Welcome to Wednesday night’s Lookout PM.
Be sure to sign up for our breaking news email alerts here, and download the Lookout Santa Cruz app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office investigating series of burglaries in Aptos
The Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office is investigating more than a dozen burglaries, at both residential and commercial properties, in Aptos over the past week, and is advising residents to take precautionary measures. Continue reading…
County moves to ban retail sale of nitrous oxide, citing increased abuse among youth
Following recent police seizures and increased abuse among youth, Santa Cruz County supervisors advanced a ban on over-the-counter sales of nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas or whippets. The ban would go into effect by early November. Continue reading…
Ben Lomond’s Alba Schoolhouse delisted as historic landmark, but rebuilding efforts continue
The historic Alba Schoolhouse in Ben Lomond was officially delisted from the county’s landmark inventory this week, but a dedicated group of volunteers is pushing forward with long-term plans to rebuild what was lost in the 2020 CZU fire. Continue reading…
Watsonville votes to expand use of controversial Flock license plate readers despite immigration fears
The Watsonville City Council voted Tuesday night to renew a two-year contract with Flock Safety for automated license plate readers and add 17 more cameras throughout the city. Nearly 50 community members filled the council chambers to voice concerns over immigration enforcement risks. Continue reading…
Santa Cruz City Council tosses appeal of 67-unit Mission Street housing development
The Santa Cruz City Council rejected an appeal of a six-story, 67-unit housing development planned for Mission Street on Tuesday. Neighbors originally appealed the student-focused project due to road safety concerns and inadequate loading areas along busy streets. Continue reading…
Santa Cruz County supervisors fund X-ray center for another year but budget cuts loom
Santa Cruz County will outsource its blood draw services to Quest Diagnostics while temporarily saving public radiology with $400,000 from reserves, highlighting deepening strain on local safety-net health care. Continue reading…
Sign up for your Neighborhood Roundup. Sent every weekday morning, receive a neighborhood-specific roundup of the weather forecast, local news, crime reports, road closures, permit applications, road closures, restaurant inspections, upcoming events and more.
Best of Santa Cruz County events, September 12-14
Here are some events you may be interested in this weekend:
Friday, Sep. 12
- Evergreen Volunteer Days | 9 a.m. @ Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History
- The Wolves at Renegade Theater Co. | 7 p.m. @ Santa Cruz Actors’ Theatre | $23.02 to $27.18 ($23 Student tickets!)
- Real Estate (21 and Over) | 8 p.m. @ Felton Music Hall
- Twelve Stones Winery Tasting | 5 p.m. @ Saison Cellar & Wine Bar | $25
- Somatic Restore: A Nervous System Retreat | 4 p.m. @ Sacred Owl Land | $350 to $1050
- Salsa Y Salsa | 1 p.m. @ Watsonville Youth Center | Free
Repeats once more on September 12
- Pastel Painting with Joan Hellenthal | 10 a.m. @ Santa Cruz Art League | $135 (SCAL members get a 12% discount on classes!)
- Elemental Sound Bath + Reiki | 7 p.m. @ Breath + Oneness | $24
Saturday, Sep. 13
- Aptos Farmers Market | 8 a.m. @ Cabrillo College | Free
- Segundo Sabado/Second Saturday Watsonville | 1 p.m. @ Downtown Arts District | Free
- Cars and Coffee | 9 a.m. @ East Lake Village Shopping Center | Free
- Walking Meditation in the tradition of Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh | 9 a.m. @ Mission Plaza Park | Free
- SWEETS DENDRO, BEAST, XANADUNE | 8 p.m. @ The Crepe Place
- Santa Cruz High Class of 1975 50 Year Reunion! | 5 p.m. @ The Grill at Delaveaga Golf Course | $100 (Email for Pricing)
- 42nd Annual Capitola Art and Wine Festival | 8 a.m. @ Capitola Village
Repeats once more on September 13
- Capitola Art & Wine Festival | 10 a.m. @ Capitola Village | Free
Repeats once more on September 13
Sunday, Sep. 14
- 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
- Dante Lecture: Casanova ~ Man or Myth? | 6 p.m. @ Cabrillo College, VAPA Bldg 1000, Art History Forum room 101 | Free
- Hispanic/Latine Heritage Month Festival | 12 p.m. @ Woodhouse Blending & Brewing | Free
- The Enneagram: Self-Understanding & Liberation Workshop | 1 p.m. @ Bonny Doon | $76
Repeats once more on September 14
- Rebirth in the Eclipse Portal – Group Hypnosis | 3 p.m. @ Breath + Oneness | $45
- FREE LGBTQIA+ & Friends Self-Defense Workshop | 11 a.m. @ MINORSAN Self-Defense & Fitness | Free