The Capitola and Felton branches of the Santa Cruz Public Libraries are adding Sunday hours, part of systemwide schedule changes coming Feb. 1.
Capitola & Soquel
This week in Santa Cruz County business: Scotts Valley solar cell company goes dark; passing the torch at Alta Organic Coffee
In her weekly look at Santa Cruz County business, Jessica M. Pasko reports on the demise of Ambient Photonics, notes a generational shift at a local coffee roaster and delivers names, numbers and events to know.
Lily Belli on Food: Passing the baton at Alta Organic Coffee; El Toro Bravo is back; Living Swell Kombucha’s brick-and-mortar spot
In her Tuesday newsletter, Lily Belli spotlights a changing of the guard at a Westside coffee stalwart, the reopening of a Capitola Village fave, where you now can find Living Swell Kombucha outside of local farmers markets and plenty more in Santa Cruz County food & drink.
Santa Cruz County business filings: Week of Jan. 27
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.
In the Public Interest: Monitoring ICE; temperature rising over rail line; protesting Trump immigration enforcement
Around Santa Cruz County politics & policy, including a look ahead at what’s on upcoming agendas for local elected officials and commissions.
Capitola’s El Toro Bravo reopens after a yearlong rebuild
El Toro Bravo in Capitola Village reopened on Jan. 21 after a yearlong closure caused by a gas explosion and fire. With a refreshed interior and a bold new blue exterior but the same longtime menu and hospitality, the reopening of the decades-old restaurant marked a milestone for the multigenerational family behind it.
Carmageddon: Progressive Rail rejects RTC’s move to take over rail operations and threatens litigation
After the Regional Transportation Commission’s recent move to take over rail operations on the Santa Cruz Branch Rail Line, the current common carrier, Minnesota-based Progressive Rail, has sent a letter to the commission, saying that it intends to “vigorously protect” its current status.
Weekender: Three weekend hits and ‘8 Tens @ 8’
Lily Belli spotlights a just-reopened Capitola Village favorite and two local newcomers, just part of your cheat sheet for eating well and going out in Santa Cruz County this weekend.
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.
Capitola, Watsonville intend to keep Flock cameras following Santa Cruz’s exit
While the City of Santa Cruz has canceled its contract with Flock Safety, Capitola and Watsonville expect to keep working with the company.

