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lookout.coCaltrans is lowering speed limits on some sections of Highway 9 in the Santa Cruz Mountains following a recent traffic survey. They will go into effect within 30 days, once all existing signage is updated.
Caltrans to lower speed limits on Highway 9 in Felton, Ben Lomond, Brookdale
Caltrans is lowering speed limits on some sections of Highway 9 in the Santa Cruz Mountains following a recent traffic survey. They will go into effect within 30 days, once all existing signage is…
Gov. Gavin Newsom has put forth his plan to shift responsibility for the California Department of Education from the state superintendent to the governor and state board of ed. Rarely has a proposal to transform a bureaucracy moved so quickly from academia to legislation.
Here’s how Newsom proposes to revamp California's education department
Gov. Gavin Newsom's has put forth his plan to shift responsibility for the California Department of Education from the state superintendent to the governor and state board of ed. Rarely has a…
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Lookout believes in journalism that is a dialogue, a link to democracy. That’s why we want to hear from you. Your perspectives will make us, our reporting and our community better. Today, we publish…
Saddle up for your Friday with morning headlines from Lily Belli, Max Chun, Lillian Schrock-Clevenger and more.
Morning Lookout: A taste of Bad Animal's new bistro fare; making Freedom Boulevard safer; Super Bowl snacking
Santa Cruz County headlines from Lookout for the morning of Friday, Feb. 6.
California is updating CalEnviroScreen, the influential pollution tracker that helps determine which communities get environmental grants. Advocates say the state should improve the tool and use it more frequently to cut pollution.
California spends billions based on this pollution tracker. Who benefits from its latest update?
California is updating CalEnviroScreen, the influential pollution tracker that helps determine which communities get environmental grants. Advocates say the state should improve the tool and use it more frequently to cut pollution.
Making weekend plans? Check out a curated list from Lookout's free BOLO events calendar, topped with a recommendation from Lily Belli.
Best of Santa Cruz County food & arts events this weekend, Feb. 5-9
With the weekend nearly here, check out things to do around Santa Cruz County, with a recommendation from Lookout correspondent Lily Belli and a specially curated list from Lookout's BOLO events…
One of Santa Cruz County Actors’ Theatre's signature annual productions is entering its penultimate weekend – check out reviews from Jana Marcus.
'8 Tens @ 8' Short Play Festival turns 30 and still moves fast
Santa Cruz County Actors’ Theatre launches its 30th edition of the "8 Tens @ 8" festival with a lively Night “A” that offers a brisk, entertaining sampler of short plays that range from…
Bad Animal ended its acclaimed Hanloh pop-up in December and brought its kitchen in-house, tapping former chef de cuisine Nick Hahn to lead the Santa Cruz restaurant. While his precise, produce-driven dishes show clear promise and technical confidence, the opening menu feels like an early chapter.
Bad Animal’s next act: Global French bistro cuisine offers glimpses of a chef on the rise
Bad Animal ended its acclaimed Hanloh pop-up in December and brought its kitchen in-house, tapping former chef de cuisine Nick Hahn to lead the downtown Santa Cruz restaurant. While his precise,…
The Watsonville City Council will receive a report on conceptual plans to make Freedom Boulevard safer for pedestrians and cyclists at its Tuesday meeting.
Watsonville City Council to hear initial plans for making Freedom Boulevard safer for pedestrians, cyclists
The Watsonville City Council will receive a report on conceptual plans to make Freedom Boulevard safer for pedestrians and cyclists at its Tuesday meeting.
California’s community colleges are now giving college credit for students’ previous work experiences. The state has a goal of rapidly expanding access to these credits, though tracking progress on that goal has been difficult so far.
California wants colleges to count work experience for credit. How’s it going?
California’s community colleges are now giving college credit for students’ previous work experiences. The state has a goal of rapidly expanding access to these credits, though tracking progress on that goal has been difficult so far.
Your cheat sheet for eating well and going out in Santa Cruz County, with recommendations from Lily Belli and curated event listings from Lookout's free, searchable BOLO calendar.
