What’s happening, Lookout crew? Friday, May 2, is here, bringing with it another marine layer-to-sun day in varying ratios around Santa Cruz County and temperatures mostly in the 60s or low 70s.
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Storm clouds were on the horizon at an annual local conference Thursday, Max Chun reports, with Santa Cruz’s city manager telling the Monterey Bay Economic Partnership gathering that applications for housing developments are slowing amid current economic uncertainty. Local education leaders also expressed worries as they face federal funding cuts.
Those cuts and other Trump administration policies were on the minds of protesters across the county Thursday, and Lookout photojournalist Kevin Painchaud captured scenes from gatherings along Ocean Street in Santa Cruz and at Watsonville’s downtown plaza, in addition to a one-day labor strike at UC Santa Cruz.
Food & drink correspondent Lily Belli spotlights a rising powerhouse at the Capitola Mall, where Dani O Bakeshop’s croissants, bread and more have quickly gained a following since former Ritz-Carlton pastry chef Danielle Orlando set up shop.
And Wallace Baine, whose weekend roadmap you’ll also find among the day’s headlines, previews the Santa Cruz Mountain Mushroom Festival, a two-day event at Felton’s Roaring Camp that appeals not only to local cooks and foragers but also to those interested in fungi with medicinal and psychedelic uses.
Headlines? Headlines.
Santa Cruz’s housing boom sees ‘significant slowdown’ as economic fears deepen
Santa Cruz County is facing multiple economic challenges, local leaders warned at an economic conference Thursday, as housing developments stall, UCSC grapples with federal funding cuts and government agencies prepare for a potential recession amid immigration concerns. Max Chun was on hand.
Croissants, cruffins and breakfast smash burgers: Dani O Bakeshop rises from the Capitola Mall
Dani O Bakeshop is quietly transforming the Capitola Mall’s food court into a destination for high-quality, organic pastries and sourdough, thanks to baker Danielle Orlando’s years of experience and creative vision. From cruffins to smash burgers, her growing menu and wholesale reach reflect both her culinary ambition and commitment to family life. Lily Belli digs in.
DAILY DIGEST
As usual, there’s more on the menu as we close out the week, so keep it tuned to Lookout throughout the day. Coming in a few hours, for example, will be another serving of Lily Belli, in the form of her Eaters Digest – one of the many newsletters and breaking news alerts you can (and should!) sign up for here. If you haven’t downloaded the Lookout Santa Cruz app yet, there’s no time like the present – head on over to the Apple App Store or Google Play Store to get our award-winning local coverage right on your smartphone. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Threads and Bluesky are other places you’ll find Lookout’s mix of Santa Cruz County news and views.
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Here’s to a smooth Friday, everyone, and a safe, relaxing weekend beyond.
Will McCahill