The California Coastal Commission has signed off on Santa Cruz’s Downtown Plan Expansion, clearing the way for taller buildings, up to 1,600 new housing units and a potential new Santa Cruz Warriors arena south of Laurel Street.
Westside / Downtown
Posted inArts & Entertainment
Santa Cruz Film Festival planning a big ‘resurrection’ in October
After having been dark for three years, the Santa Cruz Film Festival is coming back in October with new leadership and new energy. The goal? Not only to entertain and illuminate audiences, but also to build a viable film industry in Santa Cruz County.
Posted inHousing & Development
Eight-story, 178-unit Clocktower Center clears final vote, capping Santa Cruz’s most polarizing development battle
The Santa Cruz City Council approved Workbench’s scaled-down Clocktower Center project — originally hailed by its developers as something “Santa Cruz hasn’t seen.” The vote ends more than a year of fierce public debate and cements the controversial development as a high-profile product of California’s pro-housing state laws.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Santa Cruz Wharf restoration proceeds with $1 million budget-conscious plan
After 15,200 square feet was lost in the December 2024 collapse of the Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf, the city council moved to restore 1,100 square feet for now, while laying the path for additional work as funds become available.
Posted inHousing & Development
Confronted with $6M in new fees, 190-room Cruz Hotel development takes another step forward
Groundbreaking could happen as soon as next summer on the hotel at Front and Laurel streets in downtown Santa Cruz, though its developer says the new fees, passed by the Santa Cruz City Council on Tuesday, could delay final financing.
Posted inBusiness & Technology
This week in Santa Cruz County business: Darco’s closing after 53 years, Hook Outlet opens on Westside, farewell to county’s digital wallet program
A longtime Santa Cruz stationery and printing store will shutter at week’s end, Jessica M. Pasko reports in her weekly look at local business. She’s also got word on The Hook Outlet opening its doors at Mission and Laurel and a variety of news, notes and numbers.
Posted inEducation
Santa Cruz High alumni barbecue happens Aug. 24 at Harvey West
On Sunday, Aug. 24, the Santa Cruz High School Alumni Association is hosting a biennial all-class alumni barbecue.
Posted inBusiness & Technology
Santa Cruz County business filings: Week of Aug. 12
Lookout Santa Cruz reviews the public filings from local businesses to report on new businesses starting in the area.
Posted inFood & Drink
Lily Belli on Food: Hope in pop-up crab traps; local’s canning how-to book; lemon cucumber overload
Around Santa Cruz County food & drink with Lookout correspondent Lily Belli.
Posted inLatest News
Think you know how to recycle? A tour of Santa Cruz’s sorting facility reveals otherwise
A look inside the City of Santa Cruz’s recycling center reveals uncomfortable truths about America’s plastic waste crisis, where nearly a third of recycled items ultimately end up headed to the landfill.