership, decision-making and what it honestly means to share perspectives across generations. 

One of the themes that I connected with most was the distinction between giving youth a chance to speak and genuinely listening to what they have to say. Speaking for myself, I feel that young people are invited into spaces as participants, but not always as partners. The YAP Summit is different that way – it challenges partners and community leaders to think differently. The summit created an environment where youth feel valued, heard and respected. This event gives youth the opportunity to be heard and collaborate with leaders in their community. 

Throughout the day, I had the opportunity to hear directly from different peers whose experiences reflected the impact that meaningful youth engagement can have. 

Alina C., a member of Pathways to Possibility (P2P), shared: 

“Being in P2P for the last eight months has been super rewarding! One memory that really stands out to me is when we had our New Year’s party and played the Saran wrap game – it was a great bonding experience. To me, P2P acts as a program that has allowed me to grow both as a person and a peer, therefore allowing me to become a better member of our community.” 

Alina’s reflection reminded me that youth leadership programs are more than just projects, meetings or presentations. They are about young people creating relationships with their community, and helping young people recognize the value they bring to their communities.

I was also inspired by Giovanni (“Gio”), who attended the summit for the first time and participated as both an attendee and presenter. 

“Being able to attend this Youth and Adult Partnership Summit for the first time was an experience I will never forget. I went not only as an attendee but also as a part of one of the presentations. Working alongside United Way has been a choice I will never regret. They allow young people, including me, to show up and be something bigger. Getting to meet the different people that make all of this possible is a surreal experience, and it was inspiring to see not only adults but other youth in the room as well.” 

One of Gio’s most powerful takeaways captured the meaning of the summit: 

“It isn’t the youth changing to fit with the adults, but the adults changing to fit with the youth. It shouldn’t be on the youth to morph who they are to fit in. If adults want to work with youth, they should be willing to create spaces where young people can show up as themselves.”

Gio’s words stayed with me because they challenged a common assumption that youth have to adapt to existing systems. Instead, Gio showed us that authentic partnership requires adults and organizations to reflect on how they can better support and learn from young people. We have ideas and opinions, and with adult experience and guidance, think of what we can accomplish together. 

Another perspective that stood out came from Crystal H., an All Children Thrive (ACT) coach supporting the Pathways to Possibility initiative. Crystal reflected: 

“It felt refreshing to share space with youth and adult leaders and dig into how young people can serve as real experts and partners in systems change. I’m bringing those ideas back to the ACT team to strengthen how we amplify youth voices and build genuine partnership, not just participants. Excited to build and strengthen Pathways to Possibility!” 

She also shared: 

“The YAP Summit gave me real, usable ideas. I’m bringing them back to the ACT team to strengthen how we amplify youth voice and create genuine opportunities for partnership. Youth engagement isn’t a checkbox; it’s a partnership. The summit sharpened how I think about that, and I’m taking those ideas straight to the ACT team and our projects.” 

YAP Summit was a reminder of why this work matters in Santa Cruz County. Growing up here and now as a young adult, there have been moments when I’ve questioned whether my voice would make a difference. Being in a room filled with youth and adult leaders who were actively discussing how to collaborate and better their community, it reminded me that change is possible when people are willing to listen and learn from one another. Events like this are important to this community; they give us the opportunity to learn from people of different walks of life. 

I left the 2026 YAP Summit feeling confident that the ideas shared throughout the day have an opportunity to turn into action. The youth leaders who attended this meeting shared their experiences with adult partners so that the adults reflect on how they can improve when collaborating with young people. United 4 Youth’s mission is to “uplift youth voice, expand access to resources and champion youth well-being.” The summit showed what can happen when communities are invited to learn from one another and create change. 

As I continue my journey professionally and as a member of this community, I will take all the lessons, conversations and stories from this year’s YAP Summit and let them empower me to listen and understand other people’s perspectives. I will carry the responsibility to help create spaces where young people are not just present, but encouraged to lead, influence decisions and shape the future of our communities.

Acucar “Sookie” Ramos is a Cal State Monterey Bay student & the Community Impact Coordinator for United Way of Santa Cruz County

The post Reflections from the 2026 Youth & Adult Partnership Summit appeared first on Lookout Santa Cruz.

