News across Greater Santa Cruz
Discover. Experience. Connect. Open Studios returns for it’s 41st year
October is almost here and it’s one of our favorite times of the year – the weather is nearly perfect and the sunsets couldn’t be dreamier. It’s the perfect scenario for the 41st annual Open Studios Art Tour where the public has the opportunity to explore the county discovering…
Santa Cruz Surfing Museum is turning 40 – and celebrating with a newly restored lighthouse beacon
The Santa Cruz Surfing Museum will celebrate its 40th anniversary Saturday with music, Hawaiian cultural performances and the unveiling of a newly restored beacon at the Mark Abbott Memorial Lighthouse. The restoration was made possible by more than $90,000 raised by the…

Dolly Parton’s legacy lives on: 20,000 books to Santa Cruz County children
One year in, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library has delivered nearly 20,000 free books to young children across Santa Cruz County. More than 3,000 local children now receive a new, age-appropriate book in the mail every month — building home libraries and a love of reading from…

Santa Cruz’s newest music festival is coming to a porch near you
Santa Cruz’s first Porchfest will bring 50 bands to 14 porches and other downtown locations on Saturday, Oct. 3. The free festival aims to showcase local musicians while creating new opportunities for neighbors to gather and enjoy live music.
Six reasons to be proud of banking locally with Bay Federal Credit Union
From national recognition and industry honors to awards chosen by local readers and community organizations. Bay Federal and the people behind it have been recognized for leadership, volunteerism, financial expertise, service, and the work they do every day to support members and…

Santa Cruz County elections 2026: Which city candidates are raising the most campaign cash?
Thursday was the deadline for candidates running for local office to file their first campaign finance disclosures ahead of the Nov. 3 general election. Here’s what the numbers say.
Santa Cruz County Fair saw increase in attendance after lowering admission prices
Santa Cruz County Fair officials say attendance at this year’s event increased by 11%.
Sumo wrestlers hit the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk ahead of Saturday’s big showdown
Three professional sumo wrestlers traded the ring for the sand Thursday, taking in the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and posing for photos ahead of Saturday’s World Elite Sumo event at Kaiser Permanente Arena.
Friday evening traffic: Highway 1 closures in Capitola & Aptos; Hwy 9 delays
Friday traffic trouble spots in and around Santa Cruz County.
The billionaire tax could be defeated by two other tax measures. Here’s how
California voters will soon decide whether to tax billionaires — but even if a majority says yes, the measure could still lose to either of two billionaire-funded measures designed to cancel it out.

Best of Santa Cruz County entertainment, arts & food events this weekend, Sept. 24-27
With the 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.

Santa Cruz mayoral candidates Ami Chen Mills, Ryan Coonerty clash over AI, Flock cameras and campaign conduct
Lookout’s Santa Cruz mayoral candidate forum saw Ami Chen Mills and Ryan Coonerty discuss a variety of city issues, including budgets and homelessness. However, between talking about the issues, the candidates also talked about the divisiveness of the campaign — and the issues…