Santa Cruz Public Libraries is recognizing Banned Books Week in October with a documentary screening and a focus on “1984,” George Orwell’s iconic dystopian novel of government censorship.
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
California State Parks plans prescribed burns at Wilder Ranch
California State Parks is planning to conduct prescribed burns at Wilder Ranch State Park over the next two weeks after the first significant rain event of the season.
Posted inLatest News
Big Creek Lumber offers its School Garden Grant Program for 2026
A grant program sponsored by Davenport-based Big Creek Lumber that gives students and teachers the opportunity to learn through hands-on projects in science, biology, agriculture, carpentry and forestry is continuing in 2026, the company announced in a media release.
Posted inSan Lorenzo Valley
San Lorenzo Valley Water District moves to protect water supply from wildfire
The San Lorenzo Valley Water District announced this week that it is taking action to create and conserve defensible space around dozens of water supply sites.
Posted inFood & Drink
Harvest Festival returns Saturday to downtown Santa Cruz
Seasonal produce, live music, carnival games, food vendors and a petting zoo will all be part of the second annual Downtown Santa Cruz Harvest Festival, happening Saturday from noon to 4 p.m. on Church Street between Cedar Street and Center Street.
Posted inLatest News
Bike Santa Cruz County seeks nominations for Wheelie Awards
Bike Santa Cruz County is seeking nominations for its annual Wheelie Awards, which aim to recognize people, organizations and projects that contributed to cycling in Santa Cruz County in 2025.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
County supervisors meetings to relocate during chambers upgrade
With their chambers at the government center in Santa Cruz undergoing long-planned renovations, the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors will be meeting at various locations around the county for the rest of the year, starting with Tuesday’s gathering in Watsonville.
Posted inLatest News
Registration open for November low-cost spay/neuter at Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter
The Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter is again partnering with Animal Balance, an international nongovernmental veterinary organization, to provide Santa Cruz County dog and cat owners with affordable spay/neuter surgery, core vaccines, and a microchip from Nov. 7 to 9.
Posted inLatest News
Santa Cruz Metro offers free fares next Wednesday for California Clean Air Day
Santa Cruz Metro is again participating in California Clean Air Day by offering free fares countywide, including trips on the Highway 17 Express and ParaCruz, on Wednesday, Oct. 1.
Posted inLatest News
Santa Cruz County earns Clean California designation
Local efforts to minimize clutter, beautify public spaces and inspire community pride have earned Santa Cruz County a designation as a Clean California Community.