From beach cleanups to delivering meals, here’s how to join a community built on hope, joy, and belief in people.

Last week at Harvey West Park, something beautiful happened. Volunteers of all abilities gathered to revitalize the Friendship Garden, a special space dedicated to community members with disabilities. They planted, raked, laughed, and connected. It was a simple project with a powerful message: when people come together, communities thrive.

That’s the spirit of volunteering, and the motto of Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County. For forty-four years, under the leadership of Executive Director Karen Delaney, the organization has built something rare: a culture where hope and joy aren’t just words—they’re the backbone of how we show up for each other.

After 44 years as Executive Director, Karen Delaney is stepping into retirement. Her belief: everyone can make a difference. Let’s carry her torch forward – join your community in service today!

And, this is your personal invitation to join the hope and joy club, where everyone is welcome, and every gift matters!

Here’s 10 ways to volunteer (and nurture that hope and joy) this month:

1. July 5: Community Coastal Clean Up at Twin Lakes Help Twin Lakes Beach bounce back after the Fourth of July: collect litter, protect marine life, and meet people who care about keeping our coastline clean. Bring reusable gloves, water, and comfortable shoes. Learn more & sign up →
   
2. Every Saturday: Food Sort With Second Harvest Pack fresh produce and food for families in need at the Watsonville warehouse (7:45am-11am or 11:15am-2:30pm shifts). Bring your family or friends—ages 13+ welcome.
   
3. Child Care Safety Plan Support Help parents plan for the unexpected and protect their children’s future.
   
4. Life Lab Summer Camp Inspire the next generation of gardeners as an assistant camp counselor for children ages 7-10.
   
5. Give Rides to Seniors Be a friendly driver for seniors in need—flexible hours, you choose your schedule, county-wide need – you can be the difference!
   
6. Childcare during Support Groups Watch children while parents attend sobriety support groups—flexible hours, morning and evening shifts available.
7. Youth Planning Committee: Queer, Trans & Allied Summit Help plan an inclusive summit for LGBTQ+ youth and allies on the Central Coast.
   
8. Library Council for Teens Teens! Shape your library’s future and have your voice heard on what comes next.
   
9. Teen Kitchen Project – Delivery Angels Deliver medically tailored meals and brighten the day of someone who needs it most.
   
10. Evergreen Cemetery Friday Work Party Preserve local history and restore this beautiful site. Join us every Friday 9:30am-12pm, all abilities welcome.

Hands in the work, joy in the heart. The joy in these faces is what volunteering looks like.

Looking for something else? Visit scvolunteernow.org for 150 more volunteer opportunities, or meet with our volunteer matchmaker and get paired with your new favorite activity.

About the Volunteer Center

At the Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County, we connect people for good because meaningful service is the heart of a strong, vibrant community and a healthy, happy life.

For 60 years, Santa Cruz County has trusted the Volunteer Center to help people connect for good, turning compassion into belonging and lasting impact. Our vision is a community where giving is the way of life — where everyone’s gifts matter, kindness is celebrated, and together we build a stronger, healthier, more connected community where everyone thrives.

Learn more at scvolunteercenter.org

The post 10 ways to make a difference this July: Volunteer in Santa Cruz County appeared first on Lookout Santa Cruz.

This story was originally published by CalMatters. Sign up for its newsletters.

California scored another win against the Trump administration in their battle over how to address the homelessness crisis here and nationwide. 

A federal judge this week shot down the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development’s 2025 attempt to divert money away from permanent housing and instead fund temporary shelters and programs that require sobriety. But the judge stopped short of banning the Trump administration from making such changes in the future.

“The federal court’s decision to reject the Trump-Vance Administration’s attempt to disrupt essential housing services for people experiencing homelessness, including families, seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities, is both appropriate and just,” Renee Willis, chief executive of the National Low Income Housing Coalition, wrote in a media release. 

In November, the Department of Housing and Urban Development said jurisdictions applying for about $4 billion in federal Continuum of Care funding can’t spend more than 30% of it on permanent housing – a move that would result in a significant cut to the type of long-term housing that for years has been a cornerstone of the fight against homelessness.

Last year, California communities spent about 90% their share of that money on permanent housing. 

