The City of Santa Cruz Parks & Recreation department began hosting blood drives earlier this year, with the plan to hold three to five annually. Annalise Bryant, the recreation supervisor who pitched the idea, says it is perfectly in line with the department’s core values — and given that the Red Cross has declared a national blood supply crisis, the timing is right.
Eastside / Live Oak / Pleasure Point
Eastside Santa Cruz, Live Oak and Pleasure Point neighborhoods
Posted inHealth & Wellness
Dominican Hospital receives top regional recognition
Dominican Hospital earned a top spot among 411 California hospitals after it was rated high performing in eight adult procedures and conditions. U.S. News & World Report named it a “Best Regional Hospital.”
Posted inEducation
Starting Wednesday, many Santa Cruz County students are heading back to school
Soquel Union Elementary School District students are first among the county’s public school students to start the 2026-27 school year.
Posted inFood & Drink
Lily Belli on Food: Casalegno’s revival, La Placa’s Scotts Valley move and Testicle Festival returns
Big plans at Casalegno’s in the Soquel hills, La Placa Family Bakery closes in Ben Lomond and prepares to reopen as La Placa Italian Cuisine on Mount Hermon Road, upcoming festivals and more – it’s all in Lily Belli’s Tuesday food & drink newsletter.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Santa Cruz County to put half-cent sales tax increase on November ballot, declares state of fiscal distress as federal cuts mount
The Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors voted Tuesday to put a half-cent sales tax increase on the November ballot and declared a state of financial distress amid ongoing challenges.
Posted inBusiness & Technology
Santa Cruz County business filings: week of July 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. Here is what’s new in local business recently. New businesses
Posted inArts & Entertainment
Santa Cruz says goodbye to Oliver Tree in emotional hometown celebration
Friends, family, fans and celebrity collaborators filled UC Santa Cruz’s Quarry Amphitheater to celebrate the life of Santa Cruz musician Oliver Tree in a three-hour memorial that blended music, comedy and heartfelt tributes. The emotional hometown farewell highlighted both Tree’s global impact and the lasting legacy he leaves in the community that shaped him.
Posted inLatest News
Hurricane Fausto pushing dangerous conditions this weekend to Pacific Coast, including rip currents and sneaker waves
A beach hazards statement will be in effect from Saturday morning through Tuesday afternoon for beaches along the Pacific Coast, including Santa Cruz County, warning that Hurricane Fausto could generate dangerous ocean conditions that could sweep people off their feet and pull them into the water.
Posted inRecreation & Sports
Annual Wharf to Wharf Race returns this weekend, set to draw thousands of runners. Here’s what to expect
One of Santa Cruz’s trademark events is back this Sunday, and with it there are expected to be significant traffic delays and road closures in Live Oak and Capitola.
Posted inEvents
Best of Santa Cruz County entertainment, arts & food events this weekend, July 23-26
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.
