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 […]
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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.
Posted inLatest News
Thursday evening traffic: Highway 1 incidents, lane closures in Capitola/Soquel
This post is updated throughout the day to reflect the latest incidents. It was last updated at 9:31 p.m.. Here’s what’s happening on the roads this evening… ▼︎ new incidents ▼︎ long-term incidents Road incidents as of 9:30 p.m. on Apr. 10 Long-term projects These have been going on for a while, but are still worth […]
Posted inLatest News
Morning Lookout: Santa Cruz Facebook politics, teen e-bike concerns & your summer festival guide
Morning Lookout April 10, 2025 Good morning, Lookout pals! It’s Thursday, April 10, and we’re looking at a warm day in Santa Cruz County – expect some clouds mixing with sunshine and temperatures reaching for the mid-70s. JUMP TO … Neighborhood Roundup | Latest News | Opinion | Briefs | Event Calendar | Job Board | Puzzles Christopher Neely dives into the drama surrounding […]
Posted inCapitola & Soquel
Capitola police seize e-bike from teen rider as city presses for new state laws
Capitola police seized an electric bike from a teenager who they say ran a stop sign and popped a wheelie in the intersection in front of a police car earlier this week. The news comes ahead of a Thursday vote by Capitola City Council on whether to write a letter to local state legislators proposing new statewide e-bike regulations.
Posted inArts & Entertainment
Summer’s here (almost): Your quick guide to a summer of fun in Santa Cruz County
Summertime is on the horizon and, lest you’ve forgotten, Santa Cruz County is chock full of fun activities from fine art to family frolics. We’ve compiled a comprehensive guide to Santa Cruz County’s biggest festivals, shows, and events through September 2025.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
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 Facebook group by one of its own administrators quickly went awry, fueling long-simmering tensions that the page had grown too political since the 2024 election.