As Capitola continues its switch to district-based elections, the city council approved the creation of four districts plus an elected mayor with a two-year term. The first districting maps are expected to be publicly shared by June 17.
Today’s Top Story
A significant story with interest across the county
Posted inArts & Entertainment
Santa Carla never dies: ‘The Lost Boys’ return home
After “The Lost Boys” first transformed Santa Cruz into Santa Carla, fans from around the world still make the pilgrimage to the Beach Boardwalk and Atlantis Fantasyworld. The final installment of Lookout’s series explores the movie’s enduring cult following, the return of Frog Brother Jamison Newlander and why the annual beach screening has become a summer ritual.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
See which Santa Cruz County communities backed Becerra, Steyer and Hilton
Santa Cruz County’s gubernatorial primary results revealed a clear demographic divide: Tom Steyer performed best in whiter, more college-educated communities, while Xavier Becerra drew strong support from Latino-majority areas such as Watsonville, helping propel him into the November run-off against Republican Steve Hilton.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Santa Cruz County 2026 primary election results in charts: Where things stand with Wednesday update
Find the results for all local races in Santa Cruz County’s 2026 primary election here. Lookout will continuously update this page as new results come in.
Posted inFood & Drink
As Martinelli’s pulls back, local schools and nonprofits rally to support Pajaro Valley apple growers
After Martinelli’s announced it would not renew contracts with local apple growers, one Pajaro Valley farmer has been flooded with calls, ideas and offers from community members eager to help replace the major buyer. While potential partnerships with school districts, nonprofits and other local organizations show promise, growers say finding markets large enough to absorb the thousands of tons of apples once sold to Martinelli’s remains a significant challenge.
Posted inArts & Entertainment
From Boardwalk to Broadway: ‘The Lost Boys’ rebirth takes a bite out of the Big Apple
A cult vampire movie filmed in Santa Cruz has become one of Broadway’s most unexpected hits. But can the spirit of Santa Carla survive the journey from Boardwalk to Broadway?
Posted inEducation
Majority of Pajaro Middle School teachers demand removal or resignation of principal
A majority of teachers at Pajaro Middle School have voted that they have no confidence in Principal Nicole Killian, alleging she failed to follow safety and disciplinary protocols and calling for her resignation or removal. Pajaro Valley Unified School District said it takes all safety reports seriously and reviews concerns through established processes.
Posted inLatest News
Carmageddon: RTC to consider contract award for rail trail construction management services; annual roadwork underway
The Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission on Thursday will consider awarding a contract for construction management services for Segment 12 of the Coastal Rail Trail. Meanwhile, the county’s annual road work is underway, with Mid-County projects set to wrap up this week.
Posted inArts & Entertainment
From Westside workshop to world stage: Santa Cruz Guitar Company celebrates 50 years
A half-century after Richard Hoover co-founded Santa Cruz Guitar Company, the internationally acclaimed guitar maker is celebrating its roots with a museum exhibit, concerts and a one-of-a-kind guitar crafted from Santa Cruz redwood and sycamore.
Posted inFood & Drink
The best things I ate and drank in Santa Cruz County in May
A monthly roundup of Santa Cruz County dining highlights celebrates the start of summer with four finds: a fruit-packed aguanada in Watsonville, a savory martini in Aptos, a wood-fired seafood platter in Live Oak and chilaquiles paired with a banana milk latte from a food truck in Santa Cruz.