A group of states, including California quickly sued. San Francisco, Santa Clara County and a group of national homelessness nonprofits filed a separate lawsuit. In December, a federal judge in Rhode Island temporarily blocked the changes. In February, Congress ordered HUD to renew grants from 2025 under the old rules. 

This week, U.S. District Judge Mary McElroy partially granted the plaintiffs’ request for summary judgement in both cases. She ruled that the federal agency did not try to foresee the harm its “breakneck” transition away from the country’s longstanding “housing first” model – which prioritizes getting people into housing without first forcing them to seek treatment – would have on the country’s homeless individuals.

“Overall, the actions undertaken by HUD in attempting to hastily eliminate its housing first approach serve as the hallmark of unreasoned decision making,” McElroy wrote. 

HUD did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The ruling wraps up both cases, unless the Trump administration decides to appeal. 

But the fight isn’t over. The Trump administration tried again last month, moving to shift 2026 federal funding away from permanent housing and the housing first framework. Housing advocates tried to challenge that latest shift in the prior lawsuit. The judge rejected that attempt, but welcomed the plaintiffs to file a new lawsuit. 

The housing advocates said they are weighing their next steps.

Have something to say? Lookout welcomes letters to the editor, within our policies, from readers. Guidelines here.

The post Judge shoots down Trump’s homeless funding shift:  ‘The hallmark of unreasoned decision making’ appeared first on Lookout Santa Cruz.

This post is updated throughout the day to reflect the latest incidents. It was last updated at 9:31 a.m..

Here’s what’s happening on the roads this morning…

▼︎ new incidents   ▼︎ long-term incidents

Road incidents as of 9:30 a.m. on July 2

• Alternating lanes are closed on Highway 9 at Riverdale Park in San Lorenzo Valley because of bridge work. The closure is expected to last until 6:59 a.m. on April 30, 2027.
   
• There is one-way traffic on Highway 9 at Cascade Avenue in San Lorenzo Valley because of ongoing work. This closure will last until August 31.
   
• Highway 9 is facing closures in both directions at Pool Drive in San Lorenzo Valley because of bridge work. The closure will end at 5:59 a.m. today.
   
• A lane on North Highway 9 at Two Bar Road in San Lorenzo Valley is closed for bridge work. The closure will end at 6:01 a.m. today.
   
• A lane is closed on westbound SR-152 at Clifford Drive/Ohlone Parkway in Watsonville/Pajaro for asphalt paving. The closure will last until 5:59 a.m. tomorrow.
   
• CHP helped with construction work at the intersection of Highway 9 and San Lorenzo Ave. in San Lorenzo Valley today.
   

Long-term projects

These have been going on for a while, but are still worth keeping in mind.

• Mill St. between Main St. and Highway 9 in Ben Lomond will be closed to general traffic on July 4, August 1, September 5, and October 3 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day. Emergency vehicles and local driveway access will still be allowed.
   
• Pine St. (between Hwy 236 and Harmon St.) and Lomond St. (between Pine St. and Railroad Ave.) in Boulder Creek will be closed for the Boulder Creek 4th of July Parade.
   
• Soquel Drive between State Park Drive and Trout Gulch Road in Aptos will be closed on July 4 from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. for the annual Aptos 4th of July Parade.
   
• Playa Boulevard will be closed between Palma Avenue and Benito Avenue in La Selva Beach on July 4 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. for the annual La Selva Beach 4th of July Parade.
   

Disclosure: Traffic incidents are partially generated by artificial intelligence. We are constantly working to improve the accuracy and quality of our AI-generated content. However, there may still be errors or inaccuracies. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us.

The post Thursday morning traffic: Highway 9 lane closures, July 4 parade road closures appeared first on Lookout Santa Cruz.

Santa Cruz County homeowners embraced backyard cottages after state and local reforms made accessory dwelling units, or ADUs, far easier to build, but that boom is already fading. Rising construction costs, high interest rates and other economic headwinds have sharply slowed new ADU projects, making it harder for the county to meet its housing goals.

The annual Santa Cruz Sunrise Rotary Firecracker Run will honor longtime emcee and community booster Rod Caborn, who died in January after battling ALS, with a new spirit award celebrating the joyful, patriotic flair that made him a beloved Fourth of July fixture.

