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The latest clash between California and President Donald Trump over abortion and gender-affirming care could soon leave doctors caught between state and federal law.

Under a bill that might soon pass the Legislature, California medical providers and affiliated businesses could face hefty state fines if they comply with a federal subpoena seeking abortion, gender-affirming or reproductive care information without first notifying the California attorney general, patients and providers.

But delaying responding to the feds could put them at risk of violating federal law, and independent constitutional scholars say the pending law might not survive a legal challenge.

The bill is in response to efforts the Trump administration and conservative states have undertaken to block or criminalize abortion services and care for transgender people. 

Under Assembly Bill 1930, any medical provider or business served with any civil, criminal or regulatory inquiry, investigation, subpoena or summons seeking “legally protected health care activity” “shall not comply” unless the provider notifies the state attorney general as well as others involved in the care.

The measure’s author, Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur of Los Angeles, said the impetus for the bill, in part, was a federal subpoena from the Trump administration to Children’s Hospital Los Angeles seeking medical records for youth transgender patients. 

“No one should have to fear that seeking lawful medical care in the state of California could put their privacy and their safety at risk,” he told the Assembly Judiciary Committee at a hearing last week.

Lawmakers spent just 17 minutes discussing AB 1930 at its first legislative hearing last week, despite the legal complexities and consequences for California’s patients, doctors, hospitals, insurers, tech companies and others. It passed on a party-line vote, according to the CalMatters Digital Democracy database. It now moves to the Assembly Public Safety Committee, where it’s scheduled to be discussed on Tuesday

The Los Angeles hospital was one of 20 medical providers that offered gender-affirming care for minors that received federal subpoenas seeking patients’ medical records. At the time, the U.S. Justice Department said the subpoenas were part of an investigation into “health care fraud” and “false statements.” Some of the families sued to fight the subpoenas. In January, the feds backed off and didn’t receive the records.

Rady Children’s Hospital, which operates facilities in San Diego, Orange and Imperial counties, told CalMatters earlier this year that the U.S. Health and Human Services inspector general was investigating the hospital. The investigation preceded Rady’s decision to halt most gender-affirming services for minors, a decision that is now tied up in multiple court cases.

The measure says that in order for a business or provider to release records, the entity making the legal demand must include an affidavit declaring that the investigation is not related to punishing providers for performing abortions, transgender care or other services protected under California law or that the investigation involves a possible California crime or is an inquiry into “professional discipline.”

California Attorney General Rob Bonta speaking during a 2024 news conference at Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office headquarters. Credit: Kevin Painchaud / Lookout Santa Cruz

The recipient would be required to inform the attorney general’s office within seven days of receiving the legal demand. The attorney general would have an additional 30 days to review the matter before the recipient could comply with the order. 

The measure, which is co-sponsored by Attorney General Rob Bonta, would also mandate that the provider notify patients and providers whose records are being sought. Those who break the rules would face civil penalties of up to $15,000 per violation. 

Democrats move to protect abortion

California lawmakers have, in recent years, enacted more than a dozen laws designed to shield medical professionals from conservative states and the federal government on abortion and transgender health care.

Democrats passed the laws after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade and other states began banning or criminalizing abortion. Thirteen states ban abortion and some, most notably Texas, penalize anyone who helps another person get an abortion.

Legislative efforts to protect clinicians and patient medical records have expanded as the Trump administration has increasingly politicized other services like gender-affirming care for minors. 

California laws prohibit state law enforcement from extraditing medical professionals who may have violated another state’s laws on abortion or gender-affirming care. They also prohibit medical facilities from sharing patient information about those services with out-of-state law enforcement.

LGBTQ+ civil rights group Equality California is the latest bill’s other co-sponsor. Zbur was its executive director before being elected to the Legislature.

Equality California’s legislative director, Craig Pulsipher, told the Judiciary Committee the measure builds “on California’s existing protections to ensure that patients can access health care without fear that their personal information will be weaponized against them.”

Various groups that oppose gender-affirming care are against the measure, as is the California Chamber of Commerce. 

In a letter to lawmakers, representatives for the state’s influential business lobby said CalChamber’s members appreciate lawmakers wanting to “help defend businesses facing subpoenas,” and they don’t oppose the bill out of “support for misuse of subpoena powers.”

