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.
Westside / Downtown
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Santa Cruz mayoral field begins to fill out as three familiar names enter race
Three new candidates have entered the race for Santa Cruz mayor — Ami Chen Mills, Joy Schendledecker and Chris Krohn — all of whom have either previously held or run for office or have been politically active outside of elected office. They join Ryan Coonerty and Gillian Greensite in vying to replace Fred Keeley.
Posted inFood & Drink
The best things I ate and drank in Santa Cruz County in February
Wet February weather led Lookout food and drink correspondent Lily Belli to seek warm flavors at restaurants, food trucks and bakeries across Santa Cruz County. She selects from a month of eating to highlight a loaded jacket potato, tender conchas, a comforting and lively cabbage dish and a familiar favorite at a longstanding cantina.
Posted inFood & Drink
Pescavore founder’s defense attorney moves to dismiss some charges; jury trial set for March 23
Clarice Owens, the entrepreneur behind Pescavore tuna jerky, appeared in Santa Cruz County Superior Court on Wednesday ahead of a late-March jury trial on one felony stalking charge and 34 misdemeanor counts related to alleged online harassment and restraining order violations. Her public defender is arguing to dismiss 14 counts, including the felony charge, citing a lack of evidence.
Posted inEducation
Seymour Studios goes live with new community science podcast
The Seymour Marine Discovery Center launched a new podcast Tuesday to connect Santa Cruz County’s scientists, problem-solvers and community members. While the new show spotlights local environmental success stories, the studio itself offers an inclusive space for anyone in the community to record and share their message, conservation-focused or not.
Posted inBusiness & Technology
This week in Santa Cruz County business: La Selva drone developer clears hurdle; funding for Scotts Valley energy company; Joby, Uber unveil new app
A key milestone for Parallel Flight Technologies, $140 million for Heron Power Electronics Company and another step forward for Joby Aviation are among the topics in this week’s look at local business from Jessica M. Pasko.
Posted inFood & Drink
Lily Belli on Food: Cat & Cloud’s union push; AI controversy at Salty Otter; April’s vegan chef challenge
In the return of her Tuesday newsletter, Lily Belli notes unionization efforts at local coffee chain Cat & Cloud and a downtown Santa Cruz restaurant changing its logo over artificial intelligence backlash, and looks ahead to a plant-based April.
Posted inBusiness & Technology
Santa Cruz County business filings: Week of March 3
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 inFood & Drink
Salty Otter owner says AI logo uproar has ‘crushed’ her lifelong dream
Following a wave of online criticism and one-star reviews from locals, The Salty Otter Sports Grill replaced its colorful, AI-assisted otter logo with a stark black-and-white design.
Posted inHousing & Development
Santa Cruz City Schools to break ground on county’s first educator workforce housing March 18
Santa Cruz City Schools is set to break ground on an $80 million housing project – the county’s first educator housing complex. The project on the Westside will have studios, one-bedroom apartments, two-bedroom apartments and three-bedroom apartments for 100 staff.