Santa Cruz County Superior Court Judge Mandy Tovar grew emotional as she granted diversion to UC Santa Cruz student Esmeralda Hurtado, the only one of 122 protesters from the 2024 pro-Palestine encampment arrests to face formal charges. Citing Hurtado’s character and the facts of the case, Tovar’s decision allows the 20-year-old to avoid trial if she completes community service and complies with court conditions through 2026.
Westside / Downtown
Posted inArts & Entertainment
Weekender: First Friday, get your parades on and a love letter to Santa Cruz surf culture
Another busy weekend lies ahead, and Wallace Baine has recommendations for things to do plus news, notes and other highlights from Santa Cruz County arts & entertainment.
Posted inArts & Entertainment
Best 9: Top events for the week ahead in Santa Cruz County arts & entertainment, Dec. 4-11
With the weekend nearly here, check out Wallace Baine’s Best 9 recommendations for things to do around Santa Cruz County via Lookout’s BOLO events calendar.
Posted inEducation
Santa Cruz High music director to march in Rose Parade on New Year’s Day
Christina Latham is among 300 band directors invited to make up a marching band of music teachers from around the country at the Jan. 1 Rose Parade in Pasadena.
Posted inLatest News
Diversity Center outreach manager facing felony embezzlement charges in San Luis Obispo County
Dustin Colyer-Worth has been charged with four counts of grand theft by embezzlement in San Luis Obispo County, where he was the executive director of the Gala Pride and Diversity Center in San Luis Obispo.
Posted inFood & Drink
Downtown Santa Cruz farmers market extends operating hours
The downtown Santa Cruz farmers market is extending its operating hours on Wednesdays, now opening a half-hour earlier and running from 12:30 to 5 p.m. It will be closed on Dec. 24 and 31.
Posted inLatest News
Forecast is for triple threat this week: King tides, big waves and wind
The National Weather Service has issued warnings for coastal flooding, high surf and powerful offshore winds affecting Santa Cruz County this week.
Posted inBusiness & Technology
This week in Santa Cruz County business: Demolition, relocation eyed for Catalyst; Westside revitalization story; new wine district moves forward
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.
Posted inArts & Entertainment
Minimalism undermines the heart of SC Shakespeare’s ‘A Christmas Carol’
Santa Cruz Shakespeare’s holiday “A Christmas Carol” arrives with a talented cast and good intentions, but its minimalist staging and narration-heavy adaptation never find the emotional spark that makes Scrooge’s journey so enduring, leaving this production feeling surprisingly hollow.
Posted inFood & Drink
Lily Belli on Food: Downtown holiday pop-ups, Bottega’s seasonal goodies and seeking NYC recs
In her Tuesday newsletter, Lily Belli notes happenings in downtown Santa Cruz this month, spotlights festive touches in Live Oak and Seabright and asks readers for tips for a quick New York City getaway.