The martini is having a national resurgence, and Santa Cruz County bartenders are embracing the classic cocktail with riffs featuring olive oil, tomato brine, bonito flakes and wine-based spirits. This guide highlights six standout local martinis, each paired with a complementary dish, and offers a look at how bartenders are using the drink’s simple formula to create new expressions.
Aptos
Full overnight closure of Highway 1 in Aptos scheduled for Sunday and Monday
Highway 1 in Aptos will see overnight closures Sunday and Monday night for construction of a new pedestrian overcrossing at Mar Vista Drive.
25 years later: Santa Cruz, Bay Area first responders honor 9/11 victims with memorial stair climb
More than 60 people honored the fallen first responders of 9/11 by climbing Seacliff State Beach’s stairs 13 times – equal to the World Trade Center’s 110 stories – at Friday’s 25th anniversary memorial climb in Aptos.
Santa Cruz County’s heat wave, one job at a time
As a heat wave gripped the region, Lookout journalists spoke with workers from Santa Cruz to Capitola to Watsonville about how they were getting through it, shift by shift.
Santa Cruz County first responders set to memorialize 25th anniversary of 9/11 on Friday
Firefighters in Santa Cruz County are preparing for their annual stair climb on Friday to memorialize the 25th anniversary of the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. While always a powerful event, those participating at Seacliff State Beach in Aptos this year think of the importance of passing down the remembrance to younger generations who are increasingly separated from the day of the attacks.
Heat advisory in Santa Cruz County: Temperatures to reach 90s through Thursday
Santa Cruz County and much of California are under a heat advisory as peak temperatures are forecast to reach the low 90s in Santa Cruz and Watsonville and the upper 90s in the mountains.
Lookout in the Community: Trivia, election forums and more this September
At Lookout, we believe local journalism is about more than publishing stories. It’s about bringing people together, creating opportunities for conversation and helping our community stay informed and engaged. September is bringing plenty of opportunities to connect with the Lookout community – from a night of trivia with Wallace Baine to two local election forums.
A Pajaro Valley school board race is raising bigger questions about who should be eligible for public office in California
Whether a criminal record should matter to voters is playing out in the race for the Pajaro Valley Unified School District governing board, where candidate Curt Wilcox has a felony assault conviction and a history of run-ins with law enforcement. California law doesn’t stand in his way — but many think it should factor into their decision.
Pajaro Valley Unified hires new chief business officer after years of CBO turnover
Pajaro Valley Unified School District’s governing board hired Victoria Knutson, currently Newark Unified’s chief business officer, to fill the CBO role at a $248,418 salary — the district’s fourth person in that position in roughly three years, as trustees hope her experience will help guide upcoming school closures.
What families need to know about the free mental health services provided by Santa Cruz County public schools
Santa Cruz County schools are asking parents to share their children’s health insurance information – a no-cost step that could determine whether districts can afford to keep offering free student counseling and mental health services.