Weekender: Pizza, sausage and other Super Bowl snacks; ex-supervisor's Grammy win
Your cheat sheet for eating well and going out in Santa Cruz County.
With the weekend nearly here, check out things to do around Santa Cruz County, with a recommendation from Lookout correspondent Lily Belli and a specially curated list from Lookout's BOLO events calendar.
Best of Santa Cruz County food & arts events this weekend, Feb. 5-9
With the weekend nearly here, check out things to do around Santa Cruz County, with a recommendation from Lookout correspondent Lily Belli and a specially curated list from Lookout's BOLO events calendar.
Team BOLO (Be On The Lookout) is gathering and curating all of Santa Cruz County’s biggest and best happenings from now until forever — or at least until the latest gigs are officially announced.
Down The Line: All the biggest and best shows, gigs & events ahead in Santa Cruz County
Team BOLO (Be On The Lookout) is gathering and curating all of Santa Cruz County’s biggest and best happenings from now until forever — or at least until the latest gigs are officially announced.
Santa Cruz County butchers, pizzerias and breweries are bracing for a busy Sunday as fans stock up for home watch parties for Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara.
Local kickoff: Santa Cruz County food businesses cash in on nearby Super Bowl
Santa Cruz County butchers, pizzerias and breweries are bracing for a busy Sunday as fans stock up for home watch parties for Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara. From thousands of pounds of handmade…
The weekend is getting closer, and Lookout has a newsletter for that! Subscribe for free at the link below to Weekender, your cheat sheet to eating well and going out around Santa Cruz County.
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A busy Thursday morning in Lookout headlines, with news from Lillian Schrock-Clevenger, Lily Belli, Max Chun, Tania Ortiz and more, plus Community Voices opinion on pesticides in the Pajaro Valley.
Morning Lookout: Business still slow around Murray Street Bridge; gearing up for the Super Bowl; wharf repairs nearly done
Santa Cruz County news and opinion headlines from Lookout for the morning of Thursday, Feb. 5.
ICYMI: Santa Cruz County Animal Control is trying to locate a cat that might be trapped in a drain system at a construction site on Pacific Avenue in downtown Santa Cruz.
Animal control 'flooded with calls' about yowling cat potentially trapped at Santa Cruz construction site
Santa Cruz County Animal Control is trying to locate a cat that might be trapped in a drain system at a construction site on Pacific Avenue in downtown Santa Cruz.
The City of Santa Cruz is nearing completion of planned repairs to the municipal wharf, restoring about 40 feet of the section that was swept away in a storm in December 2024. The city is also moving forward with longer-term plans for the historic structure that could begin as early as this fall.
Santa Cruz Wharf repairs on track for end-of-February completion
The City of Santa Cruz is nearing completion of its planned repairs to the municipal wharf, restoring about 40 feet of the section that was swept away in a storm in December 2024. The city is also…
Watsonville Municipal Airport is welcoming tourists from all over the country as they arrive in the region to watch Super Bowl LX this weekend. Watsonville is one of 16 regional airports selected by the FAA to help support the increase in air travel for the big game at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara.
Watsonville airport braces for crowds flying in for Super Bowl weekend
Watsonville Municipal Airport is welcoming tourists from all over the country as they arrive in the region to watch Super Bowl LX this weekend. Watsonville is one of 16 regional airports selected by…
H&H Fresh Fish Co. in the Santa Cruz Harbor has seen an uptick in customers since the Murray Street Bridge reopened to eastbound traffic. But businesses on the bridge's west side continue to suffer almost a year into the three-year project, and say they’ve lost faith that the city is listening.
Despite partial Murray Street Bridge reopening, businesses continue to hurt
H&H Fresh Fish Co. in the Santa Cruz Harbor has seen an uptick in customers since the city reopened the Murray Street Bridge to eastbound traffic last week. But businesses on the west side of the…
OPINION: Retired teacher Woody Rehanek believes Pajaro Valley Unified School District’s unusually high rates of special needs students are linked to decades of pesticide exposure near schools and homes, and calls on berry growers to help make up budget gaps leading to big district layoffs.
