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Credit: Kevin Painchaud / Lookout Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz Police Chief Bernie Escalante retiring after 30 years of service, nearly five as police chief

By Max Chun

Bernie Escalante, who has served as Santa Cruz’s police chief since October 2021, is retiring at the end of October following 30 years of service.

Credit: Pu Pu 'O Hawaii Outrigger

Weekender: The fair, music, art and outriggers

By Lookout Santa Cruz staff

Your cheat sheet for eating well and going out this weekend in Santa Cruz County.

Credit: Andy Vargas

‘Music is in my blood’: Santana singer Andy Vargas returns to Watsonville for Santa Cruz County Fair performance with his dad

By Alia Yee Noll and Tania Ortiz

Santana’s lead singer, Andy Vargas, will return to his hometown of Watsonville to perform at the Santa Cruz County Fair on Friday night. His father, celebrated mariachi musician Javier Vargas, will join him onstage.

Credit: Kevin Painchaud / Lookout Santa Cruz

No endorsement in Santa Cruz mayor race as Democratic Central Committee splits on candidates

By Max Chun

Just like in the primary election, the Santa Cruz County Democratic Central Committee failed to reach a consensus on its endorsement for Santa Cruz mayor, meaning it will not officially back either Ami Chen Mills or Ryan Coonerty in November.

Credit: Kevin Painchaud / Lookout Santa Cruz

The tradition continues: Opening day at the Santa Cruz County Fair

By Kevin Painchaud

The Santa Cruz County Fair is back in Watsonville for five days of carnival rides, local food, livestock, music and old-fashioned fair fun.

Credit: Kevin Painchaud / Lookout Santa Cruz

OPINION: I’m running against Gail Pellerin: We need to hold onto the heart of Santa Cruz by revising recent housing laws

By Carol Pefley

Carol Pefley is running against Gail Pellerin for the Assembly District 28 seat on Nov. 3. A former journalist and realtor, she believes we need to rethink state housing laws and help maintain the Santa Cruz “mystique” she remembers as a young adult.

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Best of Santa Cruz County events, September 18-20

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

Friday, Sep. 18

Saturday, Sep. 19

Sunday, Sep. 20

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...