Following the resignation of a longtime district board member, Santa Cruz City Schools is asking the public for interested candidates to fill the open seat.
Eastside / Live Oak / Pleasure Point
Eastside Santa Cruz, Live Oak and Pleasure Point neighborhoods
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Santa Cruz mayoral candidates oppose 6-story housing project at Seabright and Soquel; wish to regain some local control over building
Santa Cruz mayoral candidate Ryan Coonerty wasn’t shy with expressing his disapproval of a proposed housing development at the intersection of Seabright Avenue and Soquel Avenue. His mayoral opponent, Ami Chen Mills, said she also disapproves of this development despite wanting to continue to build affordable housing.
Posted inFood & Drink
Bagelry turns 49 as its founder retires — and a longtime employee takes over
After nearly five decades of baking bagels in Santa Cruz County, Bagelry founder John Hamstra has retired and handed the business to former employee Sidney Grant and his wife, Tal Kamran. The new owners say they intend to keep the local institution unchanged, from its menu and affordable prices to its longtime staff.
Posted inBusiness & Technology
This week in Santa Cruz County business: Workbench files pre-application for new housing on site of Seabright business plaza; Joby makes moves in Texas
In her weekly look at local business, Jessica M. Pasko reports on a proposed six-story mixed-use development in Santa Cruz, Joby Aviation’s latest maneuvers and names, numbers and dates to know.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Facing rising costs, RTC moves to issue bonds to finance highway, rail trail projects
The Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission aims to issue bonds totaling up to $75 million for both the Highway 1 expansion and the Coastal Rail Trail as both projects continue to see escalating costs.
Posted inArts & Entertainment
The stories we inherit: SC Shakespeare builds a remarkable ‘Fences’
August Wilson’s Pulitzer Prize-winning masterpiece “Fences” receives a powerfully acted and deeply moving production from Santa Cruz Shakespeare, led by a remarkable Derrick Lee Weeden and an outstanding ensemble.
Posted inHealth & Wellness
Every 56 days: Santa Cruz Parks & Rec aims to turn blood donation into a habit
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.
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.