Berry growers should pay to restore special ed in Pajaro Valley schools; it’s the right answer
Retired special needs teacher Woody Rehanek believes Pajaro Valley Unified School District’s unusually high rates of special needs students are linked to decades of pesticide exposure near schools…
Santa Cruz County Animal Control is trying to locate a cat that might be trapped in a drain system at a construction site on Pacific Avenue in downtown Santa Cruz.
Animal control 'flooded with calls' about yowling cat potentially trapped at Santa Cruz construction site
Santa Cruz County Animal Control is trying to locate a cat that might be trapped in a drain system at a construction site on Pacific Avenue in downtown Santa Cruz.
The Supreme Court on Wednesday allowed California to use a new voter-approved congressional map that is favorable to Democrats in this year’s elections, rejecting a last-ditch plea from state Republicans and the Trump administration.
Supreme Court allows new California congressional districts that favor Democrats
The Supreme Court on Wednesday allowed California to use a new voter-approved congressional map that is favorable to Democrats in this year’s elections, rejecting a last-ditch plea from state Republicans and the Trump administration.
Former 49ers kicker Joe Nedney is scheduled to attend today's event, starting at 4 p.m. at Brommer Street County Park in Live Oak; tomorrow's event happens at 4 p.m. at Highlands County Park in Ben Lomond.
Santa Cruz County Parks hosts punt, pass and kick events before Super Bowl LX
Parks in Watsonville, Live Oak and Ben Lomond will host free, all-ages “punt, pass and kick” events ahead of Super Bowl LX, set for Feb. 8 at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara.
Have something to say about issues facing Santa Cruz County? Send Lookout a letter to the editor.
Contribute to letters to the editor
Lookout believes in journalism that is a dialogue, a link to democracy. That’s why we want to hear from you. Your perspectives will make us, our reporting and our community better. Today, we publish…
Get the rundown of Lookout's Wednesday morning headlines, including stories from Hillary Ojeda, Max Chun, Lily Belli, Jessica M. Pasko, Ashley Palma-Jimenez and more.
Morning Lookout: Watsonville native in governor's race; advocacy group targets RTC over open meetings; good news for crab fishers
Santa Cruz County headlines from Lookout for the morning of Wednesday, Feb. 4.
San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, who was raised in Watsonville, says his working-class upbringing in the Pajaro Valley — shaped by immigrant farmworker communities, Catholic schooling and parents who lived paycheck to paycheck — informs his bid for California governor.
Q&A: Matt Mahan on how growing up in Watsonville shaped run for California governor
San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, who was raised in Watsonville, says his working-class upbringing in the Pajaro Valley — shaped by immigrant farmworker communities, Catholic schooling and parents who lived paycheck to paycheck — informs his bid for California governor.
The Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission has been accused of violating state open meetings laws in connection with its move to cut ties with the contractor that operates the Santa Cruz Branch Rail Line.
RTC accused of violating state open meetings rules in move to cut ties with current rail operator
The Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission has been accused of violating state open meetings laws in connection with its move to cut ties with the contractor that operates the Santa Cruz Branch Rail Line.
California Fish and Wildlife has approved ropeless pop-up gear for spring Dungeness crab fishing, allowing licensed fishers statewide to apply to use the whale-safe technology from April 1 through July 15.
State OKs pop-up gear for spring Dungeness crab season
California Fish and Wildlife has approved ropeless pop-up gear for spring Dungeness crab fishing, allowing licensed fishers statewide to apply to use the whale-safe technology from April 1 through July 15.
Jessica M. Pasko's weekly look at local business includes an update on Joby Aviation's suit alleging corporate espionage by a competitor and recaps a contentious meeting on the fate of a downtown Santa Cruz landmark.
This week in Santa Cruz County business: Joby lawsuit against Archer Aviation moves to federal court; residents sound off on Catalyst demolition
Jessica M. Pasko's weekly look at local business includes an update on Joby Aviation's suit alleging corporate espionage by a competitor and recaps a contentious meeting on the fate of a downtown Santa Cruz landmark.
A couple hundred UC Santa Cruz students marched on campus Tuesday against violent actions by ICE and other federal agencies in Minneapolis and around the U.S. as well as against President Donald Trump’s military attack on Venezuela last month.
