The Santa Cruz County Civil Grand Jury issued five reports on Thursday, covering a wide range of topics. Most notably, it focused on challenges contributing to the housing crisis and flaws in the county’s approach to behavioral health, along with pedestrian safety, election integrity, and concerns with the free parking at the county office buildings.
Scotts Valley
Posted inHousing & Development
County home sales and inventory continue to rise as summer begins
The Santa Cruz County housing market looked typical for the beginning of summer. Home sales and inventory have risen, bringing more balance to a market often dominated by sellers. However, a new Federal Reserve chair and increasing inflation due to geopolitical instability could lead to an interest rate hike at some point this year.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Santa Cruz County 2026 primary election results in charts: Final tally set for June 26
Find the results for all local races in Santa Cruz County’s 2026 primary election here. Lookout will continuously update this page as new results come in.
Posted inBusiness & Technology
This week in Santa Cruz County business: Santa Cruz-based crowdfunding site, Sea Dubs mark milestones; next steps for Pajaro Valley apple growers
In her weekly look at local business, Jessica M. Pasko notes highlights for Climatize and the Santa Cruz Warriors, what South County farmers are hearing in the wake of bad news from Martinelli’s and plenty more comings, goings and dates to know.
Posted inFood & Drink
Lily Belli on Food: H&H Fresh Fish’s Westside outpost; Scotts Valley farmers market moving; Steel Bonnet expanding
In her Tuesday newsletter, Lily Belli notes the opening of H&H West in the Swift Street Courtyard, a new long-term home for the Scotts Valley farmers market and an Old Town Salinas taproom for a Scotts Valley standby.
Posted inLatest News
Monday evening traffic: Car hits power pole, wires down, Pleasant Valley Rd; Multiple lane closures, Hwy 9, Hwy 17, SR-129, SR-152
Monday traffic trouble spots in and around Santa Cruz County.
Posted inEvents
Best of Santa Cruz County entertainment, arts & food events this weekend, June 11-14
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 inPolitics & Policy
See which Santa Cruz County communities backed Becerra, Steyer and Hilton
Santa Cruz County’s gubernatorial primary results revealed a clear demographic divide: Tom Steyer performed best in whiter, more college-educated communities, while Xavier Becerra drew strong support from Latino-majority areas such as Watsonville, helping propel him into the November run-off against Republican Steve Hilton.
Posted inBusiness & Technology
This week in Santa Cruz County business: Events aim to boost visitors to Seabright amid latest Murray Street Bridge closure; air corridor project underway; Joby-Archer lawsuit developments
With the Murray Street Bridge set to be closed through September, business owners and community leaders have plans to bring visitors to the neighborhoods around the Santa Cruz Harbor this summer. Jessica M. Pasko’s weekly look at local business also includes updates on a project to connect four regional airports, including Watsonville’s; legal jabs between air mobility rivals; and plenty more names, numbers and dates to know.
Posted inLatest News
Monday evening traffic: Highway 1 in Capitola closed; Hwy 9, 17 lane closures
Monday traffic trouble spots in and around Santa Cruz County.
