Whether you’re looking for a house painter, a roofer, a real estate agent, a CPA, a home inspector, a solar panel installer or a specialist to fix whatever problem arises, the Lookout List: Home & Business Services winners show Santa Cruz County has a wealth of talent. Read more about the Lookout List here.
Find your favorite …
Favorite Alterations and Mending
Winner: Sew Sew Maria
285 Water St., Santa Cruz
Customers praise Sew Sew Maria’s quick service, good prices and friendly staff for projects big and small — from drapes to wedding dresses.
Runner-up: Almar Cleaners
847 Almar Ave., Santa Cruz
Longtime customers call the family-run Almar Cleaners convenient, friendly and quick.
Favorite Attorney / Lawyer
Winner: Beautiful Life Estate Planning — Ashley Thompson
5274 Scotts Valley Drive, Suite 202, Scotts Valley
Clients say Ashley Thompson “covers ALL the details” and “explains complicated issues in an excellent, understandable way,” making estate planning “smooth, easy, and even at times a fun process.”
Runner-up: Fine Point Law
113 Cooper St., Santa Cruz
Clients praise the woman-owned firm’s community presence.
Favorite Auto Dealer
Winner: Santa Cruz Toyota
4200 Auto Plaza Drive, Capitola
Customers say the team at Santa Cruz Toyota is “pleasant and helpful,” with great service and quality cars. “I just trust them, through four Toyotas and counting,” one wrote.
Runner-up: Ocean Honda
3801 Soquel Drive, Soquel
Customers call Ocean Honda honest, and one said salesman Chris O’Connell “is amazing and looks out for his customers.”
Favorite Contractor
Winner: Testorff Construction
9047 Soquel Drive, Aptos
“They do beautiful work!” one voter wrote. Another gave a shout-out to Pete.
Runner-up: Nielsen Studios
1509 Seabright Ave., Santa Cruz
Voters call the team “great listeners and problem solvers.”
Favorite CPA / Accountant
Winner: Platt, Miller & Jacobs — Cate Miller
901 Center St., Santa Cruz
Clients praise “excellent and competent services over many years.”
Runner-up: Walters and Kondrasheff
4 Carbonero Way, Suite A, Scotts Valley
Clients say “they catch things you miss.”
Favorite Door / Window Supply
Winner: Santa Cruz Millwork
310 Coral St., Suite A, Santa Cruz
Lookout List voters say Santa Cruz Millwork’s “service and knowledge is exceptional.”
Runner-up: Aptos Glass
402 Trout Gulch Road, Aptos
The family-owned shop has handled glass, windows and mirrors since 1991.
Favorite Electrician
Winner: Hammer Electric
Call 831-588-2493.
Customers say Hammer Electric “saves me money” with great advice, reasonable prices and excellent work.
Runner-up: Evolve Electric
34 Janis Way, Unit H, Scotts Valley
Customers praise Evolve’s great, friendly and responsive service. “We love Tony!!!” one wrote.
Favorite Event Photographer
Winner: Alicia Telfer
Book sessions through her website.
Clients say Alicia Telfer is “imaginative and shoots in exciting places,” and is “so fun to work with.” One voter says they come back every year for family photos.
Runner-up: Rebecca Stark Photography
Reach out via email at rebstark@me.com or call 831-325-4183.
One client’s verdict: “Beautiful work!”
Favorite Financial Advisor
Winner: Ohana Wealth Management
2901 Park Ave., Suite B1, Soquel
Clients praise good returns and good communication, and say Alison McClure “is great to work with!”
Runner-up: Cheryl Rebottaro — Edward Jones
221 Mount Hermon Road, Suite F, Scotts Valley
Rebottaro listens closely and helps clients meet their goals, one reviewer said.
Favorite Flooring Supply & Installation
Winner: Bay Area Floors
4000 Cordelia Lane, Soquel
One Lookout List voter praised its “helpful employees” and its willingness to work with you and your budget.
Runner-up: Santa Cruz Flooring & Design
1221 Ocean St., Santa Cruz
One customer praised its “beautiful work” at reasonable prices.
Favorite Framers
Winner: Lenz Arts
142 River St., Santa Cruz
Customers call Lenz “a staple in Santa Cruz,” with so many options and a staff that can help “when you don’t know what would look good.”
Runner-up: York Framing
619 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz
Customers love this woman-owned framer’s reliable work and best-in-town pricing. “Robin has a good eye,” one wrote.
Favorite Full Service Car Wash
Winner: Whaler’s Car Wash
2001 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz
Regulars say Whaler’s is fast and convenient and does great work, with “adequate space to sit outside in the sunshine on a warm day” while you wait.
Runner-up: Splash Car Wash
2110 41st Ave., Capitola
Customers praise Splash’s excellent service. “My car always looks immaculate,” one wrote.
