News across Santa Cruz County
Lookout Santa Cruz
Published October 01Santa Cruz strawberries had a $61 million year. Here’s what drove the surge
Santa Cruz County’s agricultural economy grew 2.8% in 2025, driven largely by a 27% jump in strawberry value to nearly $279 million, while other major crops saw more mixed results.
Lookout Santa Cruz
Published September 30This week in Santa Cruz County: Two more local Starbucks stores close; looking at the toll of ongoing closure of Watsonville Community Hospital’s NICU
Starbucks locations in Soquel and Watsonville are among the 250 nationwide affected by another wave of closures at the coffee giant, Jessica M. Pasko reports in her weekly look at Santa Cruz County business.
Lookout Santa Cruz
Published September 29Santa Cruz County business filings: Week of Sept. 29
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 September 29Monterey Bay’s fishing industry is changing: Here’s what Santa Cruz fishers are catching now
A new report from the Monterey Bay Fisheries Trust finds that the number of commercial fishing vessels based in Monterey Bay has fallen more than 70% since the 1980s, while changing environmental conditions have reshaped what and how fishers catch.
Lookout Santa Cruz
Published September 28Watsonville Community Hospital NICU remains closed, adding anxiety for expecting families
Watsonville Community Hospital’s neonatal intensive care unit has been closed since mid-July because of staffing shortages, with no reopening date set. Local maternal health advocates say the closure is adding anxiety for expecting families.
Lookout Santa Cruz
Published September 25Six 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…
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 September 16This week in Santa Cruz County business: New executive director of Volunteer Center sets out his goals; Joby embarks on national tour
Each week, we’re taking a closer look at the movers and shakers, the growth of industries and what’s really driving the Santa Cruz County economy. I’ll be spotlighting some of the biggest areas for opportunity, updates on local development and all things underpinning the regional…
Lookout Santa Cruz
Published September 15Santa Cruz County business filings: Week of Sept. 15
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.