Welcome to Wednesday night’s Lookout PM.
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In aging Santa Cruz County, a free seniors lunch draws a cross-generational crowd in search of affordable meals and social connection
In the past five years, Grey Bears’ free hot lunch program in Santa Cruz has grown from serving a few dozen volunteers to feeding up to 300 people a day, as more residents turn to the nonprofit for food and connection amid rising costs and isolation. Continue reading…
This week in Santa Cruz County business: Business owners’ input sought ahead of 2026 sporting events; Seabright Social files for bankruptcy
In her weekly survey of local business, Jessica M. Pasko notes Santa Cruz County’s efforts to attract some of the visitors headed to nearby Santa Clara for next year’s Super Bowl and World Cup, bankruptcy for a business affected by the Murray Street Bridge closure and much more. Continue reading…
Santa Cruz city workers reject latest contract offer, authorize strike
Hundreds of unionized City of Santa Cruz workers voted 96% to reject the latest contract offer from the city and authorize a strike. The union and the city are poised to enter mediation next Thursday, Oct. 30, to continue attempts to reach a deal. Continue reading…
Dientes opens second Watsonville clinic, expanding dental care for more patients
Dientes Community Dental Care opened its fifth Santa Cruz County dental clinic Wednesday, an eight-chair office in Watsonville that the nonprofit says will enable it to serve 3,000 more low-income patients annually. Continue reading…
In PVUSD, an update to a policy on controversial issues in the classroom faces accusations of censorship
Teachers in Pajaro Valley Unified School District are protesting proposed policy changes they say could suppress classroom discussions on controversial topics by requiring prior approval from administrators. Continue reading…
Why California’s historic housing law gave activists a new reason to battle the bus
Opponents to dense housing developments in Los Angeles turned their attention to transit after Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a law encouraging construction near bus and rail lines. Continue reading…
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Best of Santa Cruz County events, October 24-26
Here are some events you may be interested in this weekend:
Friday, Oct. 24
- Evergreen Volunteer Days | 9 a.m. @ Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History
- Parent Nest Fall Series: Guided Play & Connection | 9 a.m. @ Santa Cruz Children’s Museum of Discovery
- Kianti’s “Jack Is Back” Holiday Performance | 6 p.m. @ Kianti’s Pizza & Pasta Bar
- Downtown & Mission Hill Walking Tour | 10 a.m. @ Abbott Square Marketplace | $30 to $48
- (((folkYEAH))) Presents: MILD UNIVERSE | 10 p.m. @ The Crepe Place
- Moe’s Alley Presents: The Bones of J.R. Jones | 9 p.m. @ Moe’s Alley
- North Bookmobile at Pajaro Park (24 San Juan Rd.) | 2 p.m. @
Repeats once more on October 24
- $31 SPOOKTACULAR Pet Adoption Special October 24th-27th | 11 a.m. @ Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter
Saturday, Oct. 25
- Walking Meditation in the tradition of Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh | 9 a.m. @ Mission Plaza Park | Free
- Thomas and Percy’s Halloween Party(TM) | 10 a.m. @ Roaring Camp Railroads
- Aptos Farmers Market | 8 a.m. @ Cabrillo College | Free
- Make a Glass Pumpkin! Hot Glass Workshops in our Davenport Studio | 12 p.m. @ Chris Johnson Glass – Studio Zayante | $150 to $185
- Cars and Coffee | 9 a.m. @ East Lake Village Shopping Center | Free
- Tokyo Hot Tub Party | 9 p.m. @ Woodhouse Blending & Brewing | Free
- The Bardo of Dreams: Honoring the Wisdom of Death | 4 p.m. @ Breath + Oneness | $45
- Wilderness First Aid for Mountain Bikers | 8 a.m. @ Wilder Ranch State Park | $395 (SCMTS members receive 20% off, proof of membership required.)
Sunday, Oct. 26
- Open Mic Comedy at Shanty Shack | 7 p.m. @ Shanty Shack | Free
- Farmers Market Live Oak | 9 a.m. @ East Cliff Shopping Center | Free
- Andy Fuhrman on the Westside | 2 p.m. @ MJA Vineyards Westside
- Steely Dead (21 and Over) | 8 p.m. @ Felton Music Hall
- The Grateful Dads at the Shanty Shack | 3 p.m. @ Shanty Shack Brewing
Repeats once more on October 26
- Downtown Candy Crawl | 2 p.m. @ Watsonville Plaza
Repeats once more on October 26
- Downtown Watsonville Candy Crawl | 2 p.m. @ Downtown Watsonville | Free
- Posture & Movement Recode Workshop | 10 a.m. @ Breath + Oneness | $35