Lookout wants to hear stories about Santa Cruz County residents helping each other during the storm siege that began New Year’s Eve and lasted into mid-January.
Santa Cruz Mountains
Posted inOpinion from Community Voices
A Lookout View: President Biden, please come to Santa Cruz County and visit those who need help the most
Editorial: As the governor and the president visit storm-torn California, where they visit is a meaningful act. Beyond scenic photo ops, it’s a sign of where their attention — and funding — might go. Santa Cruz County deserves a stop — but not just in scenic Capitola.
Posted inLatest News
36 inches in Ben Lomond as Santa Cruz County looks to match or set rainfall records
Dry weather is in front of us, as the last few drops fall from the skies the next couple of days. In the San Lorenzo Valley, 51 inches has fallen since the Oct. 1 beginning of “rainy season,” 3 feet in the past three weeks. Meanwhile Monday, 3,796 people remained without power, and though 67 roads were closed within the county, major transportation arteries like Highways 1, 17, 152 and 129 were open.
Posted inLatest News
Biden should expedite disaster declaration, Panetta says after visit to devastated Santa Cruz Mountain towns
Rep. Jimmy Panetta received an eye-opening visual Friday of the damage incurred by the San Lorenzo Valley following the 2023 storms. He says he is working to make sure the federal government takes care of the region during recovery.
Posted inLatest News
Mass storm outages bring misery across California, exposing power grid’s vulnerabilities
California’s power grid is typically tested during wildfire season or intense heat waves, but a winter storm system has challenged the state’s electric grid in new ways. Experts say resiliency measures are needed.
Posted inLatest News
Storm damage: On Highway 17, a huge pothole nicknamed ‘Potzilla’ is chewing up commuters’ tires
Since a series of storms began on New Year’s Eve, Californians have taken to social media to share images of sinkholes and potholes. On Highway 17, a “Potzilla” in a southbound lane has caused numerous flat tires near The Cats Restaurant and Tavern in Los Gatos. A Caltrans spokesperson said workers have repaired the pothole several times in recent weeks “but the unprecedented amount of rain will just wash away the asphalt mix.”
Posted inLatest News
Storm damage tops $36 million across Santa Cruz County, but local officials warn estimates could double
Santa Cruz County and its four cities sustained more than $36 million in damages to public infrastructure in storms that also damaged at least 200 homes. Local officials say they expect that figure to grow dramatically in the weeks to come as they continue to assess the devastation wrought by storm surges, floods and landslides. And more rain is on the way.
Posted inLatest News
With floodwaters quieted, Felton Grove residents dig out from under the muck and mire
The people of Felton Grove, a neighborhood along the San Lorenzo River in Felton, have seen two floods hit their community since the start of the new year, leaving feet of mud in the streets and debris scattered across properties. Some residents are thinking of leaving for good, while others see the floods as a way of life.
Posted inK-12 Education
Many Santa Cruz County schools resume Wednesday, though SLV, some Pajaro Valley schools to remain closed
The Pajaro Valley Unified School District will open most of its schools Wednesday after closing many campuses because of storms, though several PVUSD schools affected by ongoing evacuation warnings will remain closed. After planning to reopen, the San Lorenzo Valley Unified School District canceled classes Wednesday amid downed trees and other logistical issues. Santa Cruz City Schools will have regular instruction Wednesday.
Posted inLatest News
Santa Cruz County storms: Where we stand Tuesday
Gov. Gavin Newsom was set to tour storm-damaged parts of Capitola Village on Tuesday afternoon. Meanwhile, the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office was responding to an overwhelming number of calls about downed trees, more than 19,000 people were without power, 64 county roads had closures, and the Pajaro River stood at 31 feet and rising.