Credit: Kevin Painchaud / Lookout Santa Cruz

Some local candidates are running with a ‘no party preference’ designation. Why?

As the June 2 primary inches closer, voters might notice that some candidates on Santa Cruz County ballots have their affiliation listed as “no party preference.” For some, it’s because of their past professional experience, while for others, it’s to steer as clear as possible of party politics. Here’s the story from Max Chun.


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Credit: Kevin Painchaud / Lookout Santa Cruz

OPINION: How the Vegan Chef Challenge built community and made me less lonely in Santa Cruz

What would happen if Santa Cruz County chefs went all-in on plant-based creativity? Writer Liza Monroy, who has been a vegan for almost eight years, got a tiny glimpse of that fantasy last month, when the Vegan Chef Challenge turned dining out into a monthlong celebration of plant-based food. Suddenly she discovered a bounty of choices, and restaurant outings felt less lonely. In faux-crab cakes and tofu bahn mi, she found community, connection and some unforgettable meals. Now she is asking a bigger question: Why shouldn’t every month taste and feel this good? Read her Community Voices op-ed here.


Credit: Kevin Painchaud / Lookout Santa Cruz