After 40 years, Santa Cruz chocolate maker Mackenzies Chocolates is closing. Husband-and-wife team Ian and Mary Rose Mackenzie, along with one employee, make all of the chocolate and candy by hand, and said they’re ready to retire and spend more time with family. The last day to purchase chocolates is Dec. 24.
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Posted inPolitics & Policy
Santa Cruz group to propose dual parcel, home sale tax housing bond in 2025
Santa Cruz civic leaders unveiled an ambitious dual-tax proposal to fund affordable housing, blending a $99 annual parcel tax with a progressive real estate transfer tax. Aiming for the November 2025 ballot, the plan hopes to generate $5 million annually for the city.
Posted inEducation
UC Santa Cruz chancellor exploring addition of medical school
Santa Cruz County could one day have a medical school. UC Santa Cruz Chancellor Cynthia Larive is in early discussions exploring if the university could help fill a void and relieve a local and statewide primary care physician shortage. While no specific timeline has been determined, officials say the planning process could take more than a decade.
Posted inLatest News
Jury trial for Adrian Gonzalez’s release begins
The trial to determine Adrian Gonzalez’s freedom began Thursday afternoon after three days of jury selection. Attorneys gave their opening statements as they prepare for a multiweek trial that will stretch until at least the end of the year.
Posted inFood & Drink
Dungeness crab season closure will continue into December
The commercial Dungeness crab season throughout California will remain closed until at least Dec. 15 due an abundance of migrating whales off the coast, which can become entangled in the fishing gear.
Posted inArts & Entertainment
Weekender: A gaggle of events, Actors’ Theatre’s one-weekend special and Santa Cruz Shakes’ ‘Christmas Carol’
Wallace Baine’s weekly jaunt through the world of Santa Cruz County arts & entertainment, complete with event recommendations.
Posted inArts & Entertainment
Best 9: Top events for the week ahead in Santa Cruz County arts & entertainment, Nov. 21-28
With the weekend nearly here, check out Wallace Baine’s Best 9 recommendations for things to do around Santa Cruz County via Lookout’s BOLO events calendar.
Posted inLatest News
Morning Lookout: Trans remembrance vigil, surfers take city to task, downtown retail woes, St. George lawsuit
Lookout’s Thursday morning news and opinion coverage from around Santa Cruz County.
Posted inBusiness & Technology
Amid economic uncertainty, downtown Santa Cruz comics store Comicopolis calls for community help
As small businesses struggle to regain foot traffic after the pandemic thanks to the growing popularity of online shopping, downtown Santa Cruz comic store Comicopolis took to social media to issue a plea for help.
Posted inHousing & Development
Owner of downtown Santa Cruz apartment building sues city over rent cap ordinance
Following a rent increase ordinance approved by the Santa Cruz City Council in September, the owner of the downtown St. George Residences has filed a lawsuit against the city arguing that the rental restrictions are unconstitutional and will have a “chilling effect” on affordable housing development.