Good morning! It’s July 18 — here’s what’s going on in your community today…

Low clouds, then sun and cool in Aptos

Today will be cool with low clouds giving way to sunshine. There is a 1% chance of rain. The high will be 70 with a low of 52. Cloudy now, changing to mostly sunny at 2 p.m.


Aptos news

Join the Whale Bridge ribbon-cutting on July 30 with e-bike demos and refreshments. Experience Santa Cruz’s arts scene with theater openings, a surf history exhibit, and live music events.

With bike-pedestrian ‘Whale Bridge’ open over Highway 1 at Chanticleer Ave., ribbon-cutting ceremony set for July 30

With bike-pedestrian ‘Whale Bridge’ open over Highway 1 at Chanticleer Ave., ribbon-cutting ceremony set for July 30

By Sarah Cobos

Jul 17, 2025


Lookout Santa Cruz

What’s new around you

▼︎ real estate   ▼︎ code violations   ▼︎ events

Map of A map showing the locations of informaton from today's newsletter

Read on to see the details about each item…


Things to do in Aptos

Summer Anniversary Sale
Summer Anniversary Sale

It’s that time of year, the 2nd Anniversary of our Tasting Room is July 15, so we’re hosting our biggest sale yet…the week before AND the week after…

At Aptos Vineyard Tasting Room on July 18
Repeats once more on July 21

True Love Christian Festival (Fifth Annual)
True Love Christian Festival (Fifth Annual)

FREE: All are welcome. What is True Love? Come join us and enjoy free food and lots of great music, art and activities for everyone. Over 14 bands/mus…

At Aptos Village Park on July 19

True Love Christian Festival
True Love Christian Festival

At Aptos Village County Park on July 19


Property development

  • Attention Santa Cruz County residents: The Planning Department is currently accepting public comments on a zoning application for a proposed project at 106 Baldwin Drive in Aptos. This project involves remodeling and an existing single-family home from 1,302 square feet to 1,913 square feet, including three bedrooms and two bathrooms, while maintaining the current 420 square foot garage. A minor exception is required to adjust the nonconforming dimensions, specifically reducing the side yard setback from 8 feet to approximately 7 feet 2 inches. The remodel will also reconfigure the existing floor plan. Residents have until July 25, to submit their comments, with a decision expected on or after July 28. Appeals can be filed up to two weeks after the decision. The project will comply with the 2022 California building codes, covering plumbing, electrical, mechanical, energy, and fire safety. (view application)
     
  • A permit application has been filed for a significant residential project at 719 SEACLIFF Drive, Aptos 95003-354. The proposal involves demolishing the existing one-story single-family home and constructing a new two-story single-family home, along with related site improvements. This development requires a Coastal Development Permit, ensuring that the project aligns with local coastal regulations. Additionally, a review of combined geotechnical and geologic reports is necessary to assess the site’s suitability and address any potential environmental impacts. Local residents are encouraged to stay informed about this project as it progresses through the permitting process. (view details)
     

Property code violations

County officials cite property owners for issues such as substandard housing, illegal uses of buildings, property maintenance, abandoned appliances or furniture, construction without permits, and other issues that affect public safety and quality of life.

  • The property at 416 Loma Prieta Dr, Aptos, which was cited for building code violations under case number NV25257 on June 18, has now addressed the issues identified. The violations involved the expansion of a deck and construction activities that encroached upon the side yard setback and a sensitive habitat area, indicating non-compliance with zoning regulations and environmental protections. The county is actively monitoring the property to ensure ongoing compliance with all relevant codes and regulations.
     

Roadwork is affecting traffic in the region

  • The southbound lanes of Highway 1 in Capitola/Soquel are facing closures for road excavation. This closure will continue until August 29 at 6:30 a.m.
     

No crimes to report today

We checked with local police and there were no new incidents to report.