Local News in Santa Cruz County
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Lookout Santa Cruz
Published 1 hour agoDolly 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…
Lookout Santa Cruz
Published September 24Santa 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.
Lookout Santa Cruz
Published September 23Rotary Club of Freedom to host annual Uncork Corralitos fundraiser for local nonprofits
The `Rotary Club of Freedom` will host its annual Uncork Corralitos fundraiser Saturday, Oct. 17, bringing together local wine, food, music and community support for three Santa Cruz County nonprofit programs. The event will run from 1 to 4 p.m. at Alladin Nursery, 2905 Freedom…
Lookout Santa Cruz
Published September 24Insurers say they’re starting to write new California homeowner policies, but how many?
Insurance companies are starting to write new policies in California again after years of holding back as wildfire risk climbed higher. The state Insurance Department says that means new regulations, intended to boost insurance availability, are working. Consumer Watchdog, the…
Lookout Santa Cruz
Published September 23This week in Santa Cruz County business: Summit on economic opportunities for local arts; Verve workers reach tentative contract; voting underway for Lookout List
A Monterey Bay Economic Partnership summit focused on improving the economic health and quality of life of Santa Cruz, San Benito and Monterey counties, a union deal for local Verve Coffee Roasters employees and how to show your favorite local businesses some love – it's all part…
Lookout Santa Cruz
Published September 22Inside Verve Coffee workers’ tentative union contract: Higher sick pay, AI limits and guaranteed hours
Verve Coffee Roasters workers across six Bay Area cafés have reached a tentative union contract after nearly 10 months of bargaining, with guaranteed hours, advance scheduling, wage increases and other workplace protections. The agreement also includes what union leaders call…
Lookout Santa Cruz
Published September 22Santa Cruz County business filings: Week of Sept. 22
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.
Lookout Santa Cruz
Published 3 hours agoThe 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.
Lookout Santa Cruz
Published 17 hours agoBest 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.
Lookout Santa Cruz
Published 18 hours agoSanta 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…
Lookout Santa Cruz
Published 23 hours agoThursday evening traffic: Hwy 1 closed at Park Ave.; Hwy 9 lane closures ongoing
Thursday traffic trouble spots in and around Santa Cruz County.
Lookout Santa Cruz
Published September 24UC Santa Cruz welcomes 6,300 new students as 2026-27 school year begins Thursday
UC Santa Cruz welcomes about 6,300 new undergraduate and graduate students this week as the university begins another academic year with total enrollment expected to remain around 20,000. The new school year also brings expanding student housing, including a new two-year housing…