Hi there, readers. It’s Friday, Dec. 19 – forecast to be the start of a week or so of rainy weather around Santa Cruz County.
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Santa Cruz’s planning commission voted Thursday night to end public hearings for 100% affordable housing projects in the city, Max Chun reports, a move aimed at accelerating the building process. The change still needs the approval of the city council, which will take it up early next year.
Lily Belli reviews downtown Santa Cruz newcomer Mane Kitchen & Cocktails, finding an approachable bistro menu, great service and well-crafted drinks in the former Betty’s Eat Inn spot on Pacific Avenue, though there’s room for the decor to better suit the sexy fine-dining vibe the owners are aiming for.
Watsonville’s vibrant arts scene has earned it a prestigious honor from the California Arts Council, Wallace Baine reports – come 2026, it will be one of the state’s 24 “cultural districts,” a designation that aims to support and highlight communities that promote and value “cultural diversity and unique artistic identities.”
Wallace’s recommendations for things to do this weekend and into next week are also among the TGIF headlines – away we go.
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Santa Cruz Planning Commission votes to end public hearings for fully affordable housing projects; city council to hear item in January
The City of Santa Cruz Planning Commission decided that it will drop public hearings for fully affordable housing projects, requiring only ministerial approval. The item will head to the Santa Cruz City Council for a first read in January. Details here from Max Chun.
Mane Kitchen & Cocktails opens in former Betty’s Eat Inn space with steaks, caviar and cocktails
Mane Kitchen & Cocktails, opened in late October by industry veterans Desmond Schneider and Julianna Mireles, brings polished service, standout cocktails and a bistro-style menu to a prime downtown Santa Cruz location. While the food and hospitality are already dialed in, the renovated space has room to evolve into the moody, after-hours destination the owners envision, with a speakeasy-style VIP room on the way. Here’s Lily Belli’s review.
DAILY DIGEST
Still on the Lookout menu as we head toward the weekend is another helping of Lily Belli, in the form of her Eaters Digest – one of the many free newsletters and breaking news alerts you should sign up for here. Download the Lookout Santa Cruz app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store to keep up with all of our award-winning local coverage right on your smartphone, and mix Lookout into your social media diet by following us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Threads and/or Bluesky.
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May your Friday be a smooth one, and have a safe, relaxing weekend – thanks for reading.
Will McCahill