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Deep-pocketed investors account for a third of home purchases in Santa Cruz County
Since 2021, investors have spent nearly $1.45 billion on purchases of single-family homes in Santa Cruz County, accounting for around 44% of total sales value.
After three-week dry spell, rain is coming to Santa Cruz County
The National Weather Service is forecasting three separate weather systems — weak storms — to hit Santa Cruz County this week.
Local favorites make perfect gifts: Explore the Lookout List winners
Looking for local favorites this holiday season? Browse a selection of 2025 Lookout List winners below. This Lookout reader-nominated group showcases Santa Cruz County’s most beloved shops, boutiques, makers and specialty retailers — all chosen by our community for their exceptional quality, service and creativity.
In the Public Interest: Investors and the county housing market; where downtown projects stand; SCPD and Flock access
Around Santa Cruz County politics & policy with Lookout correspondents and contributors, including a look at what’s on local agendas this week. Continue reading…
Carmageddon: Capitola to consider next steps for Grand Avenue pathway in the spring
The Capitola City Council allocated $13,000 toward a concept plan for the Grand Avenue pathway, which is expected to inform the council’s next steps, including whether or not the city wants to commit to a project at all.
Are we there yet? As 2026 dawns, downtown Santa Cruz is still in the middle of a long process to transformation
As 2025 morphs into 2026, Santa Cruz’s downtown is still deep in the middle of a major transformation. A new proposal for The Catalyst building has many up in arms, while fans of the new library quietly wait for 2028. Here’s an overview of where all the projects stand.
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Best of Santa Cruz County events, December 15-18
Here are some events you may be interested in this week:
Monday, Dec. 15
- Three Cheers: Third Annual Bartender Competition | 8 p.m. @ Venus Spirits Tasting Room
- Knitting at the Library @ Felton | 12 p.m. @ Felton Branch Library
- VOLUNTEER AT HOPES CLOSET / VOLUNTARIADO EN HOPES CLOSET | 10 a.m. @ Hopes Closet | Free
- Yoga, Meditation & Sound Healing | 6 p.m. @ Bruno’s Bar and Grill
- Princes of Surf 2025: Heʻe Nalu Santa Cruz | 11 a.m. @ Solari Gallery
- Phil Johnson and Roadside Attraction Comedy and Music | 7 p.m. @ Abbott Square Market
- Surf Live Oak | 12 p.m. @ Simpkins Family Swim Center
- HERstory Nominations Open | 12 p.m. @
Tuesday, Dec. 16
- Exhibition—”Weather and the Whale” | 12 p.m. @ Institute of the Arts and Sciences
- Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter Fundraiser at Bookie’s Pizza | 5 p.m. @ Bookies Pizza inside of Sante Adairius Rustic Ales Portal | Free
- Future Forum: Ocean Protection | 5 p.m. @ NextSpace | Free
- Ugly Christmas Sweater Trivia! | 7 p.m. @ Bruno’s Bar and Grill | Free
- Christmas Banditos Sing-A-Long | 5 p.m. @ The Crepe Place | Free
Repeats once more on December 16
- 13th Annual Messiah Sing-Along | 7 p.m. @ Peace United Church of Christ | $30 (Students and Seniors get a 17% discount)
- Salsa Social | 7 p.m. @ Abbott Square Market | Free
- Santa Cruz Shakespeare’s A Christmas Carol | 7 p.m. @ Veterans Memorial Hall | $15 to $54
Wednesday, Dec. 17
- Motion Pacific: Dance for PD | 1 p.m. @ The 418 Project
- Santa Clara Broncos Mens Basketball vs. University of North Texas Mean Green Mens Basketball | 6 p.m. @ Kaiser Permanente Arena
- Santa Cruz SPCA After School Junior Paws Program Tier 2 | 4 p.m. @ SPCA | $75 ($75 pays for three 2-hour lessons)
Repeats once more on December 17
- STANDUP COMEDY AT SANTA CRUZ MOUNTAIN BREWING | 8 p.m. @ Santa Cruz Mountain Brewing | Free
- PAINT & SIP | 7 p.m. @ Santa Cruz Hostel | $1 to $45
- Painting with Oils and Acrylics – with Toaa Dallo | 1 p.m. @ Santa Cruz Art League | $180 (SCAL members get a 12% discount on classes!)
- Step Into Santa Cruz: SCAL Members’ Exhibition | 12 p.m. @ Santa Cruz Art League | Free
- Pilates & Posture with Horses | 9 a.m. @ BEYOND liberty, Center for Learning, Wellness, Sanctuary and Horse Retirement | $25 (This class included with membership)
Thursday, Dec. 18
- Sewing Lessons for Beginners | 10 a.m. @ Everything Home | $60 to $90 (Save 10% when you purchase 6 weeks up front.)
- Persephone Restaurant Thursday Night Pasta Special | 5 p.m. @ Persephone Restaurant | $40
- Tomáseen Foley’s A Celtic Christmas | 7 p.m. @ UCSC Music Center Recital Hall | $45 to $50 (Discount for Celtic Society Members — fees may apply )
- Reindeer Games – The Christmas Champions | 6 p.m. @ Abbott Square Market | $20 to $25
- Holiday Sip and Shop with Live Music from Mark Haren! | 6 p.m. @ Bruno’s Bar and Grill | Free
- Flynn Creek Circus presents ‘The Bridge’ | 6 p.m. @ Capitola Mall | $23 to $190 (Tickets start at $23)
- Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter FUNDRAISER ~ Paint Your Pet – Warhol Style | 12 p.m. @ The Painted Cork | $75
- Sound Bath: Journey to the Center of the Heart | 7 p.m. @ Breath + Oneness | $25