Three years after California voters approved Proposition 28, many Santa Cruz County school districts say the arts funding has expanded programs and opportunities for students — but teachers in Pajaro Valley Unified are raising questions about how millions of dollars have been spent and why the district has lacked transparency.
Watsonville / Pajaro
Posted inFood & Drink
Lily Belli on Food: Casalegno’s revival, La Placa’s Scotts Valley move and Testicle Festival returns
Big plans at Casalegno’s in the Soquel hills, La Placa Family Bakery closes in Ben Lomond and prepares to reopen as La Placa Italian Cuisine on Mount Hermon Road, upcoming festivals and more – it’s all in Lily Belli’s Tuesday food & drink newsletter.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Santa Cruz County to put half-cent sales tax increase on November ballot, declares state of fiscal distress as federal cuts mount
The Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors voted Tuesday to put a half-cent sales tax increase on the November ballot and declared a state of financial distress amid ongoing challenges.
Posted inHealth & Wellness
Q&A: Interim CEO Tim Moran on the future, growth and finances of Watsonville Community Hospital
Lookout spoke with interim Watsonville Community Hospital CEO Tim Moran, who just finished his first two weeks into his new role, about what he hopes to accomplish throughout his six-month tenure.
Posted inLatest News
Carmageddon: RTC to consider $4.5M engineering contract for 12 miles of rail trail in Mid- and South County
The Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission will consider awarding a contract for engineering services for multiple segments of the Coastal Rail Trail from Mid-County through Watsonville at its Thursday meeting.
Posted inArts & Entertainment
Here’s everything you need to know about this weekend’s Watsonville Strawberry Festival
The annual Strawberry Festival returns to the streets of downtown Watsonville this weekend; here’s everything you need to know.
Posted inBusiness & Technology
Santa Cruz County business filings: week of July 27
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. Here is what’s new in local business recently. New businesses
Posted inLatest News
Hurricane Fausto pushing dangerous conditions this weekend to Pacific Coast, including rip currents and sneaker waves
A beach hazards statement will be in effect from Saturday morning through Tuesday afternoon for beaches along the Pacific Coast, including Santa Cruz County, warning that Hurricane Fausto could generate dangerous ocean conditions that could sweep people off their feet and pull them into the water.
Posted inFood & Drink
Matt Horn, Tyler Florence headline new barbecue festival in Moss Landing
The inaugural Black Smoke Invitational will bring celebrity chefs, pitmasters and live-fire cooking to Moss Landing on Sunday, pairing a barbecue competition with cooking demonstrations, unlimited tastings and live music. Organized by House of Black Smoke, the festival aims to showcase California’s evolving barbecue scene while raising money for a nonprofit that supports hospitality workers.
Posted inEvents
Best of Santa Cruz County entertainment, arts & food events this weekend, July 23-26
With the weekend nearly here, check out things to do around Santa Cruz County with a recommendation from Lily Belli and a specially curated list from Lookout’s BOLO events calendar.
