Jose Garcia will become Santa Cruz’s interim police chief on Oct. 31, succeeding retiring Chief Bernie Escalante. Garcia has served as the department’s deputy chief since 2020.
Eastside / Live Oak / Pleasure Point
Eastside Santa Cruz, Live Oak and Pleasure Point neighborhoods
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Former Santa Cruz mayoral candidate Gillian Greensite endorses Ryan Coonerty
Gillian Greensite, a longtime local activist and mayoral candidate in the primary election, officially endorsed Ryan Coonerty for Santa Cruz mayor on Thursday. She said that she believes Coonerty is the best choice for the city leadership role, that she and Coonerty hold common ground on overbuilding, and likes his idea of posting a public dashboard with data on city progress across multiple areas.
Posted inFood & Drink
Monterey Bay’s fishing industry is changing: Here’s what Santa Cruz fishers are catching now
A new report from the Monterey Bay Fisheries Trust finds that the number of commercial fishing vessels based in Monterey Bay has fallen more than 70% since the 1980s, while changing environmental conditions have reshaped what and how fishers catch.
Posted inInside Lookout
Stepping away from the desk and giving back with Second Harvest Food Bank
This past week, five members of Lookout Santa Cruz volunteered at Second Harvest Food Bank of Santa Cruz County, filling over 200 bags of groceries for local families. The experience provided the opportunity to engage with the work and community members which Lookout Santa Cruz tells stories about every day, and served as a reminder that giving back doesn’t need to be complicated. Simply asking “How can I help?” can go a long way in helping local families, and even inspire others to do the same.
Posted inOpinion from Community Voices
Why Bright Plaza matters for Santa Cruz’s housing future
Bright Plaza has become a talking point in the city of Santa Cruz’s debate over housing, development and neighborhood change. The site could eventually hold more than 200 affordable homes, along with space for local businesses. Here, Workbench owners Jamileh Cannon, Tim Gordin and Sibley Simon explain the reasoning behind the project – and that building here follows a long-standing city plan for denser housing along commercial corridors. They address the concerns surrounding the project, explain why they believe Santa Cruz needs to make room for more housing, and invite the public to join Tuesday’s community meeting about the project.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Santa Cruz County elections 2026: Which city candidates are raising the most campaign cash?
Thursday was the deadline for candidates running for local office to file their first campaign finance disclosures ahead of the Nov. 3 general election. Here’s what the numbers say.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Santa Cruz mayoral candidates Ami Chen Mills, Ryan Coonerty clash over AI, Flock cameras and campaign conduct
Lookout’s Santa Cruz mayoral candidate forum saw Ami Chen Mills and Ryan Coonerty discuss a variety of city issues, including budgets and homelessness. However, between talking about the issues, the candidates also talked about the divisiveness of the campaign — and the issues they’ve had with each other.
Posted inEducation
Live Oak’s new superintendent has a plan — and it starts with 15 minutes with every teacher
Newly appointed Live Oak School District Superintendent Jennifer Baldwin is launching a major community outreach effort to rebuild stability and craft a five-year strategic plan following years of financial turmoil and leadership turnover.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Santa Cruz mayoral candidates Ryan Coonerty, Ami Chen Mills face off Wednesday in Lookout forum
Santa Cruz mayoral candidates Ryan Coonerty and Ami Chen Mills are set to discuss a host of city issues during Lookout’s candidate forum Wednesday at 6 p.m. The sold-out event will be livestreamed.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Carmageddon: Upcoming open house for safety improvements on Water Street
The City of Santa Cruz is hosting an open house on Wednesday for the upcoming Water Street Safety Project, a plan that includes new bike facilities and intersection improvements along the busy road.