“However, we are concerned that AB 1930 will compel businesses to violate federal law in order to comply with state law,” they wrote.

Layla Jane, a “detransitioner” who sued her health care provider over the gender-reassignment surgery she received as a teen, said the bill would protect doctors from investigations into negligent care and make it harder for patients like her to subpoena for medical records.

“This bill shields providers so they can keep chopping up bodies,” she told the committee. “It wraps the doctors, the clinics, the gender industry in a legal blanket and says, ‘You are protected from accountability no matter who you harmed.’ There is no blanket for me.”

Would the bill survive a legal challenge? 

Bill Essayli, a former Republican state lawmaker who oversees the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Los Angeles, said in a statement that Zbur’s measure would be unconstitutional.

“Any effort by California to restrict the federal government’s lawful use of, or compliance with, subpoenas is unlawful and unenforceable under the Supremacy Clause,” Essayli said. 

Three independent constitutional scholars who CalMatters asked to review the bill suggested Essayli could have a point. 

Under that provision of the U.S. Constitution, states cannot pass laws that run counter to the federal government’s legal authority.  

“If there’s a conflict between federal law on the one hand, and state or local [law] on the other, federal law wins out,” said Erwin Chemerinsky, the dean of UC Berkeley School of Law.

Chemerinsky and the other scholars said the measure is unlikely to run into the same legal problems that caused a federal judge to block California’s attempt to ban federal agents from wearing masks. The judge in the mask case ruled that the state had discriminated against the federal government since it exempted state police from the ban.

This proposed measure doesn’t single out the federal government; the bill applies to any entity issuing subpoenas.

Still, the scholars said forcing private health care providers and businesses not to respond to a subpoena on a federal deadline could be legally problematic. 

“It looks like the federal government could say you’re impeding their law enforcement,” said Leslie Gielow Jacobs, a law professor at University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law.

“Is this impeding federal … objectives?” said Vikram David Amar, a law professor at the UC Davis School of Law. “If so, it would be invalid under Supremacy.”

The California Attorney General’s Office responded to an interview request for Bonta with an unsigned written statement.

“Bills aren’t final when they’re introduced and can change throughout the legislative process,” it read. “Our office will continue to have conversations with stakeholders regarding AB 1930 and will address concerns as appropriate and needed.”

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The post Trump wants data on California’s trans and abortion care. Can the state stop him? appeared first on Lookout Santa Cruz.

Ludwig van Beethoven never heard a note of his renowned Symphony No. 9. Because he was deaf by that point, he didn’t even hear the wildly enthusiastic applause as he received five standing ovations from the audience. Now Santa Cruz Symphony and Music Director Daniel Stewart bring that innovative composition to the concert stage, along with Antonín Dvořák’s exuberant Carnival Overture and Jaron Lanier’s beautiful Khaenoncerto.

Beethoven’s final symphonic creation was groundbreaking. Before this, a chorus and vocal soloists were never involved, because symphonies were only instrumental compositions. Symphony No. 9 was also longer and more complex than any other symphony, using a larger orchestra and expanding the symphonic structure. Beethoven included Friedrich Schiller’s hymn Ode to Joy, adding a humanistic appeal to unity, friendship, and freedom.

In fact, this symphony was so innovative that Beethoven worried the audience would not like his changes, such as reversing the order of two movements to create a more intense emotional buildup. After the final note, Beethoven did not even turn to face the audience—until someone turned him around so he could see the thunderous approval. Handkerchiefs and hats were thrown into the air and hands were raised so that Beethoven, who they knew could not hear their cheering, could at least see the ovations.

Santa Cruz Symphony’s performance of this masterwork features the orchestra in collaboration with Cabrillo Symphonic Chorus under the direction of Carlin Truong. Guest soloists include:

• Soprano Dani Zhang, an award-winning emerging artist currently studying at the New England Conservatory
• Mezzo-soprano Ginger Costa-Jackson, who honed her craft as part of the Metropolitan Opera’s Lindemann Young Artist Development Program
• Tenor Joshua Stewart, formerly with Munich’s Bavarian State Opera Studio, a Symphony favorite who also is a jazz performer
• Baritone Edward Tavalin, a newcomer from the Santa Cruz Mountains, who has played both leading and supporting opera roles

The joy continues

The concert opens with Antonin Dvořák’s Carnival Overture depicting humanity’s power to enjoy merriment and delight in happiness. In short, it’s a celebration of life. Written in the sonata form, it includes a creative and dreamy intermezzo. This is one of only three overtures he wrote, the other two being In Nature’s Realm and Othello.

