Brought to you today by Lookout Santa CruzWe’re excited to introduce the Lookout Story Map! An interactive tool to explore the stories and updates of Santa Cruz County. Browse the map >> Good morning! It’s Apr. 11 — here’s what’s going on in your community today… Fog, then some sun in Westside / Downtown Today […]
Latest News
Posted inPolitics & Policy
A DHS vehicle spotted on Mission Street caused panic on social media. Only, it wasn’t ICE.
The false alarm over the DHS vehicle reflects a heightened state of vigilance that has persisted in the county since the Trump administration announced aggressive immigration enforcement policies, making even routine sightings of federal vehicles a source of community anxiety.
Posted inBusiness & Technology
State Farm moves one step closer to emergency California rate hike
After a three day hearing this week, State Farm is one step closer to approval for a rate hike on its California customers.
Posted inEducation
California takes up battle over Trump DEI memo on behalf of local schools as deadline looms
In a mounting confrontation over educational policy, California officials are moving to shield local school districts from Trump administration efforts to dismantle diversity programs, as billions in federal funding hangs in balance.
Posted inFood & Drink
Former Café Sparrow chef brings playful pub food to downtown Santa Cruz speakeasy
At Food Talk, chef Donnie Suesens serves up whimsical takes on classic comfort food — think clam dip toast and a giant crunchwrap supreme — all crafted with local, thoughtfully sourced ingredients. Housed inside Ulterior above Motiv, the intimate speakeasy setting pairs with Suesens’ mission to bring people together over good food and leave the rest at the door.
Posted inLatest News
LOOKOUT PM: Facebook backlash, a Passover warning, e-bike laws and summer fun
Welcome to Thursday night’s Lookout PM. Be sure to sign up for our breaking news email alerts here and take advantage of our breaking news texts by signing up here. A popular Santa Cruz Facebook page played a political April Fool’s joke on its 73,000 members. Then came the fallout. A name change prank on Santa Cruz’s biggest […]
Posted inPolitics & Policy
With accusations and restraining orders, Jimmy Dutra lawsuit spills into Watsonville City Council chambers
Watsonville City Councilmember Jimmy Dutra’s personal issues have spilled over into city council business, as Kelli Siefke — the mother of Stephen Siefke, who accused Dutra of sexual abuse — continues to speak at council meetings. Dutra has filed a temporary restraining order against Kelli Siefke, which has now been extended for another six months.
Posted inArts & Entertainment
Best 9: Top events for the week ahead in Santa Cruz County arts & entertainment, April 10-17
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.
Posted inCommentary
Other states do housing better than California; a new study shows how they do it
Terrible trio of a too small housing supply, too high living costs and too many homeless people plague California. A study says metro areas elsewhere are more pro-housing.
Posted inLatest News
Could utility gear set your neighborhood on fire? California risk maps are 8 years old
California’s Public Advocate has been pressing for new utility fire maps since 2023. Utilities are on board — but regulators turned them down.