Eastside / Live Oak / Pleasure Point Archives

After vehicle vandalism, Santa Cruz County Trump supporters say they live ‘with a lot of fear’

by Christopher Neely February 20, 2025February 20, 2025

Last weekend, a pickup truck belonging to a supporter of President Donald Trump was reported heavily vandalized outside an auto repair shop in Live Oak. Local conservatives say they are tired of being harassed for holding an opposing view in Santa Cruz County.

Arts & Entertainment

Santa Cruz County live music roundup, Feb. 20-24

by Lookout Santa Cruz February 20, 2025February 20, 2025

Santa Cruz County live music this week includes performances at Kuumbwa Jazz, SubRosa Space, The Catalyst and more.

a worker with a wheelbarrow and a rake works on a trail at Cotoni-Coast Dairies National Monument

Politics & Policy

In the Public Interest: Santa Cruz’s national monument transitions into its post-politics phase

by Christopher Neely February 18, 2025February 18, 2025

Around Santa Cruz County politics & policy with Christopher Neely.

an "open" sign hanging from a chain inside a glass door to a business

Business & Technology

Santa Cruz County business filings: Week of Feb. 18

by Lookout Santa Cruz February 18, 2025October 1, 2025

Find a roundup of recent public filings, keeping you informed about the latest business launches across the county.

Stephen Beaumier and Katy Oursler, owners of Mutari Craft Chocolate and White Label Chocolate, opened the Chocolate Studio in downtown Santa Cruz in February.

Food & Drink

Lily Belli on Food: Mutari owners open Chocolate Studio downtown, Flower Child Fudge, fishing industry struggles

by Lily Belli February 18, 2025February 20, 2025

News, notes, recommendations and more from around Santa Cruz County food & drink via Lookout correspondent Lily Belli.

A view of the Murray Street Bridge in January 2022.

Carmageddon: City of Santa Cruz begins pre-construction work on Murray Street Bridge project

by Max Chun February 18, 2025

After years of planning, the Murray Street Bridge project is finally in its pre-construction stage as crews take the first steps toward fully breaking ground. The city is aiming for an early to mid-March start date, and hopes to finish up between fall 2027 and January 2028.

Politics & Policy

‘You see me’: Screening of ‘Beyond the Bridge’ takes a look at success combatting homelessness

by Max Chun February 18, 2025

A Housing Matters-hosted screening of the documentary film “Beyond the Bridge: A Solution to Homelessness” brought more than 100 people to the Rio Theatre in Santa Cruz to watch the film and hear a panel discussion with the filmmakers, local officials and those who have experienced homelessness firsthand about ways to implement local solutions. Meanwhile, a small group of homeless advocates protested with signs outside the theater, expressing their disapproval of the city’s handling of homelessness.

Opinion from Community Voices

I support a proposed tax measure for the city of Santa Cruz in November

by Mike Rotkin February 18, 2025June 18, 2025

Lookout politics columnist Mike Rotkin supports a tax measure championed by Santa Cruz Mayor Fred Keeley that is gathering signatures for the November ballot. Here, he unpacks the two tax proposals and how they will benefit the community.

a flier for Humble Sea Brewing's Galentine's Day event

Food & Drink

Best of Santa Cruz County food & drink events, Feb. 14-20

by Lily Belli February 14, 2025February 14, 2025

Lookout food & drink correspondent Lily Belli highlights top events happening around Santa Cruz County in the coming week, plus more listings from Lookout’s BOLO events calendar.