Santa Cruz County real estate, housing, and affordability coverage.
CHANGING SANTA CRUZ
An ongoing Lookout series on development happening in downtown Santa Cruz.
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MORE HOUSING NEWS
A Carlsbad homeowner is fighting a multimillion dollar fine over beach access and a pickleball court. Does he stand a chance against the Coastal Commission?
Carlsbad homeowner John Levy is challenging a $2.4 million fine from the California Coastal Commission over alleged beach access and environmental violations, arguing that while the underlying disputes are typical, the…
No trees, no voice: How the City of Santa Cruz is greenlighting development without the public
After Santa Cruz’s planning commission approved doing away with public hearings for some large affordable housing projects and moved a special zoning area forward, activist Gillian Greensite warns that the public…
Five years strong — and just getting started.
Celebrate Lookout’s fifth anniversary by joining the community that powers trustworthy local journalism in Santa Cruz County. Your membership gives you unlimited access to every story on our website and app — and fuels the reporting that keeps our community informed, connected and moving forward.
UC Santa Cruz family student housing opening delayed about six months
The opening of UC Santa Cruz’s new family student housing complex, which includes 120 two-bedroom units and an expanded child care center, has been delayed by about six months due to…
Santa Cruz County opens seasonal groundwater testing window
Santa Cruz County has opened its annual groundwater monitoring period for properties that rely on on-site wastewater treatment systems. The testing period runs through Jan. 31.
Entering fourth term, Scotts Valley Mayor Donna Lind takes reins during time of significant change for city
Donna Lind has been a constant in Scotts Valley, having served the city in various roles for nearly 60 years. As she enters her fourth term as mayor, Scotts Valley faces…
What people in downtown Santa Cruz are looking forward to in 2026, and what they’re worried about
When Lookout photojournalist Kevin Painchaud talked to people on the street in downtown Santa Cruz about what they’re looking forward to in 2026, the answers varied – but housing was a…
Newsmakers 2025: Those we lost
Santa Cruz County lost a number of prominent people in 2025, including activists, journalists, artists and academics.
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