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Group of local contractors to use straw bales to build low-income housing on Mt. Calvary Church property in Soquel
By Tania Ortiz
A group of local contractors are hoping to address both homelessness and climate change with their project to build six new “tiny homes” using natural materials.
It’s Tax Day: Here’s why some Santa Cruz County homeowners are saving more this year
By Dieter Holger
This year, some Santa Cruz homeowners were able to save thousands of dollars when filing taxes. That’s due to an increased cap on state and local tax deduction referred to as SALT.
Live Oak School District plans to announce new superintendent within a month
By Hillary Ojeda
The Live Oak School District plans to announce a new superintendent at its April 22 or May 6 board meeting following Pat Sánchez’s resignation. Board leaders say they are aiming for a transition by July 1 without the need for an interim leader.
This week in Santa Cruz County business: Paystand’s new partnership, U.S. trade commission to investigate claims against Joby, Dharma’s cry for help
By Jessica M. Pasko
Jessica M. Pasko’s weekly column is back with news of local payments company Paystand partnering with a big name, a U.S. Trade Commission investigation in to Joby Aviation, upcoming dates to know, and more.
The Big Ripple: An ambitious new arts festival hopes to spark a colorful and creative future for the county’s arts community
By Wallace Baine
Ripple Effect, a new, creative arts festival covering the entire county, officially launches on Thursday. It will feature a wide range of activities involving visual and performing arts, film, photography, and much more.
Lily Belli on Food: Salmon season opens; Grey Bears expands; and ramen-slurping poetry
The latest in Santa Cruz County food & drink news, notes, event recommendations and more from Lookout correspondent Lily Belli.
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Best of Santa Cruz County events, April 17-19
Here are some events you may be interested in this weekend:
Friday, Apr. 17
- All About Theatre Presents “Disney’s The Lion King Jr” | 6 p.m. @ Colligan Theater | $22 to $30 (Student discounts for the first Saturday shows.)
- Moe’s Alley Presents: Quique Neira w/ ELeNAH | 9 p.m. @ Moe’s Alley
- Mark Van Haren – ’70s pop-soul | 5 p.m. @ Chaminade Resort | Free
- In Some Dark Valley: The Testimony of Reverend Brand | 7 p.m. @ Actors’ Theatre | $32 to $35
- How Clutter Clearing Heals | 9 a.m. @ | Free
- Santa Cruz Swing Festival | 6 p.m. @ Portuguese Hall | $35 to $145
- Henry Fong | 8 p.m. @ Motiv
- ALOHA CALIFORNIA TOUR: George Kahumoku & Kimo West | 7 p.m. @ Kuumbwa Jazz
Saturday, Apr. 18
- Aptos Farmers Market | 8 a.m. @ Cabrillo College | Free
- Emmylou Harris | 8 p.m. @ Civic Auditorium
- Teen Job Training | 10 a.m. @ The Museum of Art and History
- Saturday Shakespeare Featuring Macbeth | 10 a.m. @ Aptos Branch Library
- (((folkYEAH!))) Presents: Dumbo Gets Mad | 9 p.m. @ Moe’s Alley
- DAN P AND THE BRICKS, BULL SHANNON | 8 p.m. @ The Crepe Place
- Drain and Friends | 7 p.m. @ Quarry Amphitheater
- Cement Ship (21 and Over) | 7 p.m. @ Felton Music Hall
Sunday, Apr. 19
- Gillian Welch & David Rawlings Play Grateful Dead Acoustic Reckoning | 7 p.m. @ Quarry Amphitheater
- Santa Cruz Jewish Film Festival | 6 p.m. @ Temple Beth El Jewish Community Center | Free
- Roy Rogers & The Delta Rhythm Kings – Celebrating The New Release “The Sky’s the Limit” | 4 p.m. @ Moe’s Alley
- Dia de La Familia | 9 a.m. @ Live Oak Farmers’ Market | Free
Repeats once more on April 19
- Patriots Day Talk | 2 p.m. @ San Lorenzo Valley Museum | Free
- Brunch Paint & Sip with Live Music | 12 p.m. @ Hotel paradox | $50 to $55 ($55 or 2 for $100)
- Student Exhibition, 2026 | 3 p.m. @ Cabrillo Gallery | Free
- Building Ecological Homes for the Unhoused — Community Fundraiser | 2 p.m. @ Vino by the Sea | $100 (Donation – Pay what you can)
