The Santa Cruz Public Libraries is installing rooftop solar panels on the Capitola Branch Library. When the system is operational, the library will become energy self-sufficient and the SCPL will save more than $30,000 annually.
Ashley Palma-Jimenez
Ashley Palma-Jimenez is a junior at UC Santa Cruz, where she is pursuing a bachelor's degree in literature. As a writer, she is passionate about telling stories that often go unrecognized, and her goal is to tell these stories in a way that is accurate, honest and trustworthy. She joins Lookout Santa Cruz as an intern through the UCSC Humanities Excel program.
Posted inLatest News
Wind, more rain coming to Santa Cruz County; stronger storm could be brewing next week
The National Weather Service is forecasting more rain for Santa Cruz County this week as an atmospheric river that had pounded the Pacific Northwest shifts south. There’s uncertainty in next week’s forecast, but a system could bring up to 6 inches of rain Sunday through Tuesday.
Posted inArts & Entertainment
Applications open for Santa Cruz city arts commission
The City of Santa Cruz is seeking applicants for a position on its arts commission, to be appointed by District 5 City Councilmember Susie O’Hara for a three-year term.
Posted inLatest News
After three-week dry spell, rain is coming to Santa Cruz County
The National Weather Service is forecasting three separate weather systems — weak storms — to hit Santa Cruz County this week.
Posted inLatest News
Hazardous beach conditions, large shore breaks in Santa Cruz County forecast
The National Weather Service has issued a beach hazards statement for Santa Cruz County through Sunday evening, warning of rip currents and large waves.
Posted inHealth & Wellness
State health agency warns of poisoning linked to foraged death cap mushrooms
The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has issued an urgent advisory following a recent outbreak of amatoxin poisoning linked to the consumption of wild, foraged death cap mushrooms (Amanita phalloides).
Posted inArts & Entertainment
Santa Cruz County Parks seeks artist for Quail Hollow project
The project at Quail Hollow Ranch County Park in Felton seeks artwork that will complement the Pace Trail area’s unique habitat, plants and animals.
Posted inEducation
Watsonville High student named semifinalist for Coca-Cola Scholars Program
Azucena Sandoval, a senior at Watsonville High School, has been named a semifinalist for the 2026 Coca-Cola Scholars Program, placing her in the top 1% of 107,000 applicants nationwide.
Posted inFood & Drink
Downtown Santa Cruz farmers market extends operating hours
The downtown Santa Cruz farmers market is extending its operating hours on Wednesdays, now opening a half-hour earlier and running from 12:30 to 5 p.m. It will be closed on Dec. 24 and 31.
Posted inLatest News
Long Thanksgiving weekend keeps Capitola, Scotts Valley police busy
Police in Capitola and Scotts Valley worked over the long Thanksgiving holiday weekend to discourage petty crime.