Residents of Santa Cruz County’s mountain communities got updates on ongoing extensive safety improvements along the Highway 9 corridor, including improved sidewalks and bicycle facilities for everyone in the area, but more specifically San Lorenzo Valley students.
San Lorenzo Valley
Posted inArts & Entertainment
Spooky Girl 831’s guide to weird, wild and haunted Halloween events in Santa Cruz
From haunted hotels and vampire balls to drag raves and downtown costume madness, Santa Cruz County is ready to get its freak on this Halloween weekend. Jana Marcus teams up with local paranormal storyteller Spooky Girl 831 to pick eight ways to eat, drink, dance and be scary.
Posted inInside Lookout
Lookout’s fall election forums connect voters with candidates across the county
One of my favorite parts of working at Lookout Santa Cruz is getting out into the community and connecting with people face-to-face. We spend a lot of time reporting on the decisions that affect our lives, but there’s something special about bringing people together in the same room to ask questions, hear different perspectives and learn from one another. That’s exactly what we’ve been doing this election season.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Santa Cruz County Election 2026: Can you still register to vote? What to know before Nov. 3
With Election Day on Nov. 3 just around the corner, Santa Cruz County voters still have time to register, vote early or return their mail ballots. Here’s what to know about registration deadlines, voting locations and where to find Lookout’s coverage of local candidates and ballot measures.
Posted inFood & Drink
Dónde encontrar antojitos en el condado de Santa Cruz: 6 lugares para disfrutar de botanas y dulces mexicanos
Los antojitos, esos coloridos e irresistibles bocadillos mexicanos que van desde papas fritas con todo tipo de ingredientes hasta fruta fresca y elaboradas creaciones con helado, están ganando popularidad en el condado de Santa Cruz. Negocios familiares ofrecen el sabor de casa a nuevas comunidades. Desde un sándwich de helado con concha en Ben Lomond hasta los Tostilocos y las sandías rellenas de dulces en Watsonville, aquí te presentamos seis lugares locales para explorar el divertido mundo de los antojitos.
Posted inFood & Drink
Where to find antojitos in Santa Cruz County: Six spots for Mexican snacks and sweets
Antojitos, the colorful, indulgent Mexican snacks that range from loaded chips and fresh fruit to elaborate ice cream creations, are gaining popularity in Santa Cruz County, with family-run shops bringing a taste of home to new communities. From a concha ice cream sandwich in Ben Lomond to Tostilocos and candy-stuffed watermelon in Watsonville, here are six local spots to explore the playful world of antojitos.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Carmageddon: Santa Cruz County traffic deaths and serious injuries are declining, but cyclists remain at risk
The Community Traffic Safety Coalition’s crash report from September shows that deaths and serious injuries on the road have decreased in recent years, although the problem remains serious overall.
Posted inLatest News
‘No Kings’ rallies Saturday in Santa Cruz County: Where to go and how to vote early
Political organizers across Santa Cruz County are hoping to draw large crowds this weekend for a fourth round of “No Kings” protests that will focus on getting people to vote in the November midterm elections.
Posted inEducation
Incumbent Gail Levine and newcomer Ashleigh Hopkins face off for San Lorenzo Valley Unified school board seat
Incumbent Gail Levine, a longtime public school educator, faces newcomer Ashleigh Hopkins for the Trustee Area 4 seat on the San Lorenzo Valley Unified School District governing board. Like many districts across the county and state, SLVUSD is navigating declining enrollment impacts while trying to retain qualified teachers.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Santa Cruz County Measure E: What to know about the proposed temporary half-cent sales tax
Santa Cruz County’s Measure E would impose a five-year, half-cent sales tax increase expected to raise about $27 million annually to help address a worsening budget outlook and potential losses in healthcare and other safety-net funding.
