With budget deficits taking their toll on the state’s public school system, two of Santa Cruz County’s largest school districts, Pajaro Valley Unified and Santa Cruz City, have signed up for “Race to the Top,” a federal program aimed at improving schools.
News
Police Investigating Anti-Gay Hate Crime
The SCPD is investigating a hate crime outside a Pacific Street nightclub on Sunday. Two people have been arrested, and a judge has signed a warrant to arrest a third, Redwood City resident Cole White.
Higher Education a Bargain at UCSC
Despite the tuition hikes, despite the protests, UCSC is still considered to be one of the 100 Best Values in Public Education anywhere in the country.
Mountain Lion on the Prowl
At least one mountain lion is on the prowl in the Carbonera and Branciforte Creek watersheds. Local residents report that a goat was killed on property belonging to George and Suzanne Purnell in mid-December, and a 200-lb. sheep belong to Christian and Vicky Culver just three days later. Fish and Game Lieutenant Don Kelly, who oversees the area, says that the attacks are surprising because of their proximity to areas inhabited by people, but that this could be attributed to changing weather.
Santa Cruz Marks the New Year with Its First Homicide
Customers at the 7-Eleven on Ocean Street and Broadway were concerned Friday morning to find the store open but no shopkeeper inside.
Ten Questions For Jon Chown
Register-Pajaronian Editor Jon Chown is a history buff and avocado lover.
Santa Cruz’s Green Politicians
IN THESE closing days of 2009, Sierra Club California director Bill Magavern is pretty happy with Santa Cruz’s taste in politicians.
Ken Foster’s Case Against Astroturf
Recently there has been a large movement towards installing synthetic turf. This new generation of Astroturf, often called eco turf, is being touted as the newest in green landscaping. To be sure, there is an impressive list of ecological concerns that this turf addresses, including the elimination of the need to mow, water, install irrigation, control weeds, fertilize or haul away grass clippings. It won’t get muddy and it’s wheelchair accessible. So what’s not to like?
Ten Questions for Cynthia Edgerley
The owner of Bingo! Dog Training talks life, pups, and staying awake while reading.
Reconfiguration of School Districts at Center of Superintendent Race
County School District Superintendent Michael Watkins hopes to spend another four years in office, improving local students’ access to technology. He may be facing a challenge, however, from former Santa Cruz City Schools Superintendent Alan Pagano. Though he has not officially entered the race, Pagano says that there are steps he wants the county to take to make education more efficient and cost-effective. Among them is the reconfiguration of the county’s 10 school districts.
