Lookout PM: County supes select new county executive officer, 'No Kings' protests set for next weekend, and a local business roundup

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Credit: Kevin Painchaud / Lookout Santa Cruz; via County of Santa Cruz

Supervisors tap Nicole Coburn for next county executive officer

Nicole Coburn will succeed Carlos Palacios as Santa Cruz County’s top non-elected official after serving as assistant county executive officer since 2017. The board of supervisors is expected to formally approve her hiring at its Oct. 21 meeting. Continue reading…

Credit: Kevin Painchaud / Lookout Santa Cruz

‘No Kings’ rally and protest set for Oct. 18 in Santa Cruz and Watsonville

Political organizers in Santa Cruz and Watsonville are planning to bring big local numbers to a nationwide protest against the Trump administration. A second “No Kings” protest is slated for Oct. 18, with a march and rally in downtown Santa Cruz and a rally at the Watsonville Plaza. Continue reading…

This week in Santa Cruz County business: Zero Motorcycles to move headquarters abroad; Windmill Cafe’s owner prepares to pass the torch

In her weekly look at local business, Jessica M. Pasko reports on Scotts Valley pioneer Zero Motorcycles moving its HQ to the Netherlands and why the owner of Live Oak landmark Windmill Cafe is moving on, plus numbers, names and events to know. Continue reading…

Seaside’s Other Brother Beer Co. aims to open Aptos taproom by end of year

Seaside-based Other Brother Beer Co. plans to open its first satellite taproom in Aptos Village by the end of the year, taking over the former Doon to Earth space. The new 1,400-square-foot location will feature 22 taps, a small food menu and seating for about 50, marking Aptos’ only craft brewery. Continue reading…

Scotts Valley Police Chief Steve Walpole to retire

Scotts Valley Police Chief Steve Walpole plans to retire at the end of the month after 30 years of service in law enforcement, including more than eight years at the helm of the local police department. Continue reading…

Crop report: Santa Cruz County agriculture sees strong gains in berries, produce, nursery crops

Santa Cruz County’s 2024 crop report shows local farm production up 13% — led by booming berry, nursery and produce yields — while timber values fell nearly 20%. Continue reading…

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