Favorite Garden Center
Winner: Mountain Feed & Farm Supply
9550 Highway 9, Ben Lomond
Gardeners love Mountain Feed’s “beautiful plants in a beautiful place,” and its great variety of plants and garden supplies at good prices. One fan called it “eclectic,” with a full complement of plants.
Runner-up: Dig Gardens
420 Water St., Santa Cruz
Shoppers say Dig is “just lovely and has unusual plants,” with great customer service and very helpful staff.
Favorite Hardware Supply
Winner: Ace Hardware
Ace stores include 1214 Soquel Ave. and 849 Almar Ave., Santa Cruz
Voters praise their local Ace stores, from Seabright to Mission Street to Scotts Valley, for very helpful staff, great stock and “great selection even in their smaller stores.” One called the Seabright store “a gem.”
Runner-up: San Lorenzo Lumber & Home Center
235 River St., Santa Cruz
Customers praise San Lorenzo Lumber’s very helpful staff and large selection. “Love ACE, but San Lorenzo is bigger with more variety,” one wrote.
Favorite Home Inspection
Winner: Pillar to Post Home Inspectors
Call 831-884-6160 to book an inspection.
Home buyers praise Pillar to Post’s thorough work, quick turnaround and great communication. One voter gave a shout-out to Paige for being “easy to work with.”
Runner-up: Santa Cruz Property Inspections
Call 831-247-5641 to book an inspection.
Online reviewers say inspector Jorel is punctual and easy to book on short notice.
Favorite Hotel
Winner: Chaminade Resort & Spa
1 Chaminade Lane, Santa Cruz
Voters love Chaminade’s views, beautiful grounds, great amenities and spa days. One local often puts visiting friends up there.
Runner-up: Dream Inn
175 W. Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz
Voters call the Dream Inn “iconic and on the beach,” with retro charm and a “great restaurant.”
Favorite House Painter
Winner: Garvey Painting
Call 831-688-6913 for an estimate.
Clients praise the professional, high-quality service and say Andrea “makes it fun and encourages you along the way.”
Runner-up: Chavez Painting
Call 831-724-3983 for an estimate.
Customers call Chavez Painting “affordable and reliable.”
Favorite Housekeeping Company
Winner: Eco Cleaning Collective
2908 Freedom Blvd., Suite A, Watsonville
Clients say Eco Cleaning Collective is thorough, reliable and detail-oriented, and that it uses green cleaning products, so “my house is clean without smelling like bleach.”
Runner-up: Mr Cleaning Santa Cruz
Call 831-707-8579.
Longtime clients say Ed and his crew are prompt, honest and thorough. One vacation-rental owner said they “have never missed a cleaning” in 10 years.
Favorite HVAC Company
Winner: Bogner HVAC
2106 Freedom Blvd., Freedom
Customers call Bogner “honest, dependable, capable,” with fair prices, knowledgeable installers and reliable service every time. “They stuck with us throughout an impossible situation,” one wrote.
Runner-up: Bellows Plumbing
2652 Research Park Drive, Soquel
Customers say Bellows is fast and thorough, with “really friendly service” that “takes time to explain before I pay anything.”
Favorite Insurance Agent
Winner: State Farm Insurance — Lydia Harville
1044 41st Ave., Santa Cruz
Clients praise the excellent customer service and an “extremely kind and knowledgeable” staff. One newcomer said the office helped make their move to Santa Cruz seamless.
Runner-up: Cassidy Insurance
5521 Scotts Valley Drive, Second Floor, Scotts Valley
Clients praise Cassidy’s customer service and its “most trustworthy agents.”
Favorite Interior Design
Winner: J. Jordan Creative — Jenn Jordan
Call 415-504-2504.
Clients say Jenn Jordan’s designs are “incredibly alive” and “there is nothing beige or cookie cutter about her projects,” blending “a modern feel with traditional coziness.” Several were still talking about the “epic mystical tree” she built inside one home.
Runner-up: Fiorito Interior Design
Call 831-588-3411.
Clients say Jeff Fiorito is a great listener who “works hard to create the space that I dreamed of, rather than following his dream,” pairing exquisite taste with empathy and intuition.
Favorite Junk Hauler
Winner: Just Junkin
Call 831-999-0241.
Customers praise Just Junkin’s customer service and prices. “They show up, shake your hand and get to work,” one wrote, and another said the crew “went out of their way to be helpful during a busy move.”
Runner-up: Santa Cruz Junk Removal
Call 831-235-8024.
Online reviewers praise Adam and his crew as prompt and friendly, with prices lower than expected and a cleanup after the haul.
Favorite Landscaping Company
Winner: Terra Nova Ecological
226 Jeter St., Santa Cruz
Clients praise Terra Nova’s “ecologically smart” approach and “excellent design advice” rooted in permaculture.
