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Watsonville Community Hospital received $10.6 million in state aid in June. Where did it go?
By Tania Ortiz
Watsonville Community Hospital leadership says it has used up the entirety of a $10.6 million grant for the facility. The hospital’s chief financial officer tells Lookout that the money was meant to be spent quickly.
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This week in Santa Cruz County business: Leadership shakeup at Driscoll’s; Watsonville’s new distillery takes inspiration from the sea
By Jessica M. Pasko
In her weekly look at local business, Jessica M. Pasko reports on high-level departures at Watsonville-based berry giant Driscoll’s, a new distillery in South County and plenty of names, numbers and dates to know.
OPINION: Suddenly Seabright? Where has Ryan Coonerty been on development all this time?
By Ami Chen Mills
Ami Chen Mills, running for mayor of Santa Cruz, pushes back against the assertion by her opponent, Ryan Coonerty, that she has taken a stance “too late” on the project proposed at Seabright and Soquel avenues. She presents the politics […]

Monterey County blazes: Timber fire at 25,000 acres, 22% contained; Plaskett fire nears 29,000 acres, 1% contained
By Tania Ortiz
Crews are trying to make progress on the Timber and Plaskett fires, which continue to burn near Big Sur in Monterey County. The Timber fire has scorched roughly 25,001 acres and was 22% contained as of Wednesday afternoon. The Plaskett […]
Why a bill to juice condo construction died even though California lawmakers voted for it
By Ben Christopher / CalMatters
Supporters said a condo construction bill was a key to unlocking the type of naturally affordable for-sale housing that California desperately needs. But deadlines matter.
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Best of Santa Cruz County events, Sept. 4-6
Here are some local events you might be interested in this weekend:
Friday, Sept. 4
- Joy of Dance: September Dance Series at Soul Care Studios | 10 a.m. @ Soulcare Studios
- First Friday: September Sips & Sweets | 6 p.m. @ Homeless Garden Project Store
- The Girl of the Golden West | 7 p.m. @ Colligan Theater at the Tannery Arts Center
- Ocean Film Festival World Tour | 7 p.m. @ Rio Theatre
- (((folkYEAH))) Presents: PINK BREATH OF HEAVEN | 8 p.m. @ The Crepe Place
- The Sam Chase & The Untraditional w/ Thanks Buddy | 9 p.m. @ Moe’s Alley
Saturday, Sept. 5
- Aptos Farmers Market at Cabrillo College | 8 a.m. @ Cabrillo College
- Cars and Coffee | 9 a.m. @ East Lake Village Shopping Center | Free
- Buddhist Weekend Retreat: The Foundation of All Good Qualities | 10 a.m. @ Land of Medicine Buddha
- Ranch History Tour | 1 p.m. @ Wilder Ranch State Park
- Rosscienda First Saturday | 1 p.m. @ Rosscienda Vineyard
- HARRY AND THE HITMEN GARDEN PARTY | 4 p.m. @ The Crepe Place
- Fishhook ROCKS El Vaquero Winery| 5 p.m. @ El Vaquero Winery
Sunday, Sept. 6
- Swift Street Flea Market | 10 a.m. @ Berdels Westside
- Renaissance Day at Santa Cruz Maker Studios | 10 a.m. @ Santa Cruz Maker Studios
- Corralitos Farm and Garden Market | 11 a.m. @ Corralitos Farm and Garden Market
- Hoo Hah 35 | 1 p.m. @ Paradise Theater
- Tommy Castro & The Painkillers | 4 p.m. @ Moe’s Alley
- Halau Fundraiser Concert Featuring Hawaiian Music Artist Weldon Kekauoha | 5 p.m. @ The Landing Performing Arts Center
- Sunday Sound Bath + Reiki | 7 p.m. @ Kula Connections
- Stephen Malkmus | 8 p.m. @ Rio Theatre





