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Posted inPolitics & Policy

Rent control passed in Santa Cruz and Watsonville in November, and other election map stories

by Christopher Neely and Hailey Wang

New precinct maps offer a fresh perspective on November’s election. From rent control support in Santa Cruz and Watsonville to shifting stances on theft penalties and Donald Trump’s rising popularity, these visuals uncover the geographic, political and social forces shaping Santa Cruz County’s electoral decisions.

Posted inFood & Drink

More mocktails, vegetables and takeout: Six local chefs share their restaurant predictions for 2025

by Lily Belli

Six Santa Cruz County chefs gave their predictions for what trends customers can expect to see in 2025. They believe a movement toward more health-conscious dining will expand plant-based options and alcohol-free beverages. Restaurant prices will likely rise in order to reflect increases in the cost of labor and materials, and one chef hopes to offset that by lowering food waste. And, the post-pandemic explosion of takeout and delivery is here to stay, and has become crucial to some restaurants’ bottom lines. 

Posted inOpinion from Community Voices

I started the New Year floating in a Palm Springs pool at midnight talking to my late husband

by Claudia Sternbach

Lookout columnist Claudia Sternbach knew the first holidays without her husband, Michael, who died of cancer in February, would be difficult. So, she booked a stay in Palm Springs for herself, her daughter and grandson. Here, she describes the iconic desert, its purple mountains and modern homes, how she released her anger through matches of air hockey with her grandson and how she found peace in the warm waters of a backyard pool.

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