OPINION: Science has long warned that organophosphate pesticides damage developing brains, especially in pregnant women and children, writes local activist Kathleen Kilpatrick. Yet the Monterey Bay region remains a hotspot for exposure, with some of the highest rates in California.
Watsonville / Pajaro
Posted inEducation
Newsmakers 2025: Watsonville activist reflects on monthlong hunger strike against pesticides
Watsonville activist Omar Dieguez discusses the impact of his monthlong hunger strike against pesticide applications near schools in the Pajaro Valley and also shares more details on his work to empower youth in his community.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Newsmakers 2025: Food and toiletries distributions for undocumented ag workers become offseason lifeline
As the Pajaro Valley’s growing season comes to a close, many of its workers turn to a monthly food distribution event hosted by the Center for Farmworker Families to alleviate the financial burdens that come with no work for a few months.
Posted inBusiness & Technology
This week in Santa Cruz County business: Joby ramps up for 2026, its target year for commercial service launch; looking at businesses that closed in 2025
In her weekly look at local business, Jessica M. Pasko reports on where Joby Aviation stands ahead of what’s poised to be a big year for the Santa Cruz-based company, reviews closures around the county and highlights names and dates to know.
Posted inWatsonville / Pajaro
Watsonville taps San Jose assistant chief to lead police department
The City of Watsonville announced on Tuesday afternoon that it has chosen San Jose Assistant Chief of Police Brian Shab as its next police chief, following longtime chief Jorge Zamora’s retirement in August.
Posted inBusiness & Technology
Santa Cruz County business filings: Week of Dec. 23
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.
Posted inEducation
Pajaro Valley Unified school board re-approves layoffs in special meeting to allow public chance to speak
The Pajaro Valley Unified School District board re-approved 81 teaching-related layoffs during a special meeting Monday after hearing public opposition from teachers, students and parents who were previously unable to comment.
Posted inLatest News
Monday evening traffic: One-way closure on Hwy 9 at Lorenzo Ave. until 2026
Monday traffic trouble spots in and around Santa Cruz County.
Posted inFood & Drink
Best of Santa Cruz County food & drink events, Dec. 19-25
Lookout food & drink correspondent Lily Belli highlights top events happening around Santa Cruz County this weekend and into next holiday week, plus more listings from Lookout’s BOLO events calendar.
Posted inLatest News
Friday evening traffic: Highway 9, 17, 129, 152 lane closures for work
Friday traffic trouble spots in and around Santa Cruz County.