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Credit: Kevin Painchaud / Lookout Santa Cruz

Java Junction on River Street to remain open thanks to a last-minute purchase

By Lily Belli

Java Junction’s River Street café will remain open after a local restaurant owner agreed to purchase the business, preserving staff and operations. The deal reverses a planned closure driven by steep rent increases, construction disruptions and declining sales.

Credit: Kevin Painchaud / Lookout Santa Cruz

Battery storage developer will seek state, not county, approval for new Watsonville plant

By Tania Ortiz

New Leaf Energy, the Massachusetts-based developer behind the proposed battery storage facility in Watsonville, will withdraw its application from Santa Cruz County to instead seek approval through the state.

Credit: Kevin Painchaud / Lookout Santa Cruz

This week in Santa Cruz County business: Save the Catalyst ballot drive comes up short; proposal to help small winemakers heads to Assembly

By Jessica M. Pasko

In her weekly look at local business, Jessica M. Pasko reports on efforts to preserve a historic downtown Santa Cruz music venue, state Sen. John Laird’s bill to help the wine industry, a boost for Santa Cruz County cannabis and more.

Credit: Ethan Swope / Associated Press

California governor candidates clash on taxes, Trump and healthcare in lively debate

By Sophie Austin / Associated Press

The leading candidates for California governor clashed in a lively debate Tuesday on everything from a proposed tax on billionaires to state-funded healthcare for immigrants in the country illegally.

Credit: Kevin Painchaud / Lookout Santa Cruz

OPINION: Meet the candidates running for the District 4 Santa Cruz City Council seat – and get ready for the June 2 primary

By Community Voices

Lookout offers short videos from the two candidates – Scott Newsome and Hector Marin – running for the District 4 seat.

Credit: Kevin Painchaud / Lookout Santa Cruz

OPINION: Meet the candidates running for the District 6 Santa Cruz City Council seat – and get ready for the June 2 primary

By Community Voices

Lookout offers short videos from the two candidates – Renee Golder and Gabriella Noack – running for the District 6 seat.

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Best of Santa Cruz County events, May 8-10

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

Friday, May. 8

Saturday, May. 9

Sunday, May. 10

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...