Good morning! It’s December 18 — here’s what’s going on in your community today…
Fog in the a.m.; partly sunny in Aptos
Today will be patchy fog will reduce visibiity this morning; otherwise, sun and some clouds. There is a 1% chance of rain. The high will be 64 with a low of 48. Fog now, changing to partly sunny at 1 p.m.
Looking ahead: Expect rainy weather late Saturday night through Sunday evening
Aptos news
The California Supreme Court upheld public access to Seacliff State Beach’s 800-foot walkway in Aptos, ordering removal of fences and ensuring the area remains open for community use.
California Supreme Court decision maintains public access to Aptos beachfront walkway, county says
By Hillary Ojeda
Dec 18, 2025
Give the gift of Lookout: Articles, memberships, merch and more
By Lookout Santa Cruz
December 16, 2025
Letter to the editor: Santa Cruz must stop sweeping unhoused residents away and find real solutions
December 17, 2025
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What’s new around you
▼︎ real estate ▼︎ code violations ▼︎ events
Read on to see the details about each item…
Things to do in Aptos
Persephone Restaurant Thursday Night Pasta Special
Every Thursday along with our regular menu we offer a prix fixe pasta dinner! Enjoy three courses starting with a fresh farmers market mixed green sal…
At Persephone Restaurant on December 18
Repeats 43 more times until October 15
Native American Art Exhibit Aptos Branch Library Until Dec. 31
This fall, the Aptos Library will feature a tribute to Native American heritage and culture through the work of local artist Becky Olvera Schultz. Fro…
At Aptos Branch Library on December 18
Repeats 11 more times until December 31
Mindful Movement with Horses
Mindful Movement with Horses Blending Tai Chi, Qigong, Horses and Mindfulness and informed by Polyvagal Theory, this class supports nervous system re…
At BEYOND liberty on December 19
Repeats 11 more times until May 22
Property development
- The Santa Cruz County Planning Department has received a zoning application for a project at 114 San Benito Way in the Aptos Planning Area. The proposal seeks to renew a permit for a three-bedroom vacation rental in an existing single-family home, which allows overnight stays of up to 30 days at a time. If approved, the renewal would extend the permit’s expiration date from March 6, to March 6, 203. (view application)
- A permit application has been filed for a project at 260 RIO DEL MAR BLVD, Aptos 95003-4656, proposing a remodel of the existing pool on the property. The planned work includes updating the pool’s plumbing, coping, plaster, skimmer, and equalizer. The site is located approximately 760 feet from the intersection with Beach Drive, on the southern side of Rio del March Because of its location, a Minor Coastal Development Permit is required for the remodel. (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.
- A Notice of Violation (NOV) has been issued for the property at 3358 S Polo Dr, Aptos 95003-4121, following a code compliance case (NV25323) regarding unpermitted construction. According to the case notes, a county inspector observed through listing photos that the carport at this address had been enclosed and converted into an additional room without obtaining the necessary permits. This type of unpermitted enclosure is a violation of local building codes, and the NOV was posted to address the issue.
Roadwork is affecting traffic in the region
- There is a one-way traffic closure on South Highway 9 at Lorenzo Avenue in San Lorenzo Valley because of emergency work. The closure is expected to end at 3:59 p.m. on April 1, 2026.
- Southbound Highway 17 at Sugarloaf Road in Scotts Valley is facing closures for emergency work. The closure is expected to last until 5:59 a.m. on December 20.
- A lane on North Highway 9 at Fern Street in the Westside / Downtown area is closed for utility work. The closure is expected to end at 2:30 p.m. on December 22.
- A lane on northbound Highway 17 at W Vine Hill Road in Scotts Valley is closed for tree work. The closure is expected to end at 4:01 a.m. today.
No crimes to report today
We checked with local police and there were no new incidents to report.
Disclosure: Traffic incidents, property development updates and code violations 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.