The Santa Cruz County Civil Grand Jury issued five reports on Thursday, covering a wide range of topics. Most notably, it focused on challenges contributing to the housing crisis and flaws in the county’s approach to behavioral health, along with pedestrian safety, election integrity, and concerns with the free parking at the county office buildings.
Aptos
Posted inRecreation & Sports
Aptos surfer recounts great white shark encounter caught on viral drone video
An Aptos surfer whose close encounter with a great white shark went viral is sharing what happened from his perspective, including the moment he realized a drone hovering overhead was trying to warn him of danger.
Posted inBusiness & Technology
This week in Santa Cruz County business: Capitola Wharf business faces uncertain future; Aptos Village business owners and RTC head to court
A proposed new policy regarding leases of city-owned property has the owner of Capitola Boat & Bait worried her business could be priced off the wharf, Jessica M. Pasko reports in her weekly column.
Posted inEducation
Watsonville police charge woman with criminal threats after social media comment
Watsonville police officers arrested a 22-year-old woman Friday after they say she posted a threatening comment on Instagram directed at the Pajaro Valley Unified School District board.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Carmageddon: Dispute between RTC, Aptos Village property owners heading to court
A dispute between the Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission and property owners in Aptos Village about who owns a portion of land along the rail line is moving forward, with a trial expected to begin no earlier than the week of July 13.
Posted inHousing & Development
County home sales and inventory continue to rise as summer begins
The Santa Cruz County housing market looked typical for the beginning of summer. Home sales and inventory have risen, bringing more balance to a market often dominated by sellers. However, a new Federal Reserve chair and increasing inflation due to geopolitical instability could lead to an interest rate hike at some point this year.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Santa Cruz County 2026 primary election results in charts: Final tally set for June 26
Find the results for all local races in Santa Cruz County’s 2026 primary election here. Lookout will continuously update this page as new results come in.
Posted inLatest News
Thursday evening traffic: Highway 9, 17, and 152 lane closures for roadwork
Thursday traffic trouble spots in and around Santa Cruz County.
Posted inFood & Drink
From opera to orchards: Inside the immigrant stories and resilience fueling 50 years of the Aptos farmers market
Celebrating 50 years, the Aptos farmers market – held Saturdays at Cabrillo College – captures not just the bounty and hard work of dozens of vendors but also comes with a wealth of stories from those manning the stands and working behind the scenes.
Posted inOpinion from Community Voices
Closing the door on a lifetime of memories in my Aptos house: I’m staying in NYC for good
As she prepares to sell the Aptos house she shared with her late husband for more than four decades, former Lookout columnist Claudia Sternbach revisits the rooms, memories and milestones that shaped the happiest chapter of her life. She will be having an estate sale June 19-21. She bought the house in 1981. She now expects it to fund her life as a widow in New York.
