In her weekly look at local business, Jessica M. Pasko reports on a proposed six-story mixed-use development in Santa Cruz, Joby Aviation’s latest maneuvers and names, numbers and dates to know.
Westside / Downtown
Posted inPolitics & Policy
After Santa Cruz banned Flock cameras, activists push to expand fight against license plate readers
Local grassroots group Get the Flock Out was chosen to kick off the National Week of Action Against Automated License Plate Readers in the Bay Area with a rally this Sunday. It’s meant to celebrate the City of Santa Cruz canceling its Flock Safety camera contract earlier this year, and to call attention to the nearly 50 cameras still active in Capitola and Watsonville, the group said.
Posted inArts & Entertainment
From Texas censorship to UCSC: Silenced anti-ICE art exhibition celebrating dual identity finds a home in Santa Cruz
Earlier this year, Mexican-born, Texas-raised visual artist Victor Quiñonez had his new exhibition, which speaks to being an immigrant in America and to the harm U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has caused, pulled from two different galleries in Texas. It is now set to come in September to UC Santa Cruz, where Quiñonez hopes his art can continue to make an impact in a state and gallery that is more understanding of its impactful message.
Posted inFood & Drink
The best things I ate in Santa Cruz County in July
Peak summer flavors are on full display across Santa Cruz County, from Luna’s Borikén Bites’ vibrant Puerto Rican comfort food to a tomato-forward BLT at Other Brother Beer Co. and crispy fried green tomatoes at Pretty Good Advice.
Posted inHealth & Wellness
Every 56 days: Santa Cruz Parks & Rec aims to turn blood donation into a habit
The City of Santa Cruz Parks & Recreation department began hosting blood drives earlier this year, with the plan to hold three to five annually. Annalise Bryant, the recreation supervisor who pitched the idea, says it is perfectly in line with the department’s core values — and given that the Red Cross has declared a national blood supply crisis, the timing is right.
Posted inEducation
Starting Wednesday, many Santa Cruz County students are heading back to school
Soquel Union Elementary School District students are first among the county’s public school students to start the 2026-27 school year.
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 inLatest News
Police arrest two juveniles in connection with shooting incident outside Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Police have arrested two 17-year-olds in Ceres, in Stanislaus County, in connection with the shooting incident in the parking lot outside of the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk on Monday night.
Posted inArts & Entertainment
Pure joy: Renegade’s ‘Rocky Horror’ is one hell of a party
Renegade Theater Company throws one unforgettable party with “The Rocky Horror Show,” Jana Marcus writes, delivering a wildly entertaining production filled with fearless performances, a terrific live band and the kind of audience participation that reminds us why live theater is unlike anything else.
