California Gov. Gavin Newsom has already vowed to tank a proposed ballot initiative that would impose a 5% wealth tax on the state’s billionaires to bolster Medi-Cal. Progressive lawmakers and their allies in labor and health seem hopeful that Newsom could support a different long-shot funding idea.
Local Business
This week in Santa Cruz County business: Joby expands in Ohio, national recognition for local astronomers, longtime music rehearsal space hits market
Santa Cruz-based Joby Aviation has purchased a second manufacturing facility in Ohio, the American Astronomical Society honors three UC Santa Cruz scientists and Santa Cruz Rehearsal Studios is up for sale – Jessica M. Pasko has all that and more in his weekly look at local business.
Lily Belli on Food: Reporting the Pescavore story; Bad Animal’s bistro pivot; chowder cook-off on horizon
In her Tuesday newsletter, Lily Belli writes about the monthslong work on a story about a Santa Cruz seafood entrepreneur who’s facing stalking charges, notes the opening of French-forward Bad Animal Bistro and previews a coming local culinary favorite.
Santa Cruz County business filings: Week of Jan. 13
Businesses operating in Santa Cruz County must register with the county clerk. Lookout Santa Cruz reviews the public filings from local businesses to report on new businesses starting in the area.
Santa Cruz Rehearsal Studios for sale: Changes coming for another beloved pillar of local music scene
Santa Cruz Rehearsal Studios is for sale. Its longtime owner-operators, Jenn and Paul Gallacher, hope to sell to someone who wants to keep the music rehearsal spaces on Coral Street open and continue running the business.
Eaters Digest: Santa Cruz Fungus Fair
The Santa Cruz Fungus Fair kicks off Friday afternoon and runs through Sunday at London Nelson Community Center downtown, and Lily Belli is all-in. Her Friday newsletter also includes food & drink event recommendations and news stories you might have missed.
This week in Santa Cruz County business: Regional air corridor project closer to kickoff; new vendors sought for Abbott Square
State efforts to create special aerial pathways among the airports in Watsonville, Salinas, Marina and Hollister could get off the ground as soon as the end of January, Jessica M. Pasko reports in her weekly look at Santa Cruz County business.
Lily Belli on Food: Abbott Square food openings, Other Brother Beer Co.’s lively Aptos menu, Seabright business struggles
In her Tuesday newsletter, Lily Belli notes a reshuffling at downtown Santa Cruz’s Abbott Square Market, reviews the new Aptos Village outpost of Seaside’s Other Brother Beer Co. and catches up with business owners affected by the Murray Street Bridge closure.
Santa Cruz County business filings: Week of Jan. 6
Businesses operating in Santa Cruz County must register with the county clerk. Lookout Santa Cruz reviews the public filings from local businesses to report on new businesses starting in the area.
Abbott Square seeks two new food tenants as popular downtown market shuffles stalls
Abbott Square is seeking two new, distinct food or drink tenants to fill recently vacated stalls. General manager Joey Ward is crowdsourcing ideas for cuisines the market doesn’t yet offer, and aims to bring in businesses ready to open quickly and complement the downtown Santa Cruz market’s independent lineup.

