Soquel Union Elementary School District students are first among the county’s public school students to start the 2026-27 school year.
San Lorenzo Valley
Posted inEducation
As arts funding boosts many local schools, PVUSD faces questions over spending and transparency
Three years after California voters approved Proposition 28, many Santa Cruz County school districts say the arts funding has expanded programs and opportunities for students — but teachers in Pajaro Valley Unified are raising questions about how millions of dollars have been spent and why the district has lacked transparency.
Posted inFood & Drink
Lily Belli on Food: Casalegno’s revival, La Placa’s Scotts Valley move and Testicle Festival returns
Big plans at Casalegno’s in the Soquel hills, La Placa Family Bakery closes in Ben Lomond and prepares to reopen as La Placa Italian Cuisine on Mount Hermon Road, upcoming festivals and more – it’s all in Lily Belli’s Tuesday food & drink newsletter.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Santa Cruz County to put half-cent sales tax increase on November ballot, declares state of fiscal distress as federal cuts mount
The Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors voted Tuesday to put a half-cent sales tax increase on the November ballot and declared a state of financial distress amid ongoing challenges.
Posted inBusiness & Technology
Santa Cruz County business filings: week of July 27
Businesses operating in Santa Cruz County must register with the county clerk. Lookout Santa Cruz reviews the public filings from local businesses to report on new businesses starting in the area. Here is what’s new in local business recently. New businesses
Posted inEvents
Best of Santa Cruz County entertainment, arts & food events this weekend, July 23-26
With the weekend nearly here, check out things to do around Santa Cruz County with a recommendation from Lily Belli and a specially curated list from Lookout’s BOLO events calendar.
Posted inHousing & Development
The unwanted top spot: Santa Cruz County remains most expensive rental market
Santa Cruz County is in first place — but not in a good way. It has once again been named the country’s most expensive rental market, marking four years in a row that it has claimed the top spot.
Posted inLatest News
Beyond free access: UC Santa Cruz study exposes the hidden barriers to California’s beaches
A new UC Santa Cruz study reveals that despite California’s strong access laws, historical discrimination, wealth disparities and systemic barriers still make the state’s coastlines overwhelmingly white and affluent.
Posted inLatest News
Carmageddon: Bike Santa Cruz County annual survey shows traffic stress, poor connections, youth safety among top concerns
Bike Santa Cruz County released its second annual survey report, showing that unsafe traffic, poorly connected routes and concern for youth safety are among the biggest worries for local cyclists.
Posted inLatest News
Several local projects receiving funding as part of major $2.5 billion state transportation package
Several Santa Cruz County projects are receiving a boost as part of a $2.5 billion transit funding package that Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office announced on Thursday.
