With a federal plan updating oil and gas drilling rules on Central Coast public lands now open for public comment, attention in Santa Cruz County has turned to whether any local federal lands could be vulnerable to drilling.
Today’s Top Story
A significant story with interest across the county
Posted inPolitics & Policy
ICE watchdog group seeing influx of new volunteers as immigration enforcement escalates around U.S.
Immigrant advocacy group Your Allied Rapid Response is seeing an influx of new volunteers wanting to become legal observers as federal immigration officials continue to escalate their enforcement tactics.
Posted inFood & Drink
After 40 years, Alta Organic Coffee founder passes her legacy to a new generation
Founder Patti Spooner has passed Alta Organic Coffee, the Davenport-based roastery known for its dark roasts, to her granddaughter Lilly Spooner and “honorary granddaughter” Melia Spooner, ushering in a new generation for the 40-year-old family business.
Posted inLatest News
Seacliff State Beach recovery inches forward without RV campground
Three years after storms significantly damaged amenities at Seacliff State Beach in Aptos, major rebuilding efforts won’t break ground until at least 2028, with larger projects unlikely before 2030.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Capitola, Watsonville intend to keep Flock cameras following Santa Cruz’s exit
While the City of Santa Cruz has canceled its contract with Flock Safety, Capitola and Watsonville expect to keep working with the company.
Posted inAptos
New Bayview Hotel sale could close by spring, says realtor
The historic Bayview Hotel could be sold by this spring, following a year in which the historic Aptos Village building lingered on the market, much to the interest of developers and locals alike.
Posted inFood & Drink
Poisonous death cap mushrooms kill three, sicken dozens on Central Coast, including two in Santa Cruz County
Toxic death cap mushrooms have sickened more than 30 people and killed three across coastal Northern California, but Santa Cruz County has seen relatively few cases despite its strong foraging culture.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
What to know about Flock Safety’s automated license plate readers across Santa Cruz County
Here’s Lookout’s reporting so far on Santa Cruz’s Flock exit and why Scotts Valley and the county sheriff’s office have held off on automated license plate readers.
Posted inLatest News
One year after massive