Jaron Lanier has been named among the Top 100 Intellectuals, 100 Most Influential People, Top 50 World Thinkers, and one of the Top 25 Influencers in technological history.

Next, Jaron Lanier returns to the Santa Cruz Symphony stage with Khaenoncerto. Arranged by Maestro Daniel Stewart for the orchestra, this is an original composition for the khaen, a traditional multi-piped instrument from Laos. Premiered at the WRO 2000 Media Art Biennale in Warsaw, the music exemplifies his blend of technology, unconventional musical instruments, and immersive virtual environments. The piece was designed to interact with virtual reality (VR) worlds, reflecting the composer’s role as a pioneer of VR. 

Jaron Lanier has amassed a collection of about 2000 instruments, most of which he plays. Besides his musical talents, he is an inventor of virtual reality, a computer scientist, and a futurist. He has been named among the Top 100 Intellectuals, 100 Most Influential People, Top 50 World Thinkers, and one of the Top 25 Influencers in technological history.

Pre-Concert Talks: Scheduled for one hour before each concert, these talks feature insights by Dr. Don Adkins and Kiefer Taylor. They explain the background of each composition so audiences can enjoy the program more fully.

Open Rehearsal: A free open rehearsal is set at the Civic Auditorium on Thursday, April 30, at 7:30 pm. No reservations are required, and audiences can see how the concert comes together.

Tickets: Purchase online at https://tinyurl.com/scs-beethoven-tix

Student Rush: Students are eligible for $15 tickets 90 minutes prior to each Classical Series Symphony concert. Students must present valid student identification. Tickets subject to availability for all seating sections.

BUY TICKETS NOW

The post The greatest of all symphonies: Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 appeared first on Lookout Santa Cruz.

A group of local contractors are hoping to address both homelessness and climate change with their project to build six new “tiny homes” using natural materials.

The post Group of local contractors to use straw bales to build low-income housing on Mt. Calvary Church property in Soquel appeared first on Lookout Santa Cruz.

This year, some Santa Cruz homeowners were able to save thousands of dollars when filing taxes. That’s due to an increased cap on state and local tax deduction referred to as SALT.

The post It’s Tax Day: Here’s why some Santa Cruz County homeowners are saving more this year appeared first on Lookout Santa Cruz.

The Live Oak School District plans to announce a new superintendent at its April 22 board meeting following Pat Sánchez’s resignation, after a search process that included community input and interviews with both internal and external candidates. Board leaders say they are prioritizing a collaborative, equity-focused candidate with strong administrative experience, aiming for a seamless transition by July 1 without the need for an interim leader.

The post Live Oak School District plans to announce new superintendent within a month  appeared first on Lookout Santa Cruz.

Jessica M. Pasko’s weekly column is back with news of local payments company Paystand partnering with a big name, a U.S. Trade Commission investigation in to Joby Aviation, upcoming dates to know, and more.

The post This week in Santa Cruz County business: Paystand’s new partnership, U.S. trade commission to investigate claims against Joby, Dharma’s cry for help appeared first on Lookout Santa Cruz.

Businesses operating in Santa Cruz County must register with the county clerk. Lookout Santa Cruz reviews the public filings from local businesses to report on new businesses starting in the area.

Here is what’s new in local business recently.

New businesses

• RESEARCH-BASED ACUPUNCTURE was registered at 4301 Scotts Valley Dr. #2, Scotts Valley CA 95066 by Professional Corporation Research-based Acupuncture as a corporation on March 30.
   
• EASYMOVE was registered at 1911 Kisley St. Apt 1, Santa Cruz CA 95062 by Yhon Sebastian Prieto Palomino as an individual business on March 30.
   
• HIGH NOTE GOODS was registered at 3014 Atherton Drive, Aptos CA 95003 by Martha Kehoe as an individual business on March 30.
   
• GONE BY TUESDAY was registered at 101 Cooper St., Santa Cruz CA 95060 by Atlas Mae Ventures LLC as a Limited Liability Company on March 30.
   
