Soquel Union Elementary School District students are first among the county’s public school students to start the 2026-27 school year.
Aptos
Posted inEducation
As arts funding boosts many local schools, PVUSD faces questions over spending and transparency
Three years after California voters approved Proposition 28, many Santa Cruz County school districts say the arts funding has expanded programs and opportunities for students — but teachers in Pajaro Valley Unified are raising questions about how millions of dollars have been spent and why the district has lacked transparency.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Santa Cruz County to put half-cent sales tax increase on November ballot, declares state of fiscal distress as federal cuts mount
The Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors voted Tuesday to put a half-cent sales tax increase on the November ballot and declared a state of financial distress amid ongoing challenges.
Posted inLatest News
Carmageddon: RTC to consider $4.5M engineering contract for 12 miles of rail trail in Mid- and South County
The Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission will consider awarding a contract for engineering services for multiple segments of the Coastal Rail Trail from Mid-County through Watsonville at its Thursday meeting.
Posted inBusiness & Technology
Santa Cruz County business filings: week of July 27
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. Here is what’s new in local business recently. New businesses
Posted inVisual Story
Annual Wharf to Wharf Race draws 16,000 runners to Santa Cruz County
More than 16,000 runners took part in the 54th annual Wharf to Wharf Race on Sunday, making their way along the iconic 6-mile course from Live Oak to the Santa Cruz Harbor to Capitola under near-perfect weather.
Posted inEducation
From survival to success: Kristofer Evans’ remarkable path through Cabrillo College
Cabrillo College graduate Kristofer Evans wants people like him to know that it’s never too late to make changes for the better. After spending his 20s “on the opposite side of the law,” he’s an award-winning graduate with a bright future.
Posted inLatest News
Hurricane Fausto pushing dangerous conditions this weekend to Pacific Coast, including rip currents and sneaker waves
A beach hazards statement will be in effect from Saturday morning through Tuesday afternoon for beaches along the Pacific Coast, including Santa Cruz County, warning that Hurricane Fausto could generate dangerous ocean conditions that could sweep people off their feet and pull them into the water.
Posted inEvents
Best of Santa Cruz County entertainment, arts & food events this weekend, July 23-26
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 inHousing & Development
The unwanted top spot: Santa Cruz County remains most expensive rental market
Santa Cruz County is in first place — but not in a good way. It has once again been named the country’s most expensive rental market, marking four years in a row that it has claimed the top spot.
