In her latest newsletter covering Santa Cruz food & drink, Lily Belli notes the closure of Aptos’ Cafe Sparrow, new leadership at nearby Mentone, fungus in Felton and much more.
Aptos
Posted inFood & Drink
Aptos restaurant Cafe Sparrow to close after 38 years, citing rising costs
After 38 years, French-inspired Aptos restaurant Cafe Sparrow will close its doors at the end of the month. The owners blame inflated operating costs and say it’s no longer feasible to keep the restaurant open.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
In the Public Interest: New era of policing vacation rentals in Santa Cruz County pushes complaints, violations into public view
News and notes on Santa Cruz County politics and policy from Lookout’s Christopher Neely.
Posted inRecreation & Sports
High school sports roundup: Spring seasons heading into the home stretch
Thomas Frey surveys another busy week in Santa Cruz County high school sports, from the baseball and softball diamonds to volleyball, golf, tennis, swimming and more.
Posted inFood & Drink
With new leadership team in place, Mentone launches into its next season of life
Four years after opening, a new head chef, wine director and general manager are leading Mentone, David Kinch’s Aptos restaurant, into its next phase, with an expansive new wine list, the reopening of a summer lunch menu and a continued commitment to local ingredients.
Posted inLatest News
Carmageddon: Highway 1 expansion hits one of the busiest sections in the county
With the second phase of the Highway 1 project underway between Bay Avenue/Porter Street and State Park Drive, about 5 miles of the major artery will be under construction for over a year. The Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission will seek funding for the third phase this year, with the hope to begin construction as the first two phases wind down.
Posted inHousing & Development
New era of policing vacation rentals in Santa Cruz County pushes complaints, violations into public view
Vacation rentals have come under intensifying scrutiny as Santa Cruz County tries to balance its tourism industry and housing supply crisis. Previously lax enforcement has given way to a stricter approach, filled with listing checks, public hearings to address neighbor complaints and violations, and the potential for license revocations.
Posted inFood & Drink
Best of Santa Cruz County food & drink events, April 19-25
Lookout food & drink correspondent Lily Belli highlights top events happening around Santa Cruz County in the coming week, plus more listings from Lookout’s BOLO events calendar.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
RTC affirms support for contested design of Mid-County rail trail, pushing supes to do the same
The Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission affirmed its commitment to the “ultimate” configuration of Segments 10 and 11 of the Coastal Rail Trail, which the county board of supervisors failed to approve in March. The board of supervisors is set to vote on the project once again on April 30.
Posted inBusiness & Technology
This week in Santa Cruz County business: New fitness center planned for Midtown, Chamber honors local leaders, no ’24 salmon season
In her weekly roundup of local business, Jessica M. Pasko spotlights local gym owners with big plans for a former Rite Aid, covers the Santa Cruz County Chamber of Commerce’s annual gala and runs down names, numbers and dates to know.