Favorite Local Financial Institution
Winner: Bay Federal Credit Union
Branches across Santa Cruz County, including 420 River St., Santa Cruz
Members say Bay Federal’s staff greets them by name and that banking there is “like dealing with family.” They value its community support, great rates and “no ridiculous fees.” Some have banked there since the 1970s, and one said: “Never going to change my banking.”
Runner-up: West Coast Community Bank
75 River St., Santa Cruz
Customers praise West Coast Community Bank’s personalized service and community relationships. “They give back so much to the Santa Cruz community,” one wrote.
Favorite Mobile Notary
Winner: Santa Cruz Notary
Mobile notary; call 831-219-5482.
The mobile service is there for clients notarizations across the county.
Runner-up: Corvin Legal Services
1840 41st Ave., Suite 205, Capitola
One client praised Camy’s attention to detail.
Favorite Mortgage Broker
Winner: Bay Federal Credit Union
Branches across Santa Cruz County, including 420 River St., Santa Cruz
Borrowers praise Bay Federal’s friendly mortgage team, which makes the process “easy to understand” with patience, great rates and personal service.
Runner-up: CrossCountry Mortgage
133 Mission St., Suite 210, Santa Cruz
Clients call CrossCountry’s team “knowledgeable, professional and trustworthy financing experts.”
Favorite Pest Exterminator
Winner: Termites 4 Less
3560 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz
Customers praise Termites 4 Less’ “consistent, competitively priced and ethical services,” quick response and an owner who “answers all questions.”
Runner-up: Best X Termite and Pest Control
Call 831-596-5269.
Customers praise Best X’s reliability, and one called Sarah “one of the most thorough exterminators out there.”
Favorite Pharmacy
Winner: Horsnyder Pharmacy
1226 Soquel Ave., Suite A, Santa Cruz
Customers call Horsnyder a “community staple,” small, friendly and easy to park, where “you can find things that most regular pharmacies don’t stock,” like an old-fashioned hot water bottle.
Runner-up: Westside Pharmacy
1401 Mission St., Santa Cruz
Neighbors love the family-owned pharmacy’s friendly staff, quick turnarounds and deliveries.
Favorite Piercing Studio
Winner: Amory Body Arts
1720 Brommer St., Santa Cruz
Fans say Amory is “the only studio that is dedicated to piercing,” with a kind, patient and professional staff and “low pain.” One fan said there’s nowhere else in the county they’d want to get a piercing.
Runner-up: Black Pearl Tattoo
1135 17th Ave., Santa Cruz
Lookout List voters praise Black Pearl’s neighborhood vibe, affordable prices and the fact that walk-ins are welcome.
Favorite Plumber
Winner: Bellows Plumbing
2652 Research Park Drive, Soquel
One customer praised Bellows’ “incredibly reliable, knowledgeable and very experienced technicians. Best in Santa Cruz for sure.”
Runner-up: Tino’s
1020 Freedom Blvd., Watsonville
Voters praise the quick service and fair prices. “Richie is the best,” one wrote.
Favorite Real Estate Agent — Aptos/Soquel
Winner: Jessyka Sommers
David Lyng Real Estate, 301 Capitola Ave., Capitola
Clients call Jessyka Sommers a “top notch negotiator” with great marketing and “the best work ethic,” who “works so hard to make her clients the happiest.”
Runner-up: Loren Morse
4061 Soquel Drive, Suite C, Soquel
Clients call Loren Morse “a caring, focused real estate agent who will find the perfect home for you and your family and pets.”
Favorite Real Estate Agent — Capitola/Live Oak
Winner: Jessyka Sommers
David Lyng Real Estate, 301 Capitola Ave., Capitola
Clients call Sommers “super knowledgeable” with “amazing marketing,” and say she’s “everybody’s best resource.”
Runner-up: Amy Jeske
Coldwell Banker Realty, 124 Rancho Del Mar, Aptos
Clients say Amy Jeske “genuinely cares about getting the best outcome for her clients.”
Favorite Real Estate Agent — San Lorenzo Valley
Winner: Shemeika Fox
Fox Realty Group, 1130 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz
One fan calls Shemeika Fox “the queen of real estate in SLV!” Others say she pays attention to the details.
Runner-up: Greg Lukina
David Lyng Real Estate, 5522 Scotts Valley Drive, Scotts Valley
A voter praised Greg Lukina for working “with integrity.”
Favorite Real Estate Agent — Santa Cruz
Winner: Loren Morse
4061 Soquel Drive, Suite C, Soquel
Clients describe Loren Morse as “compassionate and genuine,” a supporter of community activities, a lover of animals and “one of the most knowledgeable in all things manufactured housing.”
