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Credit: Kevin Painchaud / Lookout Santa Cruz

Expiring housing vouchers and new citizenship requirements: Housing Authority braces for policy changes that could cost people their homes

By Max Chun

The Housing Authority of Santa Cruz County is facing a number of serious concerns this year, including the expiration of pandemic-era emergency housing vouchers and proposed changes to federal policy that could mean more households are ineligible for assistance. However, the organization’s executive director is “cautiously optimistic” that it will be able to provide an alternative.

Credit: Kevin Painchaud / Lookout Santa Cruz

Watsonville’s new police chief shares his views on ICE and Flock cameras, says he’s ready to learn and engage with the community

By Tania Ortiz

Brian Shab, a 27-year veteran police officer, spoke to Lookout about stepping into a new role as Watsonville’s 17th police chief and his goals for the department during his tenure.

Credit: Kevin Painchaud / Lookout Santa Cruz

From campus to community: UCSC brings science to the neighborhood to spark local dialogue

By Cassidy Beach

UC Santa Cruz has launched a lecture series that takes researchers out of the lab and into neighborhoods to provide the public with a clearer understanding of cutting-edge science.

Credit: Tania Ortiz / Lookout Santa Cruz

Watsonville City Council pushes discussion of extending term limits to March

By Tania Ortiz

The Watsonville City Council on Tuesday pushed back a discussion on extending term limits for elected officials. The proposal would allow city councilmembers to serve more than the current limit of two terms.

Celebrating Legacy, Impact and Rising leaders at MAH’s 2026 HERstory event

By Galicia Stack Lozano | Community Engagement Intern

With Women’s History Month on the horizon, the Santa Cruz Museum of Art and History (MAH) is preparing to host its third annual HERstory Celebration on the evening of March 6, in partnership with the Santa Cruz County Office of Education (SCCOE) and Lookout Santa Cruz.

Credit: Kevin Painchaud / Lookout Santa Cruz

Live Oak superintendent resigns, school board approves cutting 6 teachers, mental health clinician, more staff

By Hillary Ojeda

Live Oak School District’s superintendent announced his resignation effective June 30 as the school board approved nearly 11 staff reductions — including six teachers and a mental health clinician — to address a structural budget deficit driven by declining enrollment and rising costs.

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Best of Santa Cruz County events, February 27-March 1

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

Friday, Feb. 27

Saturday, Feb. 28

Sunday, Mar. 1

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...