Good morning! It’s August 18 — here’s what’s going on in your community today…
Low clouds in Aptos
Today will be low clouds. The high will be 79 with a low of 51.
Looking ahead: Partly sunny this weekend
Top news from nearby
UCSC clarifies delay on major housing project – now expected to break ground in 2027, open in 2029-30
By Hillary Ojeda
Aug 15, 2025
ADVERTISEMENT
What’s new around you
▼︎ real estate ▼︎ food inspections ▼︎ events
Read on to see the details about each item…
Things to do in Aptos
Pilates & Posture with Horess
Horses are deeply attuned to nonverbal cues; our posture, breath, and inner state shape how they respond. When we’re centered, they notice. This gentl…
At BEYOND liberty, Center for Learning, Wellness, Sanctuary and Horse Retirement on August 18
Repeats 35 more times until December 17
Monday Happy Hours
Aptos Vineyard is open 5 days/week! That means Monday Happy Hours are back too! Every Monday we’re open 3-7pm and we’re just pouring cheap glasses of …
At Aptos Vineyard Tasting Room on August 18
Repeats 3 more times until September 8
Breathwork & Meditation with Horses
Offered in the calming presence of free-roaming horses, this class invites you to return to your breath and settle into stillness. Guided breathwork t…
At BEYOND Liberty on August 19
Repeats 13 more times until November 18
Property development
- The Santa Cruz County Planning Department has formally approved a zoning application for the property at 427 Hillcrest Drive in Aptos, as of August 15. This approval renews the permit for operating a four-bedroom vacation rental within the existing single-family home. The property is designated for short-term overnight lodging, with guest stays limited to a maximum of thirty days. The renewal process required a vacation rental permit, and the county had indicated its intention to approve the application unless there were documented violations of the Vacation Rental Ordinance. Public comments were accepted until July 31, and the decision was made on or after August 1. Residents wishing to appeal the decision have two weeks from the decision date to submit their appeals. Any issues related to the vacation rental should be reported to Kendall & Potter Property Management Inc., whose contact information is available both on the property and the Planning Department’s website. (view application)
Roadwork is affecting traffic in the region
- The southbound lanes of Highway 1 in Watsonville/Pajaro are facing closures for electrical work. The closure is expected to end today at 2:59 p.m.
- The northbound lanes of Highway 1 at Route 129 in Watsonville/Pajaro are facing closures for electrical work. The closure will last until 2:59 p.m. on August 21.
- A lane on South Highway 1 at Buena Vista Drive in Watsonville/Pajaro is closed for emergency work. The closure is expected to end at 6:59 a.m. tomorrow.
- A lane on North Highway 1 at Airport Blvd. in Watsonville / Pajaro is closed for emergency work. The closure is expected to end at 4:59 a.m. today.
- There’s a one-way traffic closure on North/South Highway 9 at Prospect Avenue in San Lorenzo Valley due to emergency work. The closure is expected to end on August 23 at 3:59 p.m.
- A lane on North Highway 9 in San Lorenzo Valley is closed for utility work. The closure is expected to end at 5:01 p.m. on August 20.
- A lane on North Highway 17 at Spanish Bit Chapel in Scotts Valley is closed for utility work. The closure will end at 5:01 a.m. tomorrow.
Restaurant inspections
County officials regularly inspect food facilities to ensure compliance with state laws. Here, Lookout Santa Cruz reports both those who have passed the inspections and those that the county deems to have a “major” issue. The county’s full ongoing report can be accessed here.
- Cavalletta Restaurant at 9067 Soquel Dr, Aptos, passed a county health inspection on August 14 with no critical issues.
- Rio Liquor & Market at 139 Esplanade, Aptos, passed a county health inspection on August 15 with no critical issues.
No crimes to report today
We checked with local police and there were no new incidents to report.
Disclosure: Traffic incidents and property development updates are partially generated by artificial intelligence. We are constantly working to improve the accuracy and quality of our AI-generated content. However, there may still be errors or inaccuracies. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us.