Arts & Entertainment Archives

Not a farewell, more of a see-you-later

by Wallace Baine December 21, 2025December 21, 2025

Lookout correspondent Wallace Baine announces his retirement after more than 35 years of covering Santa Cruz County’s arts and culture beat.

Wallace Baine will reprise his role as host of Lookout trivia night beginning Tuesday at Abbott Square.

Arts & Entertainment

The Wallace we know

by Ken Doctor December 21, 2025December 21, 2025

With veteran Santa Cruz County chronicler Wallace Baine stepping away from everyday duties with Lookout, founder and CEO Ken Doctor has an appreciation.

a flier for the 2025 Aptos Santa Con Pub Stroll, with an illustration of a sunglasses-wearing Santa Claus and elves

Food & Drink

Best of Santa Cruz County food & drink events, Dec. 19-25

by Lily Belli December 19, 2025December 19, 2025

Lookout food & drink correspondent Lily Belli highlights top events happening around Santa Cruz County this weekend and into next holiday week, plus more listings from Lookout’s BOLO events calendar.

Arts & Entertainment

Watsonville earns prestigious state ‘cultural district’ designation

by Wallace Baine December 19, 2025March 5, 2026

The city of Watsonville has been designated a “cultural district” by the California Arts Council, a recognition of the city’s commitment to promote local arts and one of only 24 such designated places in the entire state.

Arts & Entertainment

Weekender: World Cup fans welcome, literary happenings, a John Prine Christmas and dueling Nutcrackers

by Wallace Baine December 18, 2025December 18, 2025

Around Santa Cruz County arts & entertainment, including recommendations for things to do this weekend and beyond, with Lookout’s man about town, Wallace Baine.

Arts & Entertainment

Best 9: Top events for the week ahead in Santa Cruz County arts & entertainment, Dec. 18-25

by Wallace Baine December 18, 2025December 17, 2025

With the weekend nearly here and the holiday season in full swing, check out Wallace Baine’s Best 9 recommendations for things to do around Santa Cruz County via Lookout’s BOLO events calendar.

The main entrance to the new Capitola Library is close to where it was at the old building, but that's about where the similarities end.

Capitola & Soquel

Capitola Library is going solar

by Ashley Palma-Jimenez December 18, 2025December 18, 2025

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.

a mural on a sidewalk in Santa Cruz's Beach Flats neighborhood

Arts & Entertainment

Applications open for Santa Cruz city arts commission

by Ashley Palma-Jimenez December 17, 2025December 17, 2025

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.

a cartoon showing Dr. Seuss' Grinch dressed as Santa Claus with a child on one knee and a dog with reindeer antlers on the other

Food & Drink

Best of Santa Cruz County food & drink events, Dec. 12-18

by Lily Belli December 12, 2025December 12, 2025

Lookout food & drink correspondent Lily Belli highlights top events happening around Santa Cruz County this weekend and into next week, plus more listings from Lookout’s BOLO events calendar.