Runner-up: Megan Lyng
1041 41st Ave., Santa Cruz
Clients call Megan Lyng “a fierce negotiator” with great marketing.
Favorite Real Estate Agent — Scotts Valley
Winner: Shemeika Fox
Fox Realty Group, 1130 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz
Clients say Fox is “incredibly hard working for her clients” and has “some of the best real estate marketing you’ll find.”
Runner-up: Greg Lukina
David Lyng Real Estate, 5522 Scotts Valley Drive, Scotts Valley
Voters praise Lukina’s community involvement and call him “honest and trustworthy.”
Favorite Real Estate Agent — Watsonville
Winner: Vanessa Estrada
1360 41st Ave., Unit A, Capitola
Clients say Watsonville native Vanessa Estrada really cares about her clients, and that her social media real estate content gives sellers more exposure. One said she “did an amazing job selling my family home,” and another said she never makes clients feel “rushed or pressured.”
Runner-up: Angelica Martinez
4061 Soquel Drive, Suite C, Soquel
Clients call Angelica Martinez “very experienced” and “super helpful!!”
Favorite Real Estate Brokerage
Winner: David Lyng Real Estate
1041 41st Ave., Santa Cruz
Voters praise David Lyng’s agents and staff as the best in the business, and note that the independently owned brokerage has “been a staple of the Santa Cruz County real estate community since 1980.”
Runner-up: KW Thrive Santa Cruz
1360 41st Ave., Unit A, Capitola
Voters praise KW Thrive’s company culture, top agents and support for agents who want to “build a business not just sell homes.”
Favorite Real Estate Team
Winner: Kami Bachir and Ashley Weber
1041 41st Ave., Santa Cruz
Clients say Kami Bachir and Ashley Weber make the process “seamless and stress free.” “They are the kindest and most hardworking real estate team I have ever had the pleasure to work with,” one wrote.
Runner-up: Strock Real Estate
251-A Center Ave., Aptos
Voters appreciate its large team made up of “great people!”
Favorite Roofing Service
Winner: Knox Roofing
46 El Pueblo Road, Scotts Valley
Homeowners say Knox is fair and reliable and did a “great job on a ‘difficult’ roof.” One wrote: “Warren is a treasure.”
Runner-up: Daddario Roofing
716 Capitola Ave., Capitola
Homeowners say Daddario works fast, cleans up “and the work is perfect.” “Joe is the best,” one added.
Favorite Senior Homecare
Winner: Visiting Angels
5274 Scotts Valley Drive, No. 102, Scotts Valley
Families say the caregivers are amazing (“literally, Angels,” one wrote), and praise a well-managed operation and Jeanette Pagliaro.
Runner-up: Brookdale Scotts Valley
100 Lockewood Lane, Scotts Valley
“They are professional,” one voter wrote.
Favorite Senior Living Community
Winner: Dominican Oaks
3400 Paul Sweet Road, Santa Cruz
Online reviewers praise the community’s wooded setting, friendly staff, good food and busy activity calendar.
Runner-up: Aegis Living
125 Heather Terrace, Aptos
Online reviews appreciate the attentive staff at the assisted living and memory care community.
Favorite Solar Company
Winner: Allterra Solar
401 Ingalls St., Santa Cruz
Customers praise Allterra’s knowledgeable techs, “top notch installs” and excellent customer service that continues long after installation. “They are definitely not a ‘fire & forget’ company,” one wrote.
Runner-up: Sandbar Solar & Electric
2656 Mission St., Santa Cruz
Customers praise Sandbar’s quality installs and great service, and note that it’s a longtime local, employee-owned business.
Favorite Tattoo Studio
Winner: Black Pearl Tattoo
1135 17th Ave., Santa Cruz
Clients say “Mike is the best!” and praise Black Pearl’s beautiful art. “They do whatever you’d like them to,” one wrote.
Runner-up: Wildflower Tattoo
1570 Soquel Drive, No. 2, Santa Cruz
Fans praise the woman-owned studio’s “badass artists,” with shout-outs to Brittney Caldwell.
Favorite Title & Escrow Company
Winner: Old Republic Title Company
511 Water St., Santa Cruz
Clients praise Old Republic’s fast, knowledgeable service, and one wrote that “Heather Penick is the BEST!!”
Runner-up: First American Title
330 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz
The national title and escrow company handles closings from its conveniently located Soquel Avenue office.
Favorite Water Store
Winner: Pure Valley Water
224 Mount Hermon Road, Suite A, Scotts Valley
Customers say Pure Valley’s water tastes great and its staff is “soooo customer friendly and helpful.” One loyal customer has been going for 40 years.
Runner-up: H2O4U Pure Water Store
911 41st Ave., Santa Cruz
“The water tastes great!” one customer wrote, with a shout-out to Cindy and Sandi.