“We are repeatedly told that artificial intelligence will provide faster, more personalized and more efficient service, Stanford scholar Robert M. Kaplan writes after a series of chatbot misadventures. “Yet consumer frustration with AI interfaces has become commonplace, and many problems remain unresolved. “

This story was originally published by CalMatters. Sign up for its newsletters.

$3.3 million. 

That’s how much May Sung estimates it’ll cost to rebuild her Pacific Palisades home.

With her two-bedroom house atop a hillside abutting the Pacific Ocean, she had what she considered a quaint dwelling since 2005. 

She doesn’t know if she’ll rebuild it on the empty lot there now.

“Because of all the expenses with building on the hillsides, on the coast, I don’t know if I’m going to rebuild or not,” she said. “I may have to sell.”

More than a year after wildfires tore through Los Angeles, state lawmakers are weighing a new proposal that would give the powerful California Coastal Commission more oversight over homes destroyed by future natural disasters. New buyers would need approval from the commission to rebuild, a reversal from current state law that allows homes ruined by fires or other catastrophes to sidestep the controlling state agency.

Buyers today can rebuild homes without commission review as long as they are largely the same as before the disaster and are no more than 10% larger than the original home.

Gov. Gavin Newsom last year broadened these exemptions to include rebuilds that aren’t similar to their original design when he suspended the commission’s authority over rebuilding efforts in L.A. to speed up what so far has been a grueling slog for the city. 

In Malibu and the Pacific Palisades, where many homes hug the Pacific Coast, dozens of parcels of land have been purchased by developers from owners who can’t afford to pay what could be millions of dollars to remake their houses from scratch.

More than 40% of homes sold in the Palisades last summer were bought by investors, according to real estate company Redfin, which defined investors as buyers with “LLC,” “Inc,” “Corp” or “Homes” in their names.

Some residents have questioned what expanses of investor-owned lots could mean for the character of fire-torn communities, said Sen. Ben Allen, who authored Senate Bill 1229 and represents the Palisades area.

The legislation is one of few bills this session that would broaden the authority of the commission rather than weaken it, bucking a trend of longstanding disdain among top state and federal leaders about how the agency has controlled development along California’s invaluable coastline.

The potential law would not apply to homes destroyed by last year’s fires.

State Sen. Scott Wiener speaks at the Capitol in Sacramento in January 2024. Credit: Fred Greaves for CalMatters

Senate Democrats overwhelmingly supported the bill when it passed the chamber last month. San Francisco Sen. Scott Wiener was the sole Democrat to join Republicans in voting against it in a 29-9 vote. 

“It could set a troubling precedent that we’re more focused on only empowering the original owner to build,” Wiener said. “I thought it was a very, very dangerous precedent and that’s why I felt the need to vote ‘no.’”

A long road ahead

Rebuilding after disaster has never been easy in California. 

Fewer than 40% of homes destroyed in the state’s most destructive fires from 2017 to 2020 have been rebuilt, according to a 2025 Los Angeles Times investigation. Low insurance payouts, rising construction costs and permitting requirements are some of the reasons.

For many in L.A., the decision not to rebuild comes down to affordability and practicality, between skyrocketing mortgage rates and a lack of stamina to endure what could be a monthslong, byzantine permitting process.

Before the fire, Sung’s property was valued at $2.5 million. She said she received $700,000 in Mercury insurance payments after the home was destroyed on Jan. 7, 2025. Although her land isn’t up for sale, nearby lots go for around $1 million. She’s considering selling it to a developer.

“There’s already so much burden for these properties,” Sung said of rebuilds. “People can’t afford to build because of all these requirements,” such as the higher fire safety and fire codes common in wildfire-prone areas, she said.

A muddy reputation on housing

Critics, including Newsom, accuse the commission of not permitting enough affordable housing or doing so too slowly for years, as lawmakers have gutted numerous housing laws to make it easier to build more apartments quickly.

In the Palisades, where affordable housing was already scant, affordability critiques carried a sharper edge. Just a few hundred units in a town of roughly 28,000 were deemed affordable and local mandates post-fire to build more have become their own flashpoint, separate from the coastal commission.

