Good morning! It’s February 23 — here’s what’s going on in your community today…
Clouds and sun in Westside / Downtown
Today will be intervals of clouds and sunshine. The high will be 68 with a low of 51. Allergy sufferers beware: there are high amounts of tree pollen in the air. Mostly sunny now, changing to partly sunny at 9 a.m.
Looking ahead: Expect showery weather tomorrow morning through late tomorrow night
Westside / Downtown news
UCSC may revamp its residential colleges after review. Caltrans plans Highway 17 safety, congestion, and climate improvements, including expanding the 17 Express bus. Local musicians will collaborate with legendary artists in a new concert series.
Carmageddon: Highway 17 corridor plan prioritizes congestion relief, safety and climate resiliency
By Max Chun
Feb 23, 2026
OPINION: Santa Cruz County votes early and often — our tradition could be in jeopardy this November
By Michael Polhamus
February 22, 2026
What’s new around you
▼︎ police incidents ▼︎ road incidents ▼︎ food inspections
Read on to see the details about each item…
Roadwork is affecting traffic in the region
- One lane is closed on North Highway 9 at Encinal Street because of shoulder work. The closure will last until February 28 at 3:01 p.m.
- South Highway 9 at Lorenzo Avenue in San Lorenzo Valley has one-way traffic because of emergency work. This closure will last until April 1 at 3:59 p.m.
Restaurant inspections
County officials regularly inspect food facilities to ensure compliance with state laws. Here, Lookout Santa Cruz reports both those who have passed the inspections and those that the county deems to have a “major” issue. The county’s full ongoing report can be accessed here.
- Courtyard Santa Cruz at 313 Riverside Ave., Santa Cruz, passed a county health inspection on February 18 with no critical issues.
- Zoccoli’s Deli at 1534 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, passed a county health inspection on February 19 with no critical issues.
- Ibiza at 1541 Pacific Ave. Ste B, Santa Cruz, passed a county health inspection on February 19 with no critical issues.
- Chocolate at 1522 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, was cited for high-risk violations of unapproved food sources or contaminated food, improper food preparation or handling and improper food temperatures, inadequate washing of utensils or equipment, unapproved food sources or contaminated food during a county health inspection on February 19. The issues were resolved during the inspection.
Community crime report
- A male juvenile was arrested for having a gun without a serial number, carrying a loaded gun in public as a felon, being a minor with a handgun, and felony vandalism. The incident happened near Pacific Ave. & Maple St., Santa Cruz, at 2 a.m. on February 22. (source)
- A man was arrested for several offenses, including stealing from a store, carrying a hidden knife, having illegal items, resisting police, and hitting an officer. The incident happened near the 400 Block of Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, at 10 a.m. on February 20. (source)
- A man was arrested for assaulting someone with a weapon, having an outstanding felony warrant, possessing illegal paraphernalia, and trespassing at a business. The incident happened near the 1300 Block of Ocean St., Santa Cruz, at 9 a.m. on February 20. (source)
- A grand theft involving money, labor, or property was reported, and there is no information about a suspect. The incident happened near Pacific Ave. & Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz at 7 p.m. on February 20. (source)
- A burglary happened near the 1600 Block of Mission St., Santa Cruz on February 21 at 9 p.m. (source)
- A burglary was reported near the 200 Block of Pioneer St., Santa Cruz at 1 p.m. on February 20. (source)
- A burglary happened near the 600 Block of Ocean St., Santa Cruz at 6 a.m. on February 20. There is limited information about the suspect. (source)
- Police reported a burglary happened near the 1300 Block of Pacific Avenue in Santa Cruz around 4 a.m. on February 20. (source)
Disclosure: Traffic incidents and police incidents are partially generated by artificial intelligence. We are constantly working to improve the accuracy and quality of our AI-generated content. However, there may still be errors or inaccuracies. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us.