UCSC students rally against ICE raids, Trump’s military attack on Venezuela
A couple hundred UC Santa Cruz students marched on campus Tuesday against violent actions by ICE and other federal agencies in Minneapolis and around the U.S. as well as against President Donald Trump’s military attack on Venezuela last month.
In her Tuesday newsletter, Lily Belli recaps her favorite Santa Cruz County menu items from last month, previews the new tenant at Watsonville Municipal Airport's restaurant and notes upcoming local art events that might appeal to foodies.
Lily Belli on Food: January's best bites, previewing Woody's at Watsonville Airport and art for foodies
In her Tuesday newsletter, Lily Belli recaps her favorite Santa Cruz County menu items from last month, previews the new tenant at Watsonville Municipal Airport's restaurant and notes upcoming local art...
Today's free event starts at 4 p.m. at Mesa Village County Park in Watsonville; former 49ers kicker Joe Nedney is scheduled to be on hand at tomorrow's, at Brommer Street County Park in Live Oak.
Santa Cruz County Parks hosts punt, pass and kick events before Super Bowl LX
Parks in Watsonville, Live Oak and Ben Lomond will host free, all-ages “punt, pass and kick” events ahead of Super Bowl LX, set for Feb. 8 at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara.
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.
Santa Cruz County business filings: Week of Feb. 3
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.
Former Santa Cruz County supervisor John Leopold made his debut at the top of the music industry on Sunday, winning a Grammy as the executive producer of a tribute album to Clifton Chenier, a giant in zydeco dance music originating from Louisiana.
Former county supervisor John Leopold wins Grammy as executive producer of zydeco tribute album to legend Clifton Chenier
Former Santa Cruz county supervisor John Leopold made his debut at the top of the music industry on Sunday, winning a Grammy as the executive producer of a tribute album to Clifton Chenier, a giant in zydeco dance music originating from Louisiana.
Kick off your Tuesday with news stories from Max Chun, Hillary Ojeda, Jessica M. Pasko and more, plus Community Voices opinion from writer Gabriel Kittle-Cervine.
Morning Lookout: Grammy win for ex-county supervisor; unpopular UCSC parking fee increase; Joby corporate espionage suit
Santa Cruz County news and opinion headlines from Lookout for the morning of Tuesday, Feb. 3.
It takes tens of millions of dollars to run a statewide campaign for governor. Strategists say the many Democratic candidates aren’t raising money quickly enough.
Republican Steve Hilton leads California governor fundraising as large pool of Democrats lags
It takes tens of millions of dollars to run a statewide campaign for governor. Strategists say the many Democratic candidates aren’t raising money quickly enough.
UC Santa Cruz students and employees are disappointed by a proposal to raise parking permit fees by 7% to 10% annually starting this summer, a move that would nearly double some permit costs over the next decade amid ongoing budget deficits and infrastructure needs.
UCSC students, faculty gripe about parking fee increase
UC Santa Cruz students and employees are disappointed by a proposal to raise parking permit fees by 7% to 10% annually starting this summer, a move that would nearly double some permit costs over the next decade amid ongoing budget deficits and infrastructure needs.
Joby Aviation's lawsuit against a rival electric helicopter service company has been moved to federal court. The defendant, Archer Aviation, filed a motion to dismiss, calling Joby's claims of stealing trade secrets "speculation and innuendo."
Joby rival seeks dismissal of corporate espionage suit; case moved from Santa Cruz County to federal court
Joby Aviation's lawsuit against a rival electric helicopter service company has been moved to federal court. The defendant, Archer Aviation, filed a motion to dismiss, calling Joby's claims of stealing trade secrets "speculation and innuendo."
OPINION: Writer Gabriel Kittle-Cervine saw a person passed out on a Santa Cruz sidewalk and gave them a wide berth. The encounter made him realize how desensitized we’ve all become to suffering.
I saw a body on my morning walk and did nothing: What kind of place is Santa Cruz becoming?