• COIN DROP ARCADE was registered at 16 Crescent Dr., Scotts Valley CA 95066 by Kacey Lewis as an individual business on March 30.
   
• ALYSSA BONDI THERAPY was registered at 1099 38th Ave., Spc. 41, Santa Cruz CA 95062 by Alyssa Bondi as an individual business on March 30.
   
• CRDN of South Bay and Central Coast was registered at 1896 Main Street, Watsonville CA 95076 by Shalom Cleaner, Inc. as a corporation on April 1.
   
• EVA HOLT CONSULTING GROUP LLC was registered at 3611 Portola Ave., Santa Cruz CA 95062 by Eva Holt Consulting Group LLC as a Limited Liability Company on April 1.
   
• ADRENALINE SURFBOARDS was registered at 829 Monterey Ave., Capitola CA 95010 by Andrew Hayden Carroll as an individual business on April 1.
   
• BIG BASIN ROAD ASSOCIATION was registered at 28800 Big Basin Way, Boulder Creek CA 95006 by Kristel Krepelka on April 1.
   
• SANCTUARY OF THE HEART was registered at 6974 Empire Grade, Santa Cruz CA 95060 by Lisa Mayi Goodenough as an individual business on April 1.
   
• SEPTIC GURUS was registered at 719 Navarra Dr, Scotts Valley CA 95066 by Hudson Brothers Inc. as a corporation on April 1.
   
• THE TRUST ADVISORY was registered at 5435 Scotts Valley Drive, Ste F, Scotts Valley CA 95066 by Streamline Real Estate Inc. as a corporation on April 2.
   
• HR STRATEGIES was registered at 430 Semple Avenue, Aptos CA 95003 by Brenda A. Rogers as an individual business on April 2.
   
• THE BEAUTY BAR was registered at 500 Soquel Ave. Suite B, Santa Cruz CA 95062 by Melanie Teresa Meyer as a general partnership on April 2.
   
• WAREP was registered at 132 Dufour Street, Santa Cruz CA 95060 by Hall Conservation Solutions LLC as a Limited Liability Company on April 3.
   
• CTR BICYCLE REPAIR was registered at 31 Patrick Road, Santa Cruz CA 95060 by Ctr Bicycle Repair Shop LLC as a Limited Liability Company on April 6.
   
• PRO-RISK SAFETY SERVICES was registered at 531 Rodriguez St. Unit B, Watsonville CA 95076 by Abrahan Pichardo as an individual business on April 6.
   
• EQUINE MIND BODY SOUL BALANCE was registered at 2065 Cox Rd, Aptos CA 95003 by Laurie Beth Delalla as an individual business on April 6.
   
• WESTLAKE EQUIPMENT SALES was registered at 6060 Graham Hill Rd, Suite B, Felton CA 95018 by Westlake Engineering And Design as a corporation on April 6.
   
• LOSHKAJIAN & ASSOCIATES was registered at 403 Village Circle, Santa Cruz CA 95060 by Nancy Vartouhi Loshkajian as an individual business on April 7.
   
• SC CLEANING WAVE was registered at 930 Rosedale Ave., Spc. 35, Capitola CA 95010 by Gabriela Rodriguez Rojas as a co-partnership on April 7.
   
• DLOTT CONSULTING, DLOTT PROPERTIES was registered at 320 Poplar Ave., Santa Cruz CA 95062 by Franklin Kyle Doltt as an individual business on April 7.
   
• FINTASTIC FISH was registered at 224 Mount Hermon Road, Ste C, Scotts Valley CA 95066 by Macgregor Aquatics LLC as a Limited Liability Company on April 8.
   
• FERNANDO’S MUFFLER SHOP was registered at 1381 Freedom Blvd., Watsonville CA 95076 by Laura Elena Saenz Alvarado as a business operated by a married couple on April 8.
   
• STONECREST LANDSCAPING was registered at 1005 Eagle Rd., Scotts Valley CA 95066 by Christian David Carney as an individual business on April 9.
   
• OMNIRA MEDIA LLC was registered at 144 Alta Verdi, Aptos CA 95003 by Santa Cruz Surf Shop, Inc. as a co-partnership on April 9.
   
