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Credit: Kevin Painchaud / Lookout Santa Cruz

As Starbucks closes stores, what does it mean in a city built around independent coffee?

By Kate Lipsky

Starbucks has closed four Santa Cruz County locations in the past year, including two that shut down in September. We asked local coffee drinkers and independent baristas whether the closures matter in a city with a thriving independent coffee scene — and the answer depends on what customers want from their morning cup.

Credit: Sara Santistevan

17 poets, 4 minutes each: Writers of Color Santa Cruz County celebrates 5 years

By Alia Yee Noll

Writers of Color Santa Cruz County will host a poetry showcase Wednesday at the Museum of Art & History, featuring 17 performers from across North and South County. The collective meets monthly to host workshops and provide feedback to one another.

Credit: Kevin Painchaud / Lookout Santa Cruz

This week in Santa Cruz County business: Mixed courtroom results for Joby Aviation; digging into summer tourism numbers

By Jessica M. Pasko

In her weekly look at Santa Cruz County business, Jessica M. Pasko relays how Joby Aviation has fared in the courtroom lately, crunches local summer tourism data and spotlights more names, numbers and dates to know.

Credit: Kevin Painchaud / Lookout Santa Cruz

UPDATE: San Luis Obispo school district hires PVUSD Superintendent Heather Contreras

By Hillary Ojeda

Pajaro Valley Unified School District Superintendent Heather Contreras was hired to lead San Luis Coastal Unified School District on Tuesday night; Contreras will remain with PVUSD through the end of this school year.

Credit: Contributed

The Santa Cruz Public Libraries are hiring a poet laureate. Here’s how to apply

By Kate Lipsky

The Santa Cruz Public Libraries are searching for a community member to serve as the new poet laureate. The honorary role entails spreading messages about the value of creative expression, uplifting diverse voices and perspectives, encouraging new connections among county residents and increasing access to cultural resources.

Credit: Kevin Painchaud / Lookout Santa Cruz

Lily Belli on Food: Casalegno’s reopening weekend; Cafécto food truck on the move; Village Foods’ new partnerships

By Lily Belli

The latest in local food and drink news from Lily Belli.

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Best of Santa Cruz County events, October 9-11

Here are some events you may be interested in this weekend:

Friday, Oct. 9

Saturday, Oct. 10

Sunday, Oct. 11

Add an event to our calendar

Max Chun is the general-assignment correspondent at Lookout Santa Cruz. Max’s position has pulled him in many different directions, seeing him cover development, COVID, the opioid crisis, labor, courts...