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.
Bonny Doon / Davenport
Posted inLatest News
Beyond free access: UC Santa Cruz study exposes the hidden barriers to California’s beaches
A new UC Santa Cruz study reveals that despite California’s strong access laws, historical discrimination, wealth disparities and systemic barriers still make the state’s coastlines overwhelmingly white and affluent.
Posted inFood & Drink
The best things I ate and drank in Santa Cruz County in June
A monthly roundup of Santa Cruz County dining highlights celebrates the start of summer with four finds: a barley and kale salad in Davenport, a smash burger at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, and a blue corn cookie and poke bowl in Santa Cruz.
Posted inFood & Drink
Lily Belli on Food: Hanloh delivery collab, Pleasure Point butcher moves, and summer neighborhood bounty
The latest in Santa Cruz County food & drink from Lookout correspondent Lily Belli.
Posted inLatest News
Carmageddon: Annual roadwork shifts to North County; RTC Aptos property dispute trial set for September
The county’s annual roadwork reached North County last week and will continue in the area through late August. Meanwhile, the property dispute between the Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission and Aptos property owners is now scheduled to go to trial in early September.
Posted inLatest News
Santa Cruz County has some of the strictest fireworks laws in California. Here’s what you need to know ahead of July Fourth
Starting July 3 at 8 a.m., the Santa Cruz Police Department will enforce a citywide safety enhancement zone. This means fines for violations of the city’s municipal code, including the illegal discharge of fireworks, will be tripled. With thousands expected to flock to Santa Cruz from around the Bay Area this long weekend, here’s what you need to know about the fireworks laws ahead of July Fourth.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Santa Cruz County 2026 primary election results in charts: Final tallies for all county races
With the Santa Cruz County Clerk certifying the results of the June primary election on Friday, see how all the local races shook out in chart form.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Grand jury: Santa Cruz County must move faster on housing, strengthen behavioral health system
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.
Posted inBusiness & Technology
How new owners revived the Davenport Roadhouse and turned it into a North Coast destination
A year after purchasing the historic Davenport Roadhouse, business partners Ginny Miller and Gavin Parsons have transformed the North Coast landmark into a destination with renovated guest rooms, an upgraded restaurant, expanded event spaces and a renewed focus on serving locals and travelers.
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.
