In this week’s local business roundup, Jessica M. Pasko reports on a second summer of growth for Santa Cruz County’s tourism industry; eight local startups being picked to compete for seed funding; new executive hires at Universal Audio and changes at other local businesses.
Scotts Valley
Posted inHealth & Wellness
Study: California wildfire smoke contributed to 52,000 premature deaths over 10 years
When wildfires rage, the immediate threat is obvious – but smoke from the fires actually kills far more people than the flames. As fires become more frequent, that smoke is leading to a public health crisis. In a new study published in the journal Science Advances, we found that wildfire smoke likely contributed to more […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Post boom, Santa Cruz County craft breweries defy bust with new recipes for success
The craft beer industry has plateaued since the boom years of the 2010s, but despite brewery closures making national and local headlines, the industry is still growing slowly in Santa Cruz County and beyond. As consumer preferences have changed and expanded to include non-beer beverages and entertainment, meeting those demands while staying true to each brewery’s ethos is the key to succeeding in today’s market.
Posted inArts & Entertainment
B9: Nine necessary arts and entertainment know-abouts for the week ahead
Here they are, nine events and happenings carefully curated just for you. It’s the midsummer’s-dream B9 list:
Posted inEducation
Scotts Valley Montessori school stirs controversy with policy limiting gender, religion talks in class
Several families told Lookout they’re leaving Montessori Community School after the director this spring limited discussions of gender identity, religion and social movements in the classroom. Families and one teacher say three out of five teachers are also leaving because of the changes at the Scotts Valley school.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Isolated Mountain Charlie residents receive a reality check — and some hope — following community meeting
Life for dozens of families has been disrupted since a February landslide knocked out an important Santa Cruz Mountain thoroughfare. During a town hall meeting last week, county officials estimated a permanent fix to, at best, be three years away.
Posted inArts & Entertainment
Summer guide: Your top events in the Santa Cruz summer
From music, beer, art and wine festivals to an array of entertainment at the Beach Boardwalk, ambitious productions on local stages and annual traditions like the Wharf to Wharf race, summer options are virtually endless in Santa Cruz County (and beyond).
Posted inLatest News
Mountain Charlie nightmare: Santa Cruz Mountains residents isolated by road failures still seeking answers
Since Feb. 29, Mountain Charlie Road, which stretches toward the northern boundary of Santa Cruz County, has been cut off by a major landslide. Despite desperation from residents, county, state and federal officials have until now offered few solutions – and a fix could take three to five years.
Posted inArts & Entertainment
Fireworks-free Fourth fun: Your guide to celebrating Independence Day in Santa Cruz County
The Fourth of July in Santa Cruz County won’t have fireworks, but it’s heavy on parades and community celebrations, from Boulder Creek to Watsonville.
Posted inLatest News
Camping ordinance iced as Santa Cruz County wildfire fears grow
Hearing a public desperately concerned about increasing wildfire risk, the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors voted Tuesday to stall a proposal that would have expanded camping opportunities on private property throughout the county.