Hello hello. It is Friday, Dec. 29, and not only is the rain back, it’ll be sticking around Santa Cruz County through the end of the year – but sun is in the forecast for New Year’s Day, so hang in there.
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Many of the spots that took a beating in last winter’s storms took another hit Thursday, as big waves and extremely high tides inundated Capitola Village, Rio Del Mar and elsewhere. Max Chun has coverage of storm damage across the county, plus warnings about more heavy surf to come, while Lily Bellli checks in with battered business owners.
If you’re looking for a bottle of bubbly or two to ring in 2024, Lookout wine expert Laurie Love is here with recommendations, from an extra-special splurge to more budget-friendly vintages – and her Wine 101 lesson delivers a fascinating primer on all things Champagne.
And Lookout photojournalist Kevin Painchaud sends 2023 off with his favorite images of the past year and explanations of why he picked them – so read on for that, Wallace Baine’s guide to weekend entertainment and plenty more.
Santa Cruz County takes battering reminiscent of January storms, girds for another round
Rio Del Mar and Capitola Village saw the worst effects of Thursday’s high tides and swells reaching 30 feet, which rendered a number of roads closed and damaged some ocean-facing buildings. More rain and another set of large waves are expected to arrive on Friday and early Saturday, respectively. Max Chun has details.
Laurie Love on Wine: An extra-special New Year’s Eve Wine of the Week + all things bubbles
In Part 2 of her biweekly column, Lookout wine expert Laurie Love recommends a very special of bubbly for holiday celebrations as her Wine of the Week, and covers the basics of Champagne in her Wine 101 lesson. Click here to read Parts 1 and 2.
DAILY DIGEST
With an active weather pattern and angry ocean out there, you can count on Lookout to keep you updated: Sign up here for our breaking news alerts via text and email, and follow Lookout on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Threads. We also offer a host of other newsletters, including Eaters Digest, coming later Friday from food and drink correspondent Lily Belli, and Sunday Reads, hitting inboxes bright and early New Year’s Eve. (As a reminder, In the Public Interest, Christopher Neely’s dispatch from the public square of Santa Cruz County politics and policy, is taking next week off but will return to its usual Monday slot on Jan. 8.)
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Enjoy the long holiday weekend, everyone, and best wishes for a happy New Year. No Morning Lookout on Monday, but my colleagues will be back Tuesday to help you tackle 2024 as I take a couple days off.
Will McCahill