Thursday trouble spots in and around Santa Cruz County.
Watsonville / Pajaro
Watsonville Fire Chief Rudy López announces retirement after 35 years of service
After nearly 35 years of service, the fire chief who led evacuations in Watsonville during the 2023 floods announced his retirement Tuesday morning. Rudy López’s last day will be Dec. 31.
Santa Cruz County business filings: Week of Dec. 16
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.
Local favorites make perfect gifts: Explore the Lookout List winners
Looking for local favorites this holiday season? Browse a selection of 2025 Lookout List winners below. This Lookout reader-nominated group showcases Santa Cruz County’s most beloved shops, boutiques, makers and specialty retailers — all chosen by our community for their exceptional quality, service and creativity. Whether you need something unique, practical, luxurious or totally unexpected, […]
‘This is just the beginning of the fight’: Pajaro Valley families organize after school board votes for major cuts in staff
After the Pajaro Valley Unified School District board voted to cut up to 160 jobs, community members are organizing to do what they can to stop the district from implementing all the layoffs, which they say will be devastating to students.
Carmageddon: Capitola to consider next steps for Grand Avenue pathway in the spring
The Capitola City Council allocated $13,000 toward a concept plan for the Grand Avenue pathway, which is expected to inform the council’s next steps, including whether or not the city wants to commit to a project at all.
Watsonville receives $39 million grant for transit center redevelopment project
The City of Watsonville, in partnership with Santa Cruz Metro and MidPen Housing, was awarded a $39 million grant for the Watsonville Metro Project through the state’s Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities Program.
Friday evening traffic: SR-152 closed for event; Hwy 17, 1, 9 lane closures
Friday traffic trouble spots in and around Santa Cruz County.
Pajaro Valley school board votes to cut nearly 160 jobs, more than 40 in special education, during stormy meeting
In a marathon, chaotic session that ended with the room being cleared because of disruptions, Pajaro Valley Unified School District trustees voted Thursday to cut 160 jobs in an effort to stay solvent and comply with California budget requirements.
PG&E drones deploy across Central Coast to identify power line problems ahead of winter storms
Pacific Gas & Electric is deploying drones to remote areas of Santa Cruz County to monitor power lines and identify problems ahead of winter storms.