The 12 voting-member commission is governed by the California Coastal Act, a 50-year-old statute created in the wake of the 1969 Santa Barbara oil spill to protect the coast and its natural habitats. 

It is one of California’s most scrutinized state agencies, as federal and local officials have questioned how it has used its authority over nearly 900 miles of coastline to block certain projects, such as rejecting billionaire Elon Musk’s request to increase the number of Space X rocket launches off the Santa Barbara coast.

Newsom and other top Democrats appointed three pro-development officials to the commission last year to help get more housing approved along the coast.

Wealthy Los Angeles real estate developer Jaime Lee was appointed by Newsom last October to replace Effie Turnbull Sanders, an attorney lauded by environmentalists for championing environmental justice issues at the agency.

Last May, Democratic Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas – whose district includes part of Santa Cruz County – selected Chris Lopez, a Monterey County supervisor, and Chula Vista Councilmember Jose Preciado to the commission, both of whom are seen as pro-development. Lopez replaced Santa Cruz County Supervisor Justin Cummings on the commission.

Newsom and President Donald Trump have found common cause in attacking the commission. The governor has publicly chided the agency and issued a sharply worded mandate when suspending its authority over rebuilding efforts in the Palisades.

“The scope of destruction of these fires has created a need for immediate shelter and temporary housing that will require unlocking every available strategy to house displaced individuals,” he wrote.

Both Democrats and Republicans in the state Legislature have pushed to curb the commission’s authority, including an attempt to exempt the entire city of Santa Monica from the commission’s purview.

Last week, Newsom’s office briefly considered a proposal that would have exempted mixed-use and multi-family housing projects along Santa Monica’s coast from the Coastal Act.

The proposal would have assumed all those projects complied with the act unless the commission could prove otherwise within just 30 days, according to a copy of the plan obtained by CalMatters.

Trump has also repeatedly scolded the commission for blocking projects it views as environmentally dangerous. Longstanding tensions between the president and the commission have accelerated in the president’s pursuit to extract more oil from the coast. Those tensions accelerated last week when the federal government announced it was investigating the agency.

‘People are already stuck’

Allen, the bill’s author, said the governor’s orders created an opening that investors can misuse to circumvent coastal rules and build projects harmful to the environment.

“We just want to make sure that we’re not rolling back these important protections too far,” Allen, who is running for insurance commissioner, said about his legislation, and that it would not apply to homes destroyed by last year’s fires, but to future natural disasters.

The bill aims to filter out investors by only allowing the owner of a property before disaster struck to skirt the coastal commission approval.

Environmentalists who support the bill have said the governor’s actions put key issues the commission works to protect — natural habitats and public access to the beach — in jeopardy by allowing developers to take advantage of fewer rules.

“An outside developer who buys, say, a burned lot for the low market value, they get the same fast-tracking as a displaced family,” said Jennifer Savage, associate policy director at Surfrider Foundation. “And that’s not what the law was designed for.”

The commission, which had briefly contested Newsom’s orders, supports the bill for similar reasons.

“It closes a loophole that could be misconstrued as allowing larger replacement structures to be located in hazardous or environmentally sensitive areas when rebuilding after disaster,” spokesperson Joshua Smith said in an emailed statement.

Neither the coastal commission nor Allen could provide examples of investor-owned projects that have misused the law.

“We don’t have any record or knowledge of this having happened, although since most disaster rebuilds are handled by local governments, we don’t know for certain the extent to which this has been going on,” Smith said.

California YIMBY, a pro-housing group, said legislation focused on rebuilding should address why so many fire survivors are opting to sell their land in the first place.

“I’m not sure the emphasis on the Coastal Act makes a ton of sense,” spokesperson Matthew Lewis said, saying the problem lies with insurance, construction and permitting costs that make it too expensive for most people to rebuild.

The group, which has endorsed Allen for commissioner, doesn’t have an official stance on the bill. Lewis said he doesn’t know enough about the issues Allen is trying to address to say if the legislation could make it harder for owners to rebuild.

Sung worries such changes would intimidate developers worried about falling under the commission’s authority, making it harder for her and her neighbors to sell.