• JIMENEZ ROOFING was registered at 107 Marchant St. Apt. 5, Watsonville CA 95076 by Omar Jimenez-guzman as an individual business on April 10.
   
• LITTLE CHAMPS SPORTS ACADEMY was registered at 684 Amesti Road, Watsonville CA 95076 by Janet Marie Holyoak as an individual business on April 10.
   
• ELEMENTAL OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY was registered at 400 Tola Ranch Road, Soquel CA 95073 by Robert J Pasquale as an individual business on April 10.
   

The post Santa Cruz County business filings: Week of April 14 appeared first on Lookout Santa Cruz.

Ripple Effect, a new, creative arts festival covering the entire county, officially launches on Thursday. It will feature a wide range of activities involving visual and performing arts, film, photography, and much more.

The post The Big Ripple: An ambitious new arts festival hopes to spark a colorful and creative future for the county’s arts community appeared first on Lookout Santa Cruz.

After a three-year closure, salmon fishing has reopened in the Monterey Bay Area with limited quotas and staggered seasons designed to support a cautious recovery. While the season remains tightly managed, it offers opportunity for smaller, lower-overhead boats — particularly those in Santa Cruz — to get back on the water.

The post After years of shutdown, commercial salmon season to open May 16, with staggered dates appeared first on Lookout Santa Cruz.

The Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History has received accreditation from the American Alliance of Museums (AAM), the nation’s highest recognition afforded to museums.

Of the nation’s estimated 33,000 museums, roughly 1,100 are currently accredited. The Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History is one of only 78 museums accredited in California.

Accreditation acknowledges the museum for its commitment to excellence, accountability, high professional standards, and continued institutional improvement.

To earn accreditation a museum must first conduct a year of self-study, and then undergo a site visit by a team of peer reviewers.

“We are also honored to now be the only accredited museum in Santa Cruz County,” said Felicia Van Stolk, executive director of the museum in a press release. “This distinction will carry us into (the) future as we renovate the historic building to match our excellence in service.” 

The museum, an independent non-profit, is raising money to renovate, modernize, and

expand Santa Cruz’s oldest museum. The fundraising campaign, called “Bright Future,” will advance their mission through immersive exhibits, programs, and collections, focusing on learning and the love of nature.

The renovation project will break ground in early 2027, with an anticipated completion in early 2029.

The post Museum of Natural History receives highest national honor appeared first on Lookout Santa Cruz.

OPINION: Have we built too much housing in Santa Cruz or not nearly enough? Housing activist and former Santa Cruz mayor Don Lane reminds us that Santa Cruz spent decades limiting growth.

The post The real cause of gentrification in Santa Cruz isn’t new housing appeared first on Lookout Santa Cruz.

Thousands flocked to the third annual Surf City Comic Con on Saturday, where cosplayers, vendors, and fans

The post Nerd nirvana: Comics and kitsch fans turn out for Surf City Comic Con appeared first on Lookout Santa Cruz.

Esta traducción fue generada utilizando inteligencia artificial y ha sido revisada por un hablante nativo de español; si bien nos esforzamos por lograr precisión, pueden ocurrir algunos errores de traducción. 

Funcionarios del condado de Santa Cruz dicen que es demasiado pronto para definir los próximos pasos respecto a su conjunto de normas para regular instalaciones de almacenamiento de baterías, después de que los desarrolladores de un proyecto propuesto en Watsonville comenzaran a explorar una vía hacia la aprobación estatal.

Algunos residentes que se oponen al controvertido proyecto, sin embargo, creen que pasar por el estado para obtener la aprobación podría resaltar algunas de sus preocupaciones.

La semana pasada, el desarrollador New Leaf Energy, con sede en Massachusetts, confirmó a Lookout que ha comenzado a estudiar una vía para obtener la aprobación de la Comisión de Energía de California (CEC), en lugar de solicitar permisos al condado para su instalación propuesta de almacenamiento de baterías en el 90 de Minto Rd., justo fuera de Watsonville.

Max Christian, desarrollador senior de New Leaf Energy, dijo anteriormente a Lookout que el trabajo previo a la solicitud tiene como objetivo comprender mejor el proceso y los requisitos de aprobación estatal. Sin embargo, señaló que eso no significa que el desarrollador se haya comprometido con la vía estatal.

