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).
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 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.
Posted inLatest News
Watsonville chief of police arrests alleged gang member
Watsonville Interim Police Chief David Rodriguez stepped away from his usual administrative and managerial duties last week to arrest an alleged gang member carrying a backpack with a gun, drugs and ammunition inside, according to a police statement on social media.
Posted inLatest News
Dead gray fox found in illegal wildlife trap in Glenwood Open Space Preserve
State and local officials are investigating after a gray fox was found dead in an illegal tube trap at Glenwood Open Space in Scotts Valley. Local land stewards say they might increase patrols to protect native wildlife.
Posted inArts & Entertainment
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk to host Winter Wonderland series of holiday events
The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is hosting its Winter Wonderland celebration from Thursday through Jan. 4.
Posted inBusiness & Technology
Pajaro Valley Chamber of Commerce, El Pájaro CDC collaborate on holiday market to promote Watsonville businesses
Handcrafted gifts, unique artwork, gourmet foods, custom jewelry, home goods and more from Watsonville vendors are the focus Dec. 6 during the Watsonville Holiday Factory Sale, hosted by the Pajaro Valley Chamber of Commerce and El Pájaro Community Development Corporation.
Posted inLatest News
Santa Margarita Groundwater Agency seeking well-owner alternate representatives
The Santa Margarita Groundwater Agency, which serves the San Lorenzo Valley and Scotts Valley, is accepting applications for well-owner representative alternates.