Friday, Jan. 16, has arrived, and it’ll be another sunny, mild day around Santa Cruz County, with highs from the upper 60s to mid-70s – and much the same through the coming long weekend.
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Friday marks one year since a massive blaze erupted at the battery storage facility in Moss Landing, and Tania Ortiz reports on where things stand. Local residents say they’re still not getting answers from the agencies tasked with investigation and cleanup, from how the fire started to health and environmental effects.
Max Chun reports on a move by the Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission, announced late Thursday night, to end its deal with the company that operates portions of the county rail line. It’s an effort to speed construction of some segments of the Coastal Rail Trail, with the RTC’s director saying Progressive Rail has been “unwilling to find a workable path forward while making unrealistic and unattainable demands in exchange for their cooperation.”
Max also reports that the Scotts Valley City Council has called a special meeting later Friday, aiming to declare an emergency that will allow it to fund repairs for a 30-foot-by-30-foot sinkhole that opened on Scotts Valley Drive near Highway 17 on- and off-ramps.
The day’s headlines also include Lily Belli’s recommendations for food & drink events to put on your calendar in 2026, but first, a view through the lens of Lookout photojournalist Kevin Painchaud.
Photo of the day
The world-famous Harlem Globetrotters brought their electrifying show to Kaiser Permanente Arena in Santa Cruz on Thursday night. With their signature dunks, dazzling ballhandling and crowd-pleasing theatrics, the Globetrotters entertained a packed house while defeating their longtime rivals, the Washington Generals, as part of a tour to celebrate their 100th year.
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One year after massive fire at Moss Landing battery storage facility, nearby residents have more questions than answers
People who live near Moss Landing still have more questions than answers about the massive fire that started Jan. 16, 2025, at the world’s second-largest battery storage facility. “They haven’t defined for the public what was the ignition event. What caused the fire?” one Prunedale resident says. “They haven’t reported anything about why it wasn’t suppressible” with traditional firefighting strategies. Tania Ortiz reports.
➤ MOSS LANDING FIRE: Read Lookout’s coverage of the blaze and its aftermath
RTC moves to terminate agreement with Progressive Rail, speed construction of rail trail
In a move aimed at speeding construction of the Coastal Rail Trail, the Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission announced that it is moving to terminate its agreement with current Santa Cruz Branch Line rail operator Progressive Rail and become the common carrier on a portion of the line. Max Chun has the latest.
DAILY DIGEST
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Have a good Friday, and here’s to a safe, relaxing long weekend beyond. Thanks as ever for reading, and I’ll see you Tuesday.
Will McCahill