One of my favorite parts of working at Lookout Santa Cruz is getting out into the community and connecting with people face-to-face. We spend a lot of time reporting on the decisions that affect our lives, but there’s something special about bringing people together in the same room to ask questions, hear different perspectives and learn from one another. That’s exactly what we’ve been doing this election season.
Capitola & Soquel
Posted inRecreation & Sports
Santa Cruz Marathon road closures: Which streets will be affected Sunday and when
Anticipate heavy traffic and local road closures this Sunday for the inaugural Santa Cruz Marathon. From Wilder Ranch State Park to Capitola Village, here are the locations and times to look out for as you plan your route.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Santa Cruz County Election 2026: Can you still register to vote? What to know before Nov. 3
With Election Day on Nov. 3 just around the corner, Santa Cruz County voters still have time to register, vote early or return their mail ballots. Here’s what to know about registration deadlines, voting locations and where to find Lookout’s coverage of local candidates and ballot measures.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
How Capitola City Council race turned divisive over candidate TJ Welch’s past LGBTQ+ comments
Late in the campaign, the Capitola City Council race has turned nasty over candidate TJ Welch’s past comments about the LGBTQ+ community, prompting accusations of bigotry from some residents and a defense of his record from others. Welch disputes how his remarks have been characterized and says he has apologized to members of the LGBTQ+ community.
Posted inOpinion from Community Voices
Meet the Capitola City Council candidates: Five people are vying for three seats
Five candidates — incumbent Joe Clarke, Cami Corvin, Tory Del Favero, TJ Welch and Peter Wilk — are competing for three open seats on the five-member Capitola City Council. Hear from each in their own words with short videos.
Posted inRecreation & Sports
Santa Cruz surf club helps girls build confidence and find their place in the lineup
Girl Grom Surf Club brings girls ages 6 to 16 together for free monthly surf sessions at Capitola Beach, helping them build skills, confidence and friendships in a sport where they often feel outnumbered. Founded in San Diego in 2024, the nonprofit now has four California chapters and aims to foster confidence and stronger mental health through surfing.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Carmageddon: Santa Cruz County traffic deaths and serious injuries are declining, but cyclists remain at risk
The Community Traffic Safety Coalition’s crash report from September shows that deaths and serious injuries on the road have decreased in recent years, although the problem remains serious overall.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Santa Cruz County Measure E: What to know about the proposed temporary half-cent sales tax
Santa Cruz County’s Measure E would impose a five-year, half-cent sales tax increase expected to raise about $27 million annually to help address a worsening budget outlook and potential losses in healthcare and other safety-net funding.
Posted inFood & Drink
Lily Belli on Food: Verve workers OK union deal; Uncork Corralitos returns; Teen Kitchen Project expanding
In a busy Tuesday newsletter, Lily Belli reports that workers at six Verve Coffee Roasters cafés unanimously approved the contract they negotiated with the Santa Cruz-based company’s owners, previews an annual Corralitos garden party, notes a move for the nonprofit Teen Kitchen Project and much more.
Posted inEducation
Soquel Union Elementary school board race pits incumbent Ariel Gray against newcomer Andrea Locke
Incumbent Ariel Gray is seeking reelection against newcomer Andrea Locke for the Trustee Area 4 seat on the Soquel Union Elementary School District governing board. The district serves about 1,520 students in three elementary schools and one middle school across Capitola, Soquel and Santa Cruz.