New Leaf planea seguir evaluando tanto la vía local como la estatal para encontrar “la mejor oportunidad de mantenerse en el cronograma” y asegurar un permiso a principios de 2027, dijo Christian.

Hasta que la Junta de Supervisores del Condado de Santa Cruz adopte una ordenanza, el proyecto de 90 Minto Rd. no puede avanzar. Según el cronograma actual —que, según Tiffany Martinez, portavoz del departamento de planificación del condado, no ha cambiado— se espera que la ordenanza se adopte para noviembre.

“Si el proyecto BESS avanza a través de un proceso de aprobación a nivel estatal, el condado trabajará con el estado para comprender mejor cuál será su papel,” dijo Martinez.

A meeting of the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors. From left: Kim De Serpa, Justin Cummings, Felipe Hernandez, Monica Martinez, Manu Koenig. Credit: Kevin Painchaud / Lookout Santa Cruz

Añadió que es demasiado pronto para determinar los próximos pasos, ya que cualquier avance en la ordenanza “dependería de la dirección del proyecto.”

Después de que la junta de supervisores aprobara un borrador de la ordenanza en enero, se espera que la revisión ambiental se complete hacia el final del verano. Según Martinez, esa fase del proceso de adopción “aún no ha comenzado.”

Funcionarios del condado dijeron estar decepcionados por la decisión de New Leaf de explorar la opción estatal, aunque reconocen que siempre ha estado disponible para el desarrollador. En el pasado, funcionarios electos han subrayado la importancia de avanzar con una ordenanza para mantener el control local sobre proyectos como el de New Leaf.

En contraste, algunos residentes creen que la opción estatal —que consideran más rigurosa que el proceso local— es algo positivo.

La residente de Watsonville Phoenix Artemisia dijo que la comisión estatal de energía evaluará aspectos como la posible presencia de sitios de entierro indígenas en el área de College Lake, adyacente al sitio del proyecto, algo que el condado no estaba considerando.

Artemisia ayuda a organizar reuniones públicas en Watsonville, donde los miembros de la comunidad pueden informarse más sobre el borrador de la ordenanza del condado y el proyecto en general. También inició una petición contra la instalación propuesta de baterías de New Leaf que ha reunido al menos 1,200 firmas.

Watsonville residents gathered at Pinto Lake City Park on Feb. 28 to hear speakers opposed to a battery energy storage plant proposed nearby. Credit: Thomas May

El proceso de certificación voluntaria de la comisión estatal de energía permite a los desarrolladores eludir el proceso local gracias a una ley de 2022 que establece la autoridad de la comisión para aprobar proyectos de energía renovable. La ley fue aprobada para ayudar al estado a alcanzar su objetivo de que el 100% del suministro eléctrico provenga de fuentes renovables para 2045.

Eso significa que incluso si el condado de Santa Cruz adopta una ordenanza mientras un proyecto se tramita ante la CEC, la ley local no se aplicaría.

La comisión estatal es responsable de preparar su propio informe de impacto ambiental sobre el proyecto y tomar una decisión dentro de los 270 días posteriores a recibir una solicitud del desarrollador, según su sitio web. Además, la CEC contacta a tribus indígenas locales que están “cultural y tradicionalmente asociadas con el sitio propuesto” dentro de los cinco días de considerar completa una solicitud.

Para quienes se oponen al proyecto, existe la esperanza de que la CEC considere las preocupaciones de la comunidad más de lo que lo han hecho los funcionarios del condado durante el último año, dijo Becky Steinbruner, miembro de BAN Lithium BESS Santa Cruz, un grupo comunitario que aboga por regulaciones más estrictas para este tipo de instalaciones en todo el condado.

Stacey Shepard, funcionaria de información senior de la CEC, dijo a Lookout por correo electrónico que “la participación local es importante y forma parte del registro oficial.”

En última instancia, las decisiones se basan en equilibrar los impactos locales “con necesidades más amplias de confiabilidad y clima,” ella dijo. Según Shepard, el proceso de permisos gestiona esa tensión de manera transparente mediante el uso de evidencia y participación pública, “en lugar de influencia privada”.

