UC Santa Cruz employees represented by AFSCME Local 3299 are striking Monday and Tuesday, reducing dining hall hours, health appointments and bus service on campus.
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 inFood & Drink
‘It feels impossible right now’: Ahead of Thanksgiving, families turn to food pantries in record numbers
Grocery prices and recent disruptions to federal food aid are pushing more Santa Cruz County residents to local food banks for the first time. Demand at some sites has doubled since early November.
Posted inLatest News
Community Bridges’ Meals on Wheels for Santa Cruz County program and Grey Bears launch new help for seniors
Amid a federal government shutdown that has disrupted food benefits, two local nonprofits are joining forces to help homebound seniors access both meals and grocery delivery.
Posted inWatsonville / Pajaro
Watsonville food pantry offers veterans food and connections to resources
The Watsonville Veterans Memorial Building hosts a special food pantry every Tuesday to connect veterans who are unhoused or struggling with groceries and essential resources.
Posted inLatest News
Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office investigating second wave of burglaries in Aptos area
The Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a second wave of auto and residential burglaries in the Aptos and Day Valley areas.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Santa Cruz County public works director goes to D.C. to lobby for local transportation
Matt Machado, Santa Cruz County’s deputy executive officer and public works director, traveled with other local government leaders from across the country to Washington, D.C., last month to push for federal funding for local roads, bridges and transportation safety.
Posted inHealth & Wellness
Medi-Cal changes looming for undocumented immigrants, Dientes warns
Changes taking effect Jan. 1 will mean undocumented adults currently covered by Medi-Cal will no longer have access to full dental benefits, Dientes Community Dental warns.
Posted inLatest News
Capitola-Aptos Rotary Club celebrates 60 years of service
After 60 years of fundraising, the Capitola-Aptos Rotary Club is throwing itself a party to celebrate $4 million in scholarships, accessible playgrounds and grants to charities both local and international.
Posted inLatest News
Santa Cruz Children’s Museum offers free admission to residents affected by government shutdown
The Santa Cruz Children’s Museum of Discovery is offering free admission to residents affected by the government shutdown, including federal employees, Head Start families and employees and EBT/SNAP cardholders during the shutdown and while SNAP benefits are delayed.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Elección especial del Condado de Santa Cruz 2025: La Medida C lidera, la Propuesta 50 gana
Lea las últimas actualizaciones de la elección especial de 2025 y vea los resultados de las Medidas B y C en la ciudad de Santa Cruz y la Propuesta 50 de California.