Founder Patti Spooner has passed Alta Organic Coffee, the Davenport-based roastery known for its dark roasts, to her granddaughter Lilly Spooner and “honorary granddaughter” Melia Spooner, ushering in a new generation for the 40-year-old family business.
Bonny Doon / Davenport
Posted inFood & Drink
Best of Santa Cruz County food & arts events this weekend, Jan. 22-25
With the weekend nearly here, check out things to do around Santa Cruz County, with a recommendation from Lookout correspondent Lily Belli and a specially curated list from Lookout’s BOLO events calendar.
Posted inBusiness & Technology
Santa Cruz County business filings: Week of Jan. 20
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.
Posted inBusiness & Technology
Santa Cruz County business filings: Week of Jan. 13
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.
Posted inLatest News
County coroner officially identifies body recovered near Davenport as Erica Fox, determines shark attack was cause of death
The Santa Cruz County Sheriff-Coroner’s Office confirmed that the body recovered near Davenport in late December is Erica Fox, 55, of Monterey County. It also determined that her cause of death was “sharp and blunt force injuries” and submersion in water due to a shark attack.
Posted inBusiness & Technology
Santa Cruz County business filings: Week of Jan. 6
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.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Yes, it’s time to get ready for the election year ahead: What’s up and who’s running
With seats up for grabs on all of Santa Cruz County’s city councils, the county board of supervisors, the California Assembly and the U.S. House of Representatives, plus a new governor to be elected and statewide ballot measures, 2026 figures to be another active election cycle.
Posted inLatest News
Carmageddon: RTC seeking input on coastal resilience project; Watsonville police get grant for bike, pedestrian safety
The Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission is seeking input on a coastal resiliency project along Highway 1 on the county’s north coast, with a workshop on the project set for the end of January. Meanwhile, the Watsonville Police Department received a state grant for bicycle and pedestrian safety efforts.
Posted inArts & Entertainment
Photo gallery: Looking back on 2025 through photos
Lookout staff photographer Kevin Painchaud gets a front-row view of the events, people, and food that make Santa Cruz such a unique and special place to live. He chose his favorite photos he captured in 2025.
Posted inBusiness & Technology
Santa Cruz County business filings: Week of Dec. 30
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.