Steinbruner y otra miembro del grupo, Carol Bjorn, dijeron a Lookout que si New Leaf busca formalmente la aprobación estatal, podría permitir a los funcionarios del condado tomarse un respiro y dedicar más tiempo a desarrollar su ordenanza.

“Parte del problema con el que nos hemos encontrado todo este tiempo es que [el condado] está desarrollando la ordenanza al mismo tiempo que aprueba este proyecto,” dijo Bjorn. “En un mundo ideal, tendríamos una ordenanza sólida antes de que cualquier empresa presentara una solicitud.”

Los grupos comunitarios afirman que la versión actual de la ordenanza viola la Medida J, una iniciativa aprobada en 1978 que protege las tierras agrícolas al dirigir el crecimiento hacia áreas urbanas. El sitio del proyecto propuesto en Minto Road es un antiguo huerto de manzanas adyacente a College Lake. El condado ha desestimado previamente esas preocupaciones, afirmando que “no hay posibles violaciones a la medida.”

Sin importar el resultado, “Estamos preparados para el condado y estamos preparados para el estado,” dijo Artemisia. “El trabajo continúa todos los días y todas las noches.”

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The post Funcionarios del condado dicen que aún no han determinado los próximos pasos después de que el desarrollador de almacenamiento de baterías comenzara a explorar la aprobación estatal en lugar de la del condado appeared first on Lookout Santa Cruz.

County officials say it’s still too early to determine next steps following news that New Leaf Energy, the developer behind a proposed battery storage facility in Watsonville, is exploring a path to state approval rather than local approval.

The post County officials say they haven’t  determined next steps after battery storage developer began exploring state, rather than county approval appeared first on Lookout Santa Cruz.

The Capitola City Council will begin to study the viability of the Stockton Avenue Bridge that links Capitola Village and the surrounding areas. Evaluation of the structure showed deterioration of the bridge deck and reinforcing steel, and found that a full deck replacement is needed, but a full bridge replacement is the best long-term solution.

The post Carmageddon: Capitola begins to study options to repair or replace the Stockton Avenue bridge appeared first on Lookout Santa Cruz.

Grey Bears, a longtime Santa Cruz nonprofit serving seniors and food-insecure residents, plans to move its overcrowded operations from aging facilities into a renovated warehouse next door by 2028. The $9.6 million project, already more than 80% funded through local donations, aims to expand its commercial kitchen, market and dining services at a time of rising demand and shrinking food assistance resources.

The post Grey Bears plans major warehouse expansion to meet growing demand for senior services appeared first on Lookout Santa Cruz.

OPINION: After years of medication for anxiety, UC Santa Cruz student Veronica Morris thought she was “over it,” healed. Then her anxiety returned in unexpected ways.

The post I’m 20 and I’ve spent years struggling with the myth of being ‘fixed’ of mental illness appeared first on Lookout Santa Cruz.

Esta traducción fue generada utilizando inteligencia artificial y ha sido revisada por un hablante nativo de español; si bien nos esforzamos por lograr precisión, pueden ocurrir algunos errores de traducción. Para leer el artículo en inglés, haga clic aquí.

Las propuestas para ubicar al violador convicto Michael Cheek en hoteles en Watsonville y Santa Cruz fueron retiradas el viernes tras una fuerte oposición de miembros de la comunidad y funcionarios públicos, según la Oficina del Fiscal de Distrito del Condado de Santa Cruz.

“Estamos frustrados de que nuestra comunidad haya tenido que pasar por un período de 72 horas de preocupación”, dijo Alex Byers, portavoz de la oficina del fiscal de distrito, el viernes por la mañana. “Nos complace que esto ya no se esté considerando”.

La propuesta del Departamento de Hospitales Estatales de California (DSH) solicitó al Tribunal Superior de Santa Cruz liberar a Cheek de la custodia y alojarlo en un motel ubicado en 970 Main St. en Watsonville o en un hotel en Ocean Street en Santa Cruz, si el tribunal rechazaba la ubicación en Watsonville.

Byers dijo que los propietarios de ambas ubicaciones retiraron su consentimiento de la propuesta. La oficina del fiscal de distrito no está segura de lo que ocurrirá en la audiencia de Cheek el 22 de mayo, pero la fecha judicial no será una audiencia de ubicación.