“If anything, it just makes the landowner stuck. Because you can’t afford to sell, and you can’t afford to build. And so you’re stuck with this property that has absolutely no use to anybody.”

CalMatters reporter Yue Stella Yu contributed reporting.

Have something to say? Lookout welcomes letters to the editor, within our policies, from readers. Guidelines here.

The post Should coastal commission get more power over rebuilding after wildfire? Some lawmakers say yes appeared first on Lookout Santa Cruz.

In a letter to the editor, Shannon Kessler, the Republican nominee in the race for the District 30 seat in the California Assembly, applauds the Supreme Court’s recent ruling allowing states to ban transgender student-athletes from playing on girls’ and women’s teams.

Martial arts icon Bruce Lee, who was born in San Francisco, will become the first Chinese American in California history with an annual namesake day – May 17.

“He comes home every day confident, happy and positive. It’s a bit of magic.” – Natascha, Gateway Parent

At Gateway School, magic happens daily in our Kindergarten program. With an emphasis on exploration, discovery, and hands-on learning, everyone at Gateway turns your child’s natural curiosity into a lifelong love of learning.

What makes Gateway’s Kindergarten so special?

Here are ten reasons parents and students fall in love with Gateway:

1. The Gold Standard in Education
   Gateway is the only K-8 school in Santa Cruz County accredited by both the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) and the California Association of Independent Schools (CAIS), ensuring a top-tier, well-rounded education.
2. Specialist Programs that Inspire
   From Spanish and Art & Technology to Life Lab Science, Music, and Physical Education, our weekly specialist programs are taught by experts who bring their passions to life, sparking inspiration in every child.
3. Fluent Futures in Spanish
   Our robust Spanish program starts in Kindergarten and continues through 8th grade, preparing graduates to excel in advanced high school courses and beyond.
4. Hands-on, Minds-on Learning
   Imagine your child learning science by growing a garden or solving math problems through building projects. Gateway’s experiential approach helps students think critically, collaborate effectively, and retain knowledge with joy.
5. The Power of Play
   At Gateway, play is more than fun—it’s essential. From creative free play to structured activities, our program fosters healthy brain development and essential life skills. As Zoe, class of 2031, puts it: “Play might actually be learning!”
6. Big Buddy, Little Buddy
   Through our cherished Buddy Program, Kindergarteners are paired with 4th and 8th grade students for shared activities and mentoring. These connections build confidence, nurture empathy, and strengthen our school community.
7. Small Classes, Big Attention
   With an average class size of just 15 students and a student-teacher ratio of 7:1, every child receives personalized support. Each classroom has both a full-time teacher and a full-time assistant, ensuring that every child feels seen and heard.
8. Kindy Island: A Place to Imagine
   Kindergarteners have their own special space—Kindy Island—designed for safe, imaginative play. It’s a sanctuary where creativity knows no bounds.
9. Whole-Child Focus
   Social-emotional learning is seamlessly woven into daily routines. From developing empathy to building resilience, we nurture the emotional well-being that underpins academic success.
10. A Community that Cares
    Gateway is more than a school—it’s a family. With close-knit relationships among students, faculty, and families, we create an inclusive environment where every voice is valued.

Discover the Gateway Difference

When your child steps into Gateway’s Kindergarten, they’re stepping into a world of endless possibilities. From the first day, they’ll grow confident, happy, and curious, just like Natascha’s child. Come see the magic for yourself!

Learn more or register for a tour at gatewaysc.org, or admissions@gatewaysc.org

The post 10 reasons Gateway School’s Kindergarten is the perfect start for your child appeared first on Lookout Santa Cruz.

Top 10 exciting job opportunities in Santa Cruz County – Apply today!

Are you searching for your next career move in Santa Cruz County? Look no further! We’ve curated a list of the top 10 job opportunities recently posted to our job board, spanning various industries and roles. Whether you’re a recent graduate, seasoned professional, or someone seeking a fresh start, Santa Cruz has something to offer for everyone.

