Welcome to Wednesday night’s Lookout PM.
Be sure to sign up for our breaking news email alerts here and take advantage of our breaking news texts by signing up here.
Lookout also now offers Neighborhood Roundup, a neighborhood-specific newsletter sent each morning with weather, local news, crime reports, road closures, permit applications, road closures, restaurant inspections, upcoming events and more. Sign up here.
‘This was my dream; it turned into my nightmare’: Scotts Valley restaurant Casa Nostra closes amid financial turmoil
After a tumultuous and difficult four years, Scotts Valley restaurant Casa Nostra closed its doors this week. Owner Raffaele Cristallo cited financial difficulties that stretched back to the pandemic, a devastating mudslide in 2023 that made travel to its original Ben Lomond location difficult, and rising costs throughout the industry as reasons that led him to close the Italian eatery’s doors. Continue reading…
Scotts Valley didn’t get a tornado warning, but San Francisco did. Why?
National Weather Service meteorologists issued a tornado warning for San Francisco on Saturday morning but ultimately, no twister appeared there. Lookout talked to a meteorologist to understand why Scotts Valley residents weren’t issued a tornado warning before one touched down there. Continue reading…
Remembrance: Bruce Bratton was always part of the Santa Cruz conversation
Santa Cruz gadfly and film lover Bruce Bratton, who died Dec. 11, was always in the arena and always ready to offer his opinion, be it on the latest movie or the latest move by the political establishment. Continue reading…
This week in Santa Cruz County business: Midtown’s ambitious new health and wellness facility aims for March opening
In her weekly look at local business, Jessica M. Pasko updates the progress of Santa Cruz Athletic Club, taking shape in the former Midtown Rite Aid, and highlights hirings, numbers, events and other news to know. Continue reading…
California wants to give degrees based on skills — not grades. It’s dividing this college
California’s community colleges are experimenting with a new model, known as competency-based education, but at Madera Community College, it’s created a divide between faculty and college administrators. Continue reading…
Troubled California teens gain protections under a new law championed by Paris Hilton
Paris Hilton, the latest celebrity to lobby the California Legislature, persuaded it to pass a law that brings more transparency on the use of restraints and seclusion rooms. Continue reading…
Best of Santa Cruz County events, December 20-22
Here are some events you may be interested in this weekend:
Friday, Dec. 20
- BYOB Book Group | 11 a.m. @ Aptos Branch Library
- BOARDWALK – Winter Wonderland | 12 p.m. @ 400 Beach St
- Family Friendly Caroling Party | 5 p.m. @ Peace United Church of Christ
- Chanukah Extravaganza with latke dinner and Rock of Ages music show | 5 p.m. @ Temple Beth El Jewish Community Center
- Holiday Production: A Christmas Carol by Santa Cruz Shakespeare | 7 p.m. @ Veterans Memorial Building | $60
- Winter Solstice Ritual – Dancing Freedom – Cacao & Dance Journey | 7 p.m. @ Breath+Oneness Yoga | $45
- I Cantori di Carmel present: Magnificat – A Baroque Choral Celebration for the Holiday Season | 7 p.m. @ Holy Cross Catholic Church | $47
Saturday, Dec. 21
- Early Bird Saturday at the Arboretum | 7 a.m. @ Arboretum Road | $65
- Plant Walk at Big Basin Redwoods State Park | 10 a.m. @ Big Basin Redwoods State Park | Free
Repeats once more on Dec. 28
- Free Family Movie #2 | 11 a.m. @ Landmark’s Del Mar Theatre
- Family Flurry Day in downtown Santa Cruz | 11 a.m. @ Downtown Santa Cruz
- Island Holiday Party at Steel Bonnet Brewing | 12 p.m. @ Steel Bonnet Brewing Company
- Nutcracker 2024 | 1 p.m. @ Civic Auditorium | $20
- Ranch History Tour: Wilder Ranch | 1 p.m. @ Wilder Ranch State Park | Free
- Nutcracker: Experience the Magic 2024 | 1 p.m. @ Crocker Theater
- Holiday Ornament Making Workshop | 1 p.m. @ Annieglass Inc | $90
- Solstice Dinner at The Grove | 6 p.m. @ The Grove Cafe and Bakery | $172.57
- Tokyo Hot Tub Party | 6 p.m. @ Woodhouse Blending & Brewing
- Winter Solstice Ceremony | 6 p.m. @ Breath+Oneness Yoga | $25
Sunday, Dec. 22
- “Twistmas Caroling” with the Trolley Drops | 10 a.m. @ Live Oak Farmer’s Market
- Past Life Regression Group Journey | 3 p.m. @ Breath+Oneness Yoga | $45
Repeats once more on Dec. 22
- Sound Bath + Reiki: Integrating the Shadow – A Winter Solstice Sound Ceremony | 7 p.m. @ Breath+Oneness Yoga | $24
