Good morning! It’s February 17 — here’s what’s going on in your community today…
Windy with rain and a t-storm in Westside / Downtown
Today will be windy and cool with periods of rain and a thunderstorm; thunderstorms can bring localized damaging wind gusts. There is a 98% chance of rain. The high will be 52 with a low of 41. Rain now, changing to cloudy at 9 a.m.
Westside / Downtown news
Eric Peterson and Lisa Lincoln now own Santa Cruz Rehearsal Studios, offering affordable rates and planning renovations to enhance the space for local musicians.
Local music lovers vow to keep the good times going at Santa Cruz Rehearsal Studios
By Jessica M. Pasko
Feb 17, 2026
OPINION: Finding female friends over 50 is hard – but I’m starting a Santa Cruz group. Want to join?
By Lida Berliner
February 17, 2026
OPINION: I grew up in an education desert but made it to UCSC – rural California needs funding so students can thrive
By Ava Thornock
February 15, 2026
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What’s new around you
▼︎ police incidents ▼︎ road incidents ▼︎ food inspections ▼︎ events
Read on to see the details about each item…
Things to do in Westside / Downtown
After School Kids Classes
At Santa Cruz Maker Studios, we offer engaging, hands-on classes where kids can explore woodworking, sewing, beading, 3D modeling, and more! Our sessi…
At Santa Cruz Maker Studios on February 17
Repeats 73 more times until May 29
Winter Youth Camp at Santa Cruz Maker Studios
Join us for a day of hands-on creativity! Our Winter Makers Camp offers a mix of woodworking, sewing & beading, 3D printing, and Laser Engraving works…
At Santa Cruz Maker Studios on February 17
Roadwork is affecting traffic in the region
- One lane of North Highway 9 at Encinal Street is closed for shoulder work. The closure will last until February 28 at 3:01 p.m.
- One lane of South Highway 9 at Lorenzo Avenue in San Lorenzo Valley is closed for emergency work. The closure is expected to 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.
- Bluebird at 216 Fern St., Santa Cruz, passed a county health inspection on February 12 with no critical issues.
- Far West Fungi at 224 Laurel St. Ste A101, Santa Cruz, passed a county health inspection on February 12 with no critical issues.
- The Salty Otter Sports Grill Llc at 110 Walnut Ave., Santa Cruz, passed a county health inspection on February 12 with no critical issues.
Community crime report
- A sexual assault involving force was reported, and a male suspect was arrested. The incident happened near the 1000 Block of Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, at 11 p.m. on February 14. (source)
- A report was filed about a felony battery that caused serious injuries. The incident happened near the 700 Block of Front St., Santa Cruz, at 1 p.m. on February 15. (source)
- A report was filed about someone smuggling illegal drugs into jail and making criminal threats. This happened near the 100 Block of Coral St., Santa Cruz, at 5 p.m. on February 14. (source)
- A report was filed about child abuse and driving under the influence of alcohol after a non-injury crash. The incident happened near the 100 Block of Coral St., Santa Cruz at 1 p.m. on February 14. (source)
- A report was filed for inflicting injury on a spouse, cohabitant, or dating partner near the 100 Block of Campbell St., Santa Cruz. The incident happened at 9 p.m. on February 13. (source)
- A man was arrested for having illegal drugs and violating his probation, both felonies, after having previous convictions. The incident happened near the 100 Block of River St., Santa Cruz, at 10 a.m. on February 15. (source)
- A woman was arrested for being under the influence of drugs in public, having illegal drugs, and carrying drug-related items. She was taken to the recovery center. The incident happened near the 100 Block of River St., Santa Cruz at 10 a.m. on February 15. (source)
- A hit and run causing property damage was reported near the 400 Block of Barson St., Santa Cruz. The incident happened at 9 p.m. on February 14. (source)
- A felony theft was reported after the fact involving petty theft by someone with two or more prior convictions. The incident happened near the 100 Block of S River St., Santa Cruz, at noon on February 13. (source)
- A person was cited and released for stealing utility services. The incident happened near the 2900 Block of Mission St., Santa Cruz at 10 p.m. on February 13. (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.