1. Pastry & Kitchen Manager at The Penny Ice Creamery
2. Assistant Manager of Operations at The Quail
3. Maintenance Engineer at The Quail
4. Caregiver for Seniors – Part Time at Home Senior Care, Inc.
5. Accounting Technician at County of Santa Cruz Human Resources Department
6. Shop Manager at The Penny Ice Creamery
7. Short Term Camp Bus Driver at Camp Ramah in Northern California
8. Forest Stewardship Manager at Sempervirens Fund
9. Project Manager 1 at MYNT Systems
10. Residential Community Service Supervisor at UC Santa Cruz

Why work in Santa Cruz County?

Santa Cruz County boasts a vibrant community, picturesque surroundings, and diverse career opportunities. From academic roles at UC Santa Cruz to impactful positions in healthcare and local government, the perfect place to support both your professional growth and work-life balance.

Ready to take the next step?

Apply for these exciting job opportunities in Santa Cruz County today!

FIND MORE ON THE LOOKOUT JOB BOARD >> Looking to hire? Build your team with us

• List your open positions: Amplify your job listings to reach engaged Santa Cruz County job seekers – post your job today.
• Save with job bundles: Purchase a job board bundle of 4 or 8 listings and save 25%. Redeem your jobs anytime. Bundles never expire. Get Your Bundles Here.
• Exclusive discounts for Marketing Partners: Are you a Lookout Marketing Partner? Contact your representative today to access your exclusive discount.

Questions about the job board? Reach out to Brittany at brittany@lookoutlocal.com.

The post 10 Hot Jobs in Santa Cruz County: Week of July 2 appeared first on Lookout Santa Cruz.

The City of Santa Cruz announced Tuesday that it has won a lawsuit brought by industry groups over Measure Z, the sugar-sweetened beverage tax that voters approved in November 2024. The city expects an appeal.

This post is updated throughout the day to reflect the latest incidents. It was last updated at 10:02 a.m..

Here’s what’s happening on the roads this morning…

▼︎ new incidents   ▼︎ long-term incidents

Road incidents as of 10 a.m. on July 1

• Highway 9 is facing closures in both directions at Pool Drive in San Lorenzo Valley for bridge work. The closure is expected to end at 5:59 a.m. tomorrow.
   
• Highway 9 at Cascade Avenue in San Lorenzo Valley has one-way traffic due to ongoing work. This closure will last until August 31.
   
• Alternating lanes are closed on Highway 9 at Riverdale Park in San Lorenzo Valley because of bridge work. The closure is expected to end at 6:59 a.m. on April 30, 2027.
   
• A lane on North Highway 9 at Two Bar Road in San Lorenzo Valley is closed for bridge work. The closure will last until 6:01 a.m. tomorrow.
   
• A lane on westbound SR-152 at Clifford Drive/Ohlone Parkway in Watsonville and Pajaro is closed for asphalt paving. The closure will last until 5:59 a.m. on July 3.
   
• A traffic hazard was reported on Highway 1 near Wilder Ranch State Park at 9:54 a.m. today. A vehicle traveling southbound continued past the area, but the hazard was in the northbound lane. The incident happened near Bonny Doon and Davenport.
   
• CHP helped with construction at the intersection of Highway 9 and Alameda Avenue in San Lorenzo Valley today.
   

Long-term projects

These have been going on for a while, but are still worth keeping in mind.

• A section of Coolidge Drive between High Street and Hagar Road is closed to northbound traffic from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. from June 29 through today for pavement work by County crews. The closure is in the Westside / Downtown area.
   
• Soquel Drive between State Park Drive and Trout Gulch Road in Aptos will be closed on July 4 from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. for the annual Aptos 4th of July Parade.
   
• Playa Boulevard will be closed between Palma Avenue and Benito Avenue in La Selva Beach on July 4 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. for the annual La Selva Beach 4th of July Parade.
   
• Pine St. (between Hwy 236 and Harmon St.) and Lomond St. (between Pine St. and Railroad Ave.) in Boulder Creek, San Lorenzo Valley will be closed for the Boulder Creek 4th of July Parade.
   

Disclosure: Traffic incidents are partially generated by artificial intelligence. We are constantly working to improve the accuracy and quality of our AI-generated content. However, there may still be errors or inaccuracies. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us.

The post Wednesday morning traffic: Highway 9 closures, lane reductions for bridge work appeared first on Lookout Santa Cruz.

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