Eastside / Live Oak / Pleasure Point Archives

Construction is underway to turn the 23,000-square-foot former Rite Aid on Soquel Avenue into a state-of-the-art gym.

This week in Santa Cruz County business: Midtown’s ambitious new health and wellness facility aims for March opening

by Jessica M. Pasko December 18, 2024December 19, 2024

In her weekly look at local business, Jessica M. Pasko updates the progress of Santa Cruz Athletic Club, taking shape in the former Midtown Rite Aid, and highlights hirings, numbers, events and other news to know.

Over the last 44 years, Pizza My Heart has helped establish pizza as an iconic surfer snack.

Food & Drink

Lily Belli on Food: The inaugural Santa Cruz Pizza Week, Casa Nostra closes in Scotts Valley, one simple dish for when everyone’s got a cold

by Lily Belli December 17, 2024December 17, 2024

Food & drink news, notes and recommendations from around Santa Cruz County via Lookout correspondent Lily Belli.

Christmas decorations abound at Farley's Christmas Wonderland in Santa Cruz's Seabright neighborhood

Arts & Entertainment

Santa’s Seabright village: The wonders of Farley’s Christmas Wonderland

by Wallace Baine December 15, 2024

Longtime local surfer and shaper Pat Farley presides every December over an amazing neighborhood holiday lights display he calls Farley’s Christmas Wonderland, open until Jan. 1 in Santa Cruz’s Seabright neighborhood.

Volunteers for the Adopt a Family program bring in donated presents to a warehouse.

Guides

‘Tis the season for service: Where to volunteer in Santa Cruz County during the holidays

by Kevin Painchaud December 13, 2024December 13, 2024

Santa Cruz County nonprofits have plenty of ways to volunteer in person during the holiday season, from helping seniors and children to preparing meals and writing cards for those in need.

Arts & Entertainment

Best 9: Top events for the week ahead in Santa Cruz County arts & entertainment, Dec. 12-19

by Wallace Baine December 12, 2024December 12, 2024

With the weekend nearly here, check out Wallace Baine’s Best 9 recommendations for things to do around Santa Cruz County via Lookout’s BOLO events calendar.

A monarch butterfly at Natural Bridges State Beach

Federal plan would protect 289 acres of Santa Cruz coast for monarch butterflies

by Max Chun December 12, 2024

Federal fish and wildlife officials have proposed protecting nearly 300 acres of Santa Cruz coastline as critical habitat for monarch butterflies as part of a push to have the butterfly’s Western population designated as a threatened species.

Business & Technology

This week in Santa Cruz County business: Capstan raises funds for heart valve treatment, Animal Shelter Benefit Shop seeks new storefront

by Jessica M. Pasko December 11, 2024

Westside-based Capstan Medical heads for human trials for its heart valve treatment technology, the Live Oak thrift store supporting the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter is looking for a new home, plus new ownership for a landmark Seabright dining spot and plenty more from local business in Jessica M. Pasko’s weekly roundup.

A line of sodas in the window at Charlie Hong Kong.

Food & Drink

Lily Belli on Food: Charlie Hong Kong ditching soda, Seabreeze Cafe’s new owners, Mad Yolks expands

by Lily Belli December 10, 2024December 10, 2024

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

Food & Drink

Inspired by Measure Z, one Santa Cruz restaurant cuts ties with soda

by Lily Belli December 10, 2024December 10, 2024

Santa Cruz’s tax on sugary beverages won’t go into effect until May 1, but Charlie Hong Kong owner Carolyn Rudolph decided to stop serving soda at her Soquel Avenue restaurant in response to the community’s support of the bill. The fast-casual South Asian-inspired Midtown eatery will phase out soda next month, and replace it with mineral water with low or no sugar added.