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Police identify victim, suspect in fatal Capitola Mall stabbing
By Max Chun and Caly Luna Plowman
Capitola police and the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office identified the victim in Monday’s fatal stabbing outside the Capitola Mall as Rachell Summers, 73, of Capitola. On Tuesday, the law enforcement agencies also identified the suspect as Tyler Leibelt, 19, of Santa Cruz, who remains in custody.
Lily Belli on Food: Apple farmers’ woes; Driscoll’s legal battles; ex-mayor’s ice cream journey
By Lily Belli
In her Tuesday newsletter, Lily Belli notes the latest challenges for apple growers across California, multi-front litigation for a Watsonville berry giant and Don Lane’s quest to visit 100 ice cream shops around the state this month.
Driscoll’s faces growing legal storm over pesticide safety, ‘forever chemicals’ and social media claims
By Jessica M. Pasko
Berry giant Driscoll’s is facing multiple legal challenges, including consumer lawsuits alleging “forever chemicals” and pesticide cover-ups, while simultaneously suing a mobile app startup for spreading false claims. The Watsonville-based company denies the allegations of misconduct, affirming its commitment to food safety and regulatory standards.
‘Much Ado About Everything Right’: SC Shakespeare’s perfect summer comedy
By Jana Marcus
Filled with infectious comedy, colorful design, inspired music and superb performances, Santa Cruz Shakespeare’s “Much Ado About Nothing” is a joyful season opener, Jana Marcus writes, that proves Shakespeare can still leave audiences laughing four centuries later.
OPINION: The City of Santa Cruz drew the line on facial recognition and Flock cameras. AI is testing us again.
By Steve Pleich
The City of Santa Cruz led the nation in 2020 by restricting facial recognition technology, yet new artificial intelligence tools are quietly expanding the reach of surveillance, writes civil libertarian Steve Pleich. Before these systems become commonplace, he believes local cities and the county board of supervisors should establish clear rules that continue to protect both public safety and civil liberties. He insists privacy should not disappear simply because technology evolves.
Trump administration says it’s deferring $1B in Medicaid payments to California and Minnesota
By Ali Swenson / Associated Press
The Trump administration on Tuesday said it was deferring more than $1 billion in Medicaid payments to Minnesota and California because of “suspected fraud and noncompliance,” the latest in a series of punitive steps it has linked to allegations of fraud in mostly Democratic-led states.
Upgrade your membership to support teachers — and double your impact for students in need
Lookout is contributing 10% of membership purchases or upgrades to United Way Santa Cruz County’s Stuff the Bus school supply drive, which provides backpacks full of supplies for local students experiencing homelessness, housing insecurity and other hardships. More than 2,800 local students experienced homelessness during the 2024-25 school year, according to the Santa Cruz County Office of Education.
Every One-for-One membership provides free educational access for a local teacher, and right now, when you upgrade your membership, you’re also doubling your impact for local students in need.
Support local students in need with your Lookout membership
Lookout is contributing 10% of each new membership to United Way Santa Cruz County’s Stuff the Bus school supply drive, which provides backpacks full of supplies for local students experiencing homelessness, housing insecurity and other hardships. More than 2,800 local students experienced homelessness during the 2024-25 school year, according to the Santa Cruz County Office of Education.
Right now, your contribution is being matched, meaning each new annual membership fills a backpack for another local student in need.
Sign up for your Neighborhood Roundup. Sent every weekday morning, receive a neighborhood-specific roundup of the weather forecast, local news, crime reports, road closures, permit applications, restaurant inspections, upcoming events and more.
What’s new on the Lookout Job Board
- Part-time Marketing and Social Media Coordinator at Kuumbwa Jazz
- Dining Cook at UC Santa Cruz
- Director of Major Gifts and Planned Giving at Homeless Garden Project
- Early Education Lead Teacher (Infant/Toddler/Two’s) at UC Santa Cruz
- Delivery Driver at Coast Paper & Supply Inc
- Caregiver for Seniors – Part Time at Home Senior Care, Inc.
Want more? Browse all openings on our Job Board.
Hiring? Post your job today!
