News across Santa Cruz County

Proposed ballot measure requiring voter approval for AI data centers fails
A potential ballot measure and ordinance intended to give Santa Cruz County residents a final say over any future artificial intelligence data centers proposed in the county’s unincorporated areas failed to gain traction at Tuesday’s county supervisors meeting. The proposed…

‘The Last Five Years’ at Santa Cruz Shakespeare: A beautiful production of a frustrating musical
There is something inherently irresistible about a train wreck. If you go Who: Santa Cruz Shakespeare What: “The Last Five Years” When: Through Oct. 3 Where: The Audrey Stanley Grove at DeLaveaga Park, 501 Upper Park Rd., Santa Cruz Tickets: Click here or 831-460-6399

Santa Cruz is quietly producing some of the best surf lifesaving athletes in the United States
Have something to say? Lookout welcomes letters to the editor, within our policies, from readers. Guidelines here . Let’s begin with a basic premise: Sports are kind of silly.

U.S. Supreme Court rejects Trump’s mail-in voting limits as November election nears
This story was originally published by CalMatters . Sign up for its newsletters . The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday rejected — for now — the Trump administration ’s efforts to limit mail-in voting ahead of the Nov. 3 election through new rules issued by the U.S. Postal Service.

Murray Street Bridge to reopen eastbound lane in late September
The eastbound lane of the Murray Street Bridge will reopen on Sept. 28.

Full overnight closure of Highway 1 in Aptos scheduled for Sunday and Monday
Highway 1 in Aptos will see overnight closures Sunday and Monday night for construction of a new pedestrian overcrossing at Mar Vista Drive.

Apple pies, monster trucks & live music: Don’t miss the 2026 Santa Cruz County Fair
Get ready for five days of classic fair fun! The 2026 Santa Cruz County Fair returns Sept. 16-20 with live entertainment, carnival rides, local food, community traditions and plenty of surprises. This year’s theme, “Apple Pies and Starry Skies,” celebrates the homegrown…

This Santa Cruz County literacy program changes lives: here are three ways you can help
Teresa sat across from a hiring manager, answering interview questions in English. Although she had been studying English with her literacy tutor, they hadn’t reached the lesson on job interviews yet. But Teresa (a pseudonym, used to protect her privacy) applied for the…

Monday evening traffic: Highway 9 lane closures at Pool Dr. until 2027
Monday traffic trouble spots in and around Santa Cruz County.

Carmageddon: Capitola City Council approves short-term repairs for Stockton Avenue Bridge to extend lifespan
The Capitola City Council approved a short-term repair for the Stockton Avenue Bridge that city officials say is likely to extend the life of the aging structure by roughly 10 to 15 years. The bridge spanning Soquel Creek near where it empties into Monterey Bay is 93 years old,…

Santa Cruz County Fair just got cheaper – here’s how much you’ll save
Prices for admission and parking at the Santa Cruz County Fair have decreased, with organizers hoping to draw more families to the yearly event at the county fairgrounds in Watsonville and make it more affordable.

My car was totaled by a drunk driver; the loss was so much more
Have something to say? Lookout welcomes letters to the editor, within our policies, from readers. Guidelines here . I can’t find my hair clips.