Writer Gabriel Kittle-Cervine saw a person passed out on a Santa Cruz sidewalk and gave them a wide berth. The encounter made him realize how desensitized we’ve all become to suffering. From…
Around Santa Cruz County politics & policy, including what's on the agenda for elected officials, boards and commissions this week.
In the Public Interest: Moves to protect county's immigrants; more anti-ICE protests; Watsonville hospital's big 2025 loss
Around Santa Cruz County politics & policy, including what's on the agenda for elected officials, boards and commissions this week.
The first of this week's three free, all-ages punt, pass and kick events happens tomorrow at Mesa Village County Park in Watsonville.
Santa Cruz County Parks hosts punt, pass and kick events before Super Bowl LX
Parks in Watsonville, Live Oak and Ben Lomond will host free, all-ages “punt, pass and kick” events ahead of Super Bowl LX, set for Feb. 8 at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara.
Check out Monday morning headlines from Tania Ortiz, Max Chun, Lily Belli, Cecilia Schutz and more, plus opinion from Lookout's editorial board.
Morning Lookout: Big loss for Watsonville Community Hospital; what's next for Murray Street Bridge; January's best local bites
Santa Cruz County news and opinion headlines from Lookout for the morning of Monday, Feb. 2.
In California, almost 40% of the workforce is foreign-born and more than a million parents — immigrant and otherwise — rely on child care providers so they can go to work.
Child care in California was already hard to find; the immigration crackdown has made it worse
In California, almost 40% of the workforce is foreign-born and more than a million parents — immigrant and otherwise — rely on child care providers so they can go to work.
Lily Belli selects from a month of eating to highlight brothless ramen, a revived Syrian pop-up, the return of a Capitola classic and hand-pulled noodle soup as the most memorable bites.
The best things I ate and drank in Santa Cruz County in January
Defying January doldrums, Lookout food and drink correspondent Lily Belli launches a monthly food-and-drink dispatch from Santa Cruz County’s dining scene. She selects from a month of eating to…
The City of Santa Cruz Water Department is warning customers against scammers who are going door to door claiming dangerous bacteria and contaminants are in local drinking water.
Santa Cruz Water Department cautions against scammers claiming water contamination
The City of Santa Cruz Water Department is warning customers against scammers who are going door to door claiming dangerous bacteria and contaminants are in local drinking water.
Watsonville Community Hospital reported losses of nearly $23 million in 2025 following a challenging year of fewer patient visits and changes to federal and state funding. Hospital leadership expects to have an update by March on its search for a private partner to help shore up its finances.
Watsonville Community Hospital reports nearly $23 million loss in 2025
Watsonville Community Hospital reported losses of nearly $23 million in 2025 following a challenging year of fewer patient visits and changes to federal and state funding. Hospital leadership expects…
After the Murray Street Bridge reopened last week for the first time since last June, the City of Santa Cruz is continuing to gauge the feasibility of allowing two-way vehicle and bicycle traffic along the one opened lane, and hopes to make a decision within weeks.
Carmageddon: City hopes to make decision on Murray Street two-way traffic within weeks; RTC’s early steps toward interim trail construction
After the Murray Street Bridge reopened last week for the first time since last June, the City of Santa Cruz is continuing to gauge the feasibility of allowing two-way vehicle and bicycle traffic along the one opened lane, and hopes to make a decision within weeks.
Lily Belli selects from a month of eating to highlight brothless ramen, a revived Syrian pop-up, the return of a Capitola classic and hand-pulled noodle soup as the most memorable bites.
The best things I ate and drank in Santa Cruz County in January
Defying January doldrums, Lookout food and drink correspondent Lily Belli launches a monthly food-and-drink dispatch from Santa Cruz County’s dining scene. She selects from a month of eating to…
OPINION: "We know investigations often lag, but the lack of clear information leads us to ask troubling questions," the Lookout Editorial Board writes of the Moss Landing fire aftermath. "Why has it been so hard to get consistent answers from the officials charged with protecting the public?"
A Lookout View: After the Moss Landing fire, the public deserves answers — not silence
"We know investigations often lag, but the lack of clear information leads us to ask troubling questions," the Lookout Editorial Board writes more than a year after the massive fire at the Moss…
