The Federal Emergency Management Agency has temporarily run out of money to fund new disaster repair, which could delay seven major road projects in Santa Cruz County needed in the wake of 2023 storms. Although Congress could fix the issue by fall, it’s exacerbating tension over how FEMA funding and reimbursement issues affect the county’s budget.
Scotts Valley
Posted inFood & Drink
Lily Belli on Food: Possible changes to Crow’s Nest beach parties post shooting; new tenant for ex-Little Caesars spot in Live Oak
What to know in Santa Cruz County food & drink via Lookout’s Lily Belli.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Scotts Valley Mayor Randy Johnson, Councilmember Jack Dilles not seeking reelection
Among the early surprises in this year’s election season is the decision by Scotts Valley Mayor Randy Johnson and Councilmember Jack Dilles to not seek reelection. With a combined 36 years of city council experience, the elder statesmen of the Santa Cruz Mountains say it’s time to pass the torch to new people.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Santa Cruz County 2024 elections: What we know at the filing deadline about who is running
The field is set for Santa Cruz County’s nonpartisan general election on Nov. 5. Scotts Valley Mayor Randy Johnson chose not to seek reelection after 28 years on the city council. In Watsonville, former Cabrillo College trustee Martha Vega is challenging Mayor Vanessa Quiroz-Carter for city council. And there are competitive races for offices ranging from county supervisor to local fire districts. But not all of the 108 seats up for election have attracted candidates, and most races will not be competitive.
Posted inRecreation & Sports
Pair of Santa Cruz County Olympians get medal chances as Paris Games hit final weekend
Aptos native Nikki Hiltz runs in the women’s 1,500-meter final on Saturday and new Santa Cruz resident Kelsey Robinson Cook is headed to the gold-medal match with with the U.S. women’s volleyball team Sunday. They’re hoping to add to a local medal haul that includes a historic silver for mountain biker Haley Batten.
Posted inLatest News
Scotts Valley police charge former teen counselor with attempting to meet minor for sex
Scotts Valley police investigators arrested a former Boys and Girls Club teen counselor during an undercover operation last week and charged him with contact of a minor with intent to commit sexual offense, human trafficking and annoying/molesting a victim under 18 years of age.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
In the Public Interest: The Everest-esque task of paying for affordable housing and other takeaways from Lookout’s housing panel
Inside Santa Cruz County politics and policy with Lookout correspondent Christopher Neely.
Posted inBusiness & Technology
This week in Santa Cruz County business: Hot summer for tourism, new Santa Cruz Accelerates cohort, Universal Audio hires
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.
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.
