We will pause our newsletters on Christmas Day and on Friday, December 26. We will return to the regular schedule on Monday.
Welcome to Wednesday night’s Lookout PM.
Find the latest Lookout List winners and runners-up here. 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.
Thousands without power following first of two holiday storms
More than 11,000 Santa Cruz County residents were out of power as of late Wednesday morning after the first of two storms brought strong winds to the region. National Weather Service meteorologists say similar conditions are expected Wednesday night, along with 2 to 4 inches of rain by Friday evening.
Weekender: Wallace’s into-retirement playlist and all the New Year’s Eve recommendations you could ask for
Recommendations for things to do around Santa Cruz County on New Year’s Eve and a final playlist from Wallace Baine highlight his last newsletter before heading off into retirement. Continue reading…
Newsmakers 2025: Food and toiletries distributions for undocumented ag workers become offseason lifeline
As the Pajaro Valley’s growing season comes to a close, many of its workers turn to a monthly food distribution event hosted by the Center for Farmworker Families to alleviate the financial burdens that come with no work for a few months.
This week in Santa Cruz County business: Joby ramps up for 2026, its target year for commercial service launch; looking at businesses that closed in 2025
In her weekly look at local business, Jessica M. Pasko reports on where Joby Aviation stands ahead of what’s poised to be a big year for the Santa Cruz-based company, reviews closures around the county and highlights names and dates to know.
Expanding Bad Animal will feature modern Parisian bistro-inspired menu as it reopens its restaurant in January
Bad Animal will reopen its restaurant in January with former Hanloh chef de cuisine Nick Hahn, ending its long-running residency model and shifting the menu from Thai food to a modern Parisian bistro style influenced by both California ingredients and Hahn’s Korean heritage.
Down The Line: All the biggest and best shows, gigs & events ahead in Santa Cruz County
Team BOLO (Be On The Lookout) is gathering and curating all of Santa Cruz County’s biggest and best happenings from now until forever — or at least until the latest gigs are officially announced.
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Best of Santa Cruz County events, December 26-28
Here are some events you may be interested in this weekend:
Friday, Dec. 26
- Guided Tour | 1 p.m. @ Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History
- What Santa Forgot Sale | 9 a.m. @ Toque Blanche | Free
- New Year’s Train | 6 p.m. @ Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk | $58 to $74
- Edge of the West at El Vaquero Winery | 6 p.m. @ El Vaquero Winery | $10 ($10 at the door)
- Karaoke with Susan! | 7 p.m. @ Bruno’s Bar and Grill | Free
- Community Support Group | 3 p.m. @ The Lotus Collaborative | Free
- A Love Infused Crystal Bowl Sound Bath | 7 p.m. @ Breath + Oneness | $25
Repeats once more on December 26
- The Suborbitals at Over the Hill Gang Saloon | 7 p.m. @ Over the Hill Gang Saloon | Free
Saturday, Dec. 27
- Cars and Coffee | 9 a.m. @ East Lake Village Shopping Center | Free
- Aptos Farmers Market | 8 a.m. @ Cabrillo College | Free
- Glassblowing – Holiday Ornament Workshop | 4 p.m. @ Chris Johnson Glass-Studio Zayante | $165 to $175
- Afrobeats Nite Santa Cruz – ft. Phreeborn (with band), DJ El Jaguar & Monk Earl | 8 p.m. @ Moe’s Alley
- Edge of the West at Brookdale Lodge | 7 p.m. @ Brookdale Lodge | Free
- Mount Shasta Paint & Sip | 10 a.m. @ The Painted Cork | $45
- Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park – Tree Identification | 3 p.m. @ Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
Repeats once more on December 27
- Santa Cruz Warriors vs. Osceola Magic | 7 p.m. @ Kaiser Permanente Arena | $23 to $119
Repeats once more on December 28
Sunday, Dec. 28
- Open Mic Comedy at Shanty Shack | 7 p.m. @ Shanty Shack | Free
- Santa Cruz Warriors vs Osceola Magic | 6 p.m. @ Kaiser Permanente Arena
- Winter Trees and Pond ~ Paint & Sip | 11 a.m. @ The Painted Cork | $45
- Redwood Loop Tour – Henry Cowell Redwoods | 12 p.m. @ Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park | Free
- Ending the Year Gently – Guided Journey & Sound Bath | 4 p.m. @ Breath + Oneness | $35
- Creative Exploration | 9 a.m. @ Beyond Liberty | $15
- Farmers Market Live Oak | 9 a.m. @ East Cliff Shopping Center | Free
- Felton Music Hall presents… Don Flynn’s Comedy Revue | 8 p.m. @