With summer drawing to a close, 2025 has already been a remarkable year. While national news continues to dominate the headlines, here at Lookout Santa Cruz, we focus on all things Santa Cruz County. In an era of unprecedented change, our commitment to local community journalism has never been more vital.
As we approach fall, please join us as a member to stay up to date on all that is happening where we live.
This summer, Lookout Santa Cruz’s correspondents have led with coverage of important topics to this community:
Housing & Development: In our ongoing coverage of the changes happening in Santa Cruz, Christopher Neely examined why Santa Cruz builds primarily rental housing, not condos, while Max Chun explored residents’ concerns about all the transformation. Continuing our focus on downtown Santa Cruz, Lily Belli and Jessica M. Pasko told us how rising costs and red tape challenge small businesses in the city core. Jessica also broke the news that the Catalyst Club is up for sale.
Public Safety & Immigration: William S. Woodhams investigated how local police license plate readers could compromise immigration protections. Carly Heltzel reported on Sheriff Chris Clark’s vow to end a federal inmate data-sharing program. Tania Ortiz brought us inside a cannabis investigation that initially sparked immigration concerns, while Tania also revealed that ICE agents have visited Santa Cruz and Watsonville at least 15 times since President Donald Trump took office.
Local Business & Culture: The closure of the Murray Street Bridge has snarled traffic and upended businesses in Seabright and the Santa Cruz Harbor. Lily Belli reported on impacts on local merchants, while Max Chun has offered updates on extended water taxi hours and a city plan to repurpose a nearby rail line into a pedestrian and bike path. And speaking of rail lines, Max and Wallace Baine brought us ongoing coverage of the planned $4.3 billion passenger train, including Wallace’s recent look at a similar train project in Sonoma County.
Human Stories: Tania Ortiz documented life on the Pajaro River levee as residents face displacement from planned sweeps, while Max and Kevin captured the personal story behind a dramatic boat fire rescue off Pleasure Point. Kevin also asked local residents how they make it work in the country’s least affordable rental market. Hillary Ojeda delved into the mystery of two class rings discovered decades after being lost on local beaches.
Community Events: We’ve also celebrated the joys of living in a place as special as Santa Cruz County — especially in summer. Wallace brought us inside a new surfing exhibit at the MAH and profiled surfboard shaping legend Doug Haut’s 60-year impact on Santa Cruz surf culture. William and photojournalist Kevin Painchaud took us to the starting line of the Wharf to Wharf race.
These stories emerge from our correspondents’ daily work in the community: at public meetings, on the streets, and in conversation with the people who make Santa Cruz County unique. Join us as a member today and support our newsroom of 10 – the largest in the county – who bring you the news, and the news behind it, every day.
Without membership, you may only know the headlines of our stories and have missed out on their depth. Please join us today to get full access to the best of this summer’s coverage – and all that is to come.