A Silicon Valley developer has proposed demolishing the historic downtown Santa Cruz home of The Catalyst nightclub and erecting a new seven-story, mixed-use building, Jessica M. Pasko reports in her weekly survey of local business. She’s also got news from the Westside, on the local wine industry and more.
Watsonville / Pajaro
Posted inLatest News
Independent study reveals heavy metals near Elkhorn Slough after Moss Landing fire
A study from researchers at San Jose State University’s Moss Landing Marine Laboratories estimates that nearly 55,000 pounds of heavy metals were dumped into soil near Elkhorn Slough following January’s Moss Landing battery fire. It’s the first independent study of the fire’s impacts published in a scientific journal.
Posted inEducation
Cabrillo College governing board appoints former Watsonville mayor as new trustee
The Cabrillo College governing board voted 4–2 to appoint former Watsonville mayor Francisco “Paco” Estrada to fill the Area V trustee seat left vacant by the death of Manuel Bersamin. The board cited Estrada’s community ties, leadership experience and connection to Bersamin’s legacy in selecting him to serve through the 2026 election.
Posted inBusiness & Technology
Santa Cruz County business filings: Week of Dec. 2
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 inHealth & Wellness
Watsonville Community Hospital continues search for financial partners; CEO says decision is still months away
Watsonville Community Hospital CEO Stephen Gray says the search for a financial partner is ongoing, with the hospital still months away from a decision. He also told Lookout that the hospital is still recovering from the costs of a cyberattack last year.
Posted inLatest News
Watsonville chief of police arrests alleged gang member
Watsonville Interim Police Chief David Rodriguez stepped away from his usual administrative and managerial duties last week to arrest an alleged gang member carrying a backpack with a gun, drugs and ammunition inside, according to a police statement on social media.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
In the Public Interest: ICE’s recent local activity; Flock camera discussion; Head Start turmoil
Around Santa Cruz County politics & policy with news and notes from Lookout correspondents and staff.
Posted inLatest News
Beach hazards, coastal flood advisory in effect this week for Santa Cruz County
A beach hazards statement is in effect through 10 p.m. Wednesday due to an increased risk for strong sneaker waves and rip currents, and the National Weather Service also issued a coastal flood advisory from 6 a.m. Tuesday to 3 p.m. Sunday due to king tides, which are the highest tides of the year.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
ICE has visited Santa Cruz County at least 13 times since July, records show
In the past five months, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents have visited Santa Cruz County at least 13 times, according to documents from the county sheriff and Watsonville police.
Posted inLatest News
Carmageddon: This week’s RTC meeting will be packed with rail-trail business following ‘peace deal’ proposal
The Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission meeting this week could be pivotal for the passenger rail project. Santa Cruz Mayor Fred Keeley and County Supervisor Manu Koenig plan to discuss their trail proposal, which is already running into opposition from Friends of the Rail and Trail.