Cheek fue condenado en 1980 por secuestrar a una mujer de 21 años de Seacliff State Beach y violarla a punta de pistola. Tras escapar de la custodia un año después, Cheek fue condenado por cometer un crimen casi idéntico contra una persona de 15 años en el condado de Lake.

Cheek ha estado bajo custodia estatal desde 1981 y ha pasado casi 26 años en un hospital estatal del condado de Fresno. Fue autorizado para su liberación en 2019, pero el estado no pudo encontrar una ubicación en un entorno comunitario. En 2024, un plan para liberarlo en una vivienda supervisada en un vecindario de Aptos fracasó tras objeciones de funcionarios públicos y vecinos.

Funcionarios de la ciudad de Watsonville atribuyen a miembros de la comunidad el haber expresado sus preocupaciones sobre la posible ubicación de Cheek en el área. La portavoz de la ciudad, Michelle Pulido, dijo a Lookout que el jefe de policía Brian Shab habló con el propietario del motel de Watsonville el jueves por la tarde sobre los desafíos que los residentes enfrentarían si Cheek fuera ubicado allí.

Agregó que las dos reuniones comunitarias programadas para el 13 y el 20 de abril han sido canceladas como resultado del retiro de la propuesta.

La ciudad de Santa Cruz no respondió de inmediato a la solicitud de comentarios de Lookout al momento de la publicación.

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The post Las propuestas para ubicar al violador Michael Cheek en Watsonville o Santa Cruz han sido retiradas tras la oposición de la comunidad appeared first on Lookout Santa Cruz.

The proposals to place convicted rapist Michael Cheek in hotels in Watsonville and Santa Cruz were withdrawn Friday following strong opposition from community members and public officials, according to the Santa Cruz County District Attorney’s Office. 

“We’re frustrated that our community had to go through a 72-hour period of worry,” said Alex Byers, a spokesperson for the district attorney’s office, Friday morning. “We are pleased that this is no longer being considered.”

The California Department of State Hospitals (DSH) proposal asked the Santa Cruz Superior Court to release Cheek from custody and house him in a motel located at 970 Main St. in Watsonville or in a hotel on Ocean Street in Santa Cruz, if the court were to reject the Watsonville location. 

Byers said property owners of both locations withdrew their consent from the proposal. The district attorney’s office is not sure what will happen at Cheek’s May 22 hearing, but the court date will not be a placement hearing. 

Cheek was convicted in 1980 of kidnapping a 21-year-old woman off Seacliff State Beach and raping her at gunpoint. After escaping from custody a year later, Cheek was convicted of committing a nearly identical crime against a 15-year-old in Lake County. 

Cheek has been in state custody since 1981, and has spent nearly 26 years in a Fresno County state hospital. He was cleared for release in 2019, but the state couldn’t find a placement in a community setting. In 2024, a plan to release him into a supervised home in an Aptos neighborhood fell through following objections from public officials and neighbors. 

Watsonville city officials credit community members for raising their concerns about Cheek’s possible placement in the area. City spokesperson Michelle Pulido told Lookout that police chief Brian Shab spoke with the owner of the Watsonville motel Thursday afternoon about the challenges residents were going to face if Cheek were to be placed there. 

She added the two town halls scheduled for April 13 and 20 have been canceled as a result of the proposal being withdrawn. 

The City of Santa Cruz did not immediately respond to Lookout’s request for comment at time of publication. 

The post Update: Proposals to place convicted rapist Michael Cheek in Watsonville or Santa Cruz have been withdrawn following community opposition 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. Pediatric Dental Office Manager / Financial Coordinator at Alison K Jackson Children’s Dentistry
2. Principal Financial Analyst at UC Santa Cruz
3. Crop Production Assistant & Weekend Farm Steward at Homeless Garden Project
4. Executive Assistant to the Associate Vice Chancellor at UC Santa Cruz
5. Health Center Manager at The County of Santa Cruz
6. Conference Services Coordinator at UC Santa Cruz
7. Physician’s Assistant/Nurse Practitioner at County of Santa Cruz
8. Clinician, Complex Mental Health, Master’s Level at UC Santa Cruz
9. Lead Groundskeeper at UC Santa Cruz
10. Value Added Enterprise Associate at Homeless Garden Project

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 April 10 appeared first on Lookout Santa Cruz.