This Week on the Central Coast
MPUSD will offer a new computer science program, Watsonville's first cannabis retailer opened, and Santa Cruz is one step closer to creating a Vet's Village.
MPUSD plans to expand computer science programs with the help of a federal grant.
A new program, called Computer Science for All, is being developed by MPUSD. The program, which was made possible thanks to a $1 million grant from the U.S. Department of Defense Education Activity, aims to help students have access to more advanced computer science classes. The grant came as a response to the fact that ten percent of all MPUSD students are connected to the military. These students are the primary focus of the program. The Computer Science for All program has three goals: increase military-connected students’ exposure to computer science, develop computer science and digital skills, and establish professional development opportunities for teachers.
The grant targets five schools in MPUSD, which all have the highest number of military-connected students in the district. These five are La Mesa Elementary, Marshall Elementary, Monte Vista Elementary, Walter Colton Middle School, and Monterey High School.
MPUSD hopes the program’s goals will eventually turn into a K-12 curriculum that integrates computer science. The program will also create extracurricular opportunities, such as after-school computer science clubs, tutoring, and STEM nights for whole families to participate in.
Once the program has proven to be successful at these pilot schools, the district plans to expand to all students in MPUSD. The district plans to initiate the program at the start of the 2022-23 year.
Watsonville’s first cannabis retailer opens
The Hook opened last Friday and is Watsonville’s first cannabis retailer, located in a warehouse on Hanger Way. The Hook draws inspiration was the retro 80s and includes display cases made out of arcade cabinets.
Co-owner Berryessa says he wants “to offer knowledgeable, personalized, service for products that are grown and produced locally.” The company is heavily focused on making the entire experience fun and easy. “Our goal is to sell cannabis as cheap as we possibly can to the masses,” Berryessa added.
A Santa Cruz nonprofit is one step closer to creating a Vet’s Village
The Santa Cruz County Veterans Memorial Building was approved to purchase six acres of land which formerly belonged to a resort called Jayes Timberlane Resort. At the time of purchase, there will be enough housing for about 16 veterans and their families. The sale will happen sometime in January. Housing for veterans is much needed as most vets living in Santa Cruz county can’t afford to live there.
The purchase was made possible because of the combined efforts of the Community Foundation Santa Cruz County and Santa Cruz Bank. The idea of a Vet’s Village started when the Santa Cruz Veterans Memorial Building was used as a 24-7 homeless shelter during the height of the COVID shutdown. This led to the group planning for whatever comes next.
