Supporters of Santa Cruz Metro have begun gathering signatures to get a sales tax on the November ballot by way of a citizens’ initiative, in order to lower the threshold for the number of votes needed to pass. Without local funding, the county transit agency faces potentially major cuts to its personnel and level of service.
Aptos
Posted inEducation
Despite budget improvements after layoffs, Pajaro Valley Unified School District to look at closing some schools
Pajaro Valley Unified School District is weighing school closures and consolidations as part of a multiyear effort to address ongoing enrollment declines and long-term financial uncertainty, despite short-term budget improvements from recent layoffs.
Posted inArts & Entertainment
Best of Santa Cruz County arts & food events this weekend, March 19-22
With the weekend nearly here, check out things to do around Santa Cruz County with a recommendation from Lily Belli and a specially curated list from Lookout’s BOLO events calendar.
Posted inBusiness & Technology
Santa Cruz County business filings: Week of March 17
Businesses operating in Santa Cruz County must register with the county clerk. Lookout Santa Cruz reviews the public filings from local businesses to report on new businesses starting in the area.
Posted inFood & Drink
Lily Belli on Food: Good news for salmon fishers; chef Sarah Bargetto’s Venus Beachside feast; Outstanding in the Field’s local 2026 dates
California gives recreational and commercial salmon season the go-ahead for spring, a Soquel-raised chef shines at Venus Spirits Cocktails & Kitchen Beachside in Aptos and where a famous roving farm-to-table dinner series will set up in Santa Cruz County this year – you’ll find all that and more in Lily Belli’s Tuesday newsletter.
Posted inLatest News
Carmageddon: County takes another step toward more improvements for Soquel Drive
The next phase of work on Soquel Drive, from State Park Drive to Freedom Boulevard, is moving forward despite a funding gap of more than $5 million.
Posted inLatest News
Debbie Friedman brings story of California’s first women lifeguards to life in new memoir
In “Guarded: Women, Water, and Saving Lives,” Debbie Friedman tells the unknown history of California’s first women lifeguards. The Rio Del Mar resident weaves her own story with those of other women in the field to show what it was like to be a pioneer in a male-dominated profession.
Posted inFood & Drink
Lily Belli on Food: Damage from fatal Capitola Village fire shuts restaurants; chefs coming to Bookshop; Aptos Vineyard closing tasting room
News, notes and coming events from the Santa Cruz County food & drink scene are in focus in Lily Belli’s Tuesday newsletter.
Posted inBusiness & Technology
Santa Cruz County business filings: Week of March 10
Businesses operating in Santa Cruz County must register with the county clerk. Lookout Santa Cruz reviews the public filings from local businesses to report on new businesses starting in the area.
Posted inLatest News
Tuesday evening traffic: One-way traffic on Hwy 9; lane closed on SR-152
Tuesday traffic trouble spots in and around Santa Cruz County.