Lily Belli heads to Capitola for an early taste of Thanksgiving, and her Friday newsletter also has food & drink event recommendations for the weekend and beyond, plus stories you might’ve missed.
Capitola & Soquel
Posted inEducation
Santa Cruz County schools hope new sports facilities will draw more students
Schools across Santa Cruz County are unveiling major athletic facility upgrades — from New Brighton Middle School’s new turf field to Watsonville High’s renovated bleachers and planned new turf at Scotts Valley High — aimed at improving student safety and boosting sports participation.
Posted inBusiness & Technology
This week in Santa Cruz County business: Local fintech company’s latest acquisition; startup pitches surf helmet on ‘Shark Tank’
In her weekly look at local business, Jessica M. Pasko reports on Paystand expanding payments to include some types of cryptocurrencies, previews a local startup’s appearance on “Shark Tank” and notes the debut of the Lookout List.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Capitola police chief says immigration officials’ access to its license plate reader database was a mistake
Federal and out-of-state law enforcement agencies accessed databases with information collected by Capitola’s automated license plate readers on behalf of immigration officials between 2024 and early this year. Capitola’s police chief says it was a mistake.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
In the Public Interest: After narrow approval of Santa Cruz’s Measure C, Keeley sets sights on addressing concerns of the 46% who voted against it
A weekly look at what’s happening around Santa Cruz County politics & policy from Lookout.
Posted inLatest News
Capitola-Aptos Rotary Club celebrates 60 years of service
After 60 years of fundraising, the Capitola-Aptos Rotary Club is throwing itself a party to celebrate $4 million in scholarships, accessible playgrounds and grants to charities both local and international.
Posted inLatest News
Two surfers rescued at The Hook, one hospitalized
Two surfers were rescued from rough waters at The Hook off the intersection of East Cliff Drive and 41st Avenue on Wednesday morning, one of whom was hospitalized.
Posted inLatest News
Santa Cruz Children’s Museum offers free admission to residents affected by government shutdown
The Santa Cruz Children’s Museum of Discovery is offering free admission to residents affected by the government shutdown, including federal employees, Head Start families and employees and EBT/SNAP cardholders during the shutdown and while SNAP benefits are delayed.
Posted inFood & Drink
Lily Belli on Food: Mane Kitchen & Cocktails opens downtown; Hanloh ending run at Bad Animal; Capitola Mall’s new sweet spot
In her Tuesday newsletter, Lily Belli gets a first taste of Art Deco-inspired Mane Kitchen & Cocktails, reports on the end of chef Lalita Kaewsawang’s Thai pop-up at Bad Animal, notes the opening of Spontaneous Confections in the Capitola Mall and plenty more from around Santa Cruz County food & drink.
Posted inBusiness & Technology
Santa Cruz County business filings: Week of Nov. 4
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.