Welcome to Monday night’s Lookout PM.
Find the latest Lookout List winners and runner-ups here. Be sure to sign up for our breaking news email alerts here, and download the Lookout Santa Cruz app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
Measures B and C: how campaign finance shakes out on last day before the vote
Both Measures B and C saw hundreds of thousands of dollars roll into the respective campaigns, but there are some notable differences. Measure C saw nearly $100,000 more donated than Measure B, which only had three major contributions all from different association of realtors organizations. Continue reading…
In the Public Interest: Santa Cruz County’s RV demolition plan tests the limits of California’s homelessness enforcement
What’s happening this week around Santa Cruz County politics & policy, courtesy of Lookout correspondents, plus stories you might have missed. Continue reading…
Too cute for comfort? Santa Cruz’s sea otters might have a publicity problem
As surfer-otter run-ins continue, researchers say people, not otters, are responsible. Human development has left Santa Cruz’s sea otters with nowhere to go, forcing them to get comfortable with people. Continue reading…
The 2025 Lookout List: Activities & Outdoors
From bike shops that keep wheels spinning to gyms that leave you feeling empowered, surf shops stacked with gear and u-pick farms bursting with fresh goodies, the 2025 Lookout List: Activities & Outdoor winners and runners-up are the local favorites everyone is talking about. Continue reading…
Hazardous beach conditions, high tides and more rain in forecast for Santa Cruz County
Long-period swells, high tides and an incoming storm system could mean an eventful weather week around Santa Cruz County. Continue reading…
Watsonville film screening Wednesday explores masculinity and mental health in youth
Cinelux Green Valley Cinema in Watsonville is screening a documentary film about youth and masculinity directed by Gov. Gavin Newsom’s wife, Jennifer Siebel Newsom. The Mask You Live In will be the main focus of a community screening and panel discussion on Wednesday, Nov. 5. The film examines how societal pressures and narrow cultural expectations affect boys and young men. Continue reading…
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Best of Santa Cruz County events, November 3-6
Here are some events you may be interested in this week:
Monday, Nov. 3
- Pilates & Posture with Horses | 9 a.m. @ BEYOND liberty, Center for Learning, Wellness, Sanctuary and Horse Retirement | $25 (This class included with membership)
- Knitting at the Library @ Felton | 12 p.m. @ Felton Branch Library
- Yoga, Meditation & Sound Healing | 6 p.m. @ Bruno’s Bar and Grill
- Fiduciary: A Valued Partner | 6 p.m. @ Wisdom Center of Santa Cruz | Free
- 2025 Capitola Plein Air Art Festival | 8 a.m. @ Capitola Village
- BioCharger Happy Hour | 4 p.m. @ SoulCare Studios | $25
- Dance Class comes to SV | 6 p.m. @ Scotts Valley Community Center | $10 (Please bring cash)
- Open Mic Mondays @ Henflings of Ben Lomond | 7 p.m. @ Henflings
Tuesday, Nov. 4
- Capitola Plein Air 2025 | 12 a.m. @
- Divine Feminine Beach Retreat | 12 a.m. @ Pajaro Dunes
Repeats once more on November 4
- Exhibition—”Weather and the Whale” | 12 p.m. @ Institute of the Arts and Sciences
- (((folkYEAH))) Presents: HAYDEN PEDIGO with JENS KUROSS | 8 p.m. @ The Crepe Place
- Breath for Life: The Breath of Gratitude | 7 p.m. @ Breath + Oneness | $35
- Gateway School Tour | 9 a.m. @ Gateway School | Free
- De-escalation Training | 4 p.m. @ Resource Center for Nonviolence | $65
- The Hive Live! presents Emilie Lygren and Stephen Kuusisto | 7 p.m. @ Bookshop Santa Cruz | Free
Wednesday, Nov. 5
- Motion Pacific: Dance for PD | 1 p.m. @ The 418 Project
- Happy Hour at your favorite Wine Bar | 5 p.m. @ Capitola Wine Bar
- An Irish & Scottish Celtic Travel Eve at AAA Capitola | 6 p.m. @ AAA Travel Capitola Branch | Free
- Honoring Patrick Orozco Luncheon | 12 p.m. @ Hay Barn
- Fluid Paint Pour! | 5 p.m. @ The Painted Cork | This event is $60
- Whiskey and Wings with Live Music from Nick Disalvo! | 6 p.m. @ Bruno’s Bar and Grill | Free
Repeats once more on November 5
- Fall Networking Social: Friendsgiving with Cruzio & The Chamber | 5 p.m. @ Cruzio Internet | $10 to $20 (Chamber members $10)
- Santa Cruz SPCA After School Junior Paws Program Tier 2 | 4 p.m. @ SPCA | $75 ($75 pays for three 2-hour lessons)
Thursday, Nov. 6
- Sewing Lessons for Beginners | 10 a.m. @ Everything Home | $60 to $90 (Save 10% when you purchase 6 weeks up front.)
- EARS FOR HATS PRESENTS: MOLLYLELE, JEFF LIU, MOROZ | 8 p.m. @ The Crepe Place
- Lumasi (21 and Over) | 8 p.m. @ Felton Music Hall
- Happy Little Trees Ornaments on sliced wood! | 6 p.m. @ The Painted Cork | This event costs $60
- Thirsty Thursday with Live Music by Ripatti and Rose | 6 p.m. @ Bruno’s Bar and Grill | Free
- Pacific Valley Bank Ribbon-cutting Ceremony and Multi-Chamber Mixer | 5 p.m. @ Pacific Valley Bank | Free
- Illuminated Sound: An Energy-Infused Sound Bath | 7 p.m. @ Breath + Oneness | $24
- Mah Jongg Club – Hong Kong Style | 2 p.m. @ Aptos Branch Library