Election season, when Santa Cruz County decides which direction it wishes to take, poses many questions and provides many answers. The March 5 primary was no different.
Aptos
Posted inAptos
On the fence: What homeowners, renters and neighbors are saying about Rio Del Mar HOA’s new coastal barrier
Lookout photojournalist Kevin Painchaud caught up with beachfront homeowners, renters and nearby residents to chat about a Rio Del Mar homeowners association’s decision to put up a large fence blocking access to a walkway along Seacliff State Beach.
Posted inHousing & Development
Record two in five homes sold for cash in Santa Cruz County in 2023
High interest rates and a declining number of houses for sale helped send the share of homes selling for all cash to record levels in 2023. Homebuyers flush with cash are reaping benefits that are often out of reach for most prospective buyers who need a mortgage.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Potholes, housing and a crumbling coast: District 2’s next supervisor will confront Santa Cruz County’s biggest issues
Santa Cruz County’s District 2 lays claim to manifold identities: Behind eroding bluffs and expensive beachfront properties sits the more suburban Aptos and its main corridor of Soquel Drive. Those who trek farther inland are greeted by rural tracts of apple orchards and berry farms. The district’s geographic and economic diversity has also placed it at the forefront of some of the county’s most pressing challenges. All this awaits a new county supervisor, with five candidates on the March ballot to replace Zach Friend.
Posted inLatest News
In the face of $4.8 million fine, Rio Del Mar HOA doubles down and erects a new coastal fence
What’s in a fence? For a Rio Del Mar homeowners association, state regulators and local residents, a brand-new barrier blocking the public from a beachside walkway represents the latest turn in a winding, yearslong battle around public access and private property rights.
Posted inOpinion from Community Voices
Vote yes on N for a healthier, more equitable Pajaro Valley and support for Watsonville Community Hospital
Pajaro Valley community leaders explain the benefits of Measure N, which would increase property taxes modestly to raise $116 million for Watsonville Community Hospital.
Posted inRecreation & Sports
High school sports roundup: Aptos, Santa Cruz lead local contingent into CCS hoops quarters
The Santa Cruz High and Aptos High boys and girls basketball teams are moving toward possible collisions in the Division III Central Coast Section basketball playoffs. Other local schools advancing include the Soquel High boys and girls teams from Scotts Valley High, St. Francis High, Pacific Collegiate and Monte Vista Christian.
Posted inRecreation & Sports
High school sports roundup: Santa Cruz High, Aptos High capture SCCAL basketball titles
Tournament championships were on the line over the weekend in Santa Cruz Coast Athletic League basketball, with Santa Cruz High taking the boys crown and Aptos High winning on the girls side.
Posted inArts & Entertainment
Perfect for the winter chill: A guide to Santa Cruz summer fun ahead
The 100th birthday of the grand old Giant Dipper at the Beach Boardwalk and a record-breaking season of theater at Santa Cruz Shakespeare are among the things to look forward to in the summer of 2024.
Posted inFood & Drink
Laurie Love on Wine: Locals hit it big at San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition
In her biweekly column, Lookout wine expert Laurie Love recaps a successful showing for Santa Cruz Mountains wines at a prestigious wine event up the Peninsula, notes big enrollment numbers for Cabrillo College’s wine programs and spotlights wine-centric events for Valentine’s Day and beyond.