After years of mounting costs and declining business, longstanding vegetarian restaurant Dharma’s in Capitola warned it could close, prompting an immediate surge of community support that filled tables and boosted short-term revenue. As owner Yogi Shapiro prepares to take over from his father, he’s now working to adjust prices, portions and the restaurant’s model to stay viable in a changing dining landscape.
Capitola & Soquel
Posted inBusiness & Technology
Santa Cruz County business filings: Week of April 7
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
Carmageddon: RTC approves ’26-27 budget, next steps in operating rail line
The Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission on Thursday approved its proposed budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year, which is similar to the current year’s budget. It also approved agreements in the process of becoming the Santa Cruz Branch Rail Line’s operator.
Posted inArts & Entertainment
Best of Santa Cruz County recreation, arts & food events this weekend, April 2-5
With the weekend nearly here, check out things to do around Santa Cruz County with a recommendation from Lily Belli and a specially curated list from Lookout’s BOLO events calendar.
Posted inLatest News
Magnitude 4.6 earthquake shakes Santa Cruz County early Thursday morning
A magnitude 4.6 earthquake centered just east of Boulder Creek jolted Santa Cruz County residents awake at 1:41 a.m. Thursday.
Posted inFood & Drink
Lily Belli on Food: Rising bakers’ moving stories; Sleight of Hand wows at World Pizza Games; vegan challenge throughout April
Lily Belli relates the stories behind a trio of up-and-coming Santa Cruz County bakers, notes a great showing in Las Vegas for a local pizza purveyor and spotlights the Santa Cruz Vegan Chef Challenge, beginning Wednesday.
Posted inBusiness & Technology
Santa Cruz County business filings: Week of March 31
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 inEducation
Black Student Union presidents lead growth, anti-hate speech efforts
Soquel High student Ivory Woodson and Santa Cruz High student Amara Anderson are co-leading the development of a public service announcement addressing racial slurs in schools, just part of the impact they’re making as leaders of their schools’ Black Student Unions.
Posted inFood & Drink
Three bakers on the rise: The new faces reshaping Santa Cruz County’s bread and pastries
Across Santa Cruz County, three emerging bakers are gaining attention for distinctive breads and pastries that reflect their personal stories and creative ambitions. From a sold-out Watsonville sourdough shop to eye-catching Capitola confections and a reinvented downtown café pastry case, each is helping redefine the local baking scene.
Posted inLatest News
Carmageddon: Deal on separating from Progressive Rail could keep RTC out of court; eyeing contract with new rail operator in South County
The Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission will consider a separation agreement with Progressive Rail in order to avoid a court battle following the RTC’s move to become the common carrier on the rail line. It will also consider entering a new contract with a new rail operator for part of the rail line in South County that still serves freight customers.