A Silicon Valley developer has proposed demolishing the historic downtown Santa Cruz home of The Catalyst nightclub and erecting a new seven-story, mixed-use building, Jessica M. Pasko reports in her weekly survey of local business. She’s also got news from the Westside, on the local wine industry and more.
Eastside / Live Oak / Pleasure Point
Eastside Santa Cruz, Live Oak and Pleasure Point neighborhoods
Lily Belli on Food: Downtown holiday pop-ups, Bottega’s seasonal goodies and seeking NYC recs
In her Tuesday newsletter, Lily Belli notes happenings in downtown Santa Cruz this month, spotlights festive touches in Live Oak and Seabright and asks readers for tips for a quick New York City getaway.
Santa Cruz County business filings: Week of Dec. 2
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.
From steelhead to sewer lines: Why the Murray Street Bridge rebuild can’t move faster
Construction on the Murray Street Bridge has disrupted traffic and strained nearby businesses, but Santa Cruz officials say the three-year timeline can’t be shortened, in part because of strict environmental regulations.
Soquel Drive improvements headed toward end-of-year completion
A major makeover for one of Santa Cruz County’s main east-to-west arteries is nearing completion after about two years of construction, with largely technical aspects moving into final testing. The county will hold a ribbon-cutting event for the project following the completion, but it has not yet chosen a date.
In the Public Interest: ICE’s recent local activity; Flock camera discussion; Head Start turmoil
Around Santa Cruz County politics & policy with news and notes from Lookout correspondents and staff.
Beach hazards, coastal flood advisory in effect this week for Santa Cruz County
A beach hazards statement is in effect through 10 p.m. Wednesday due to an increased risk for strong sneaker waves and rip currents, and the National Weather Service also issued a coastal flood advisory from 6 a.m. Tuesday to 3 p.m. Sunday due to king tides, which are the highest tides of the year.
ICE has visited Santa Cruz County at least 13 times since July, records show
In the past five months, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents have visited Santa Cruz County at least 13 times, according to documents from the county sheriff and Watsonville police.
Carmageddon: This week’s RTC meeting will be packed with rail-trail business following ‘peace deal’ proposal
The Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission meeting this week could be pivotal for the passenger rail project. Santa Cruz Mayor Fred Keeley and County Supervisor Manu Koenig plan to discuss their trail proposal, which is already running into opposition from Friends of the Rail and Trail.
City of Santa Cruz delays Flock camera discussion until January
The Santa Cruz City Council has pushed off plans to revisit its contract with Flock Safety for automated license plate readers until January, rather than its originally planned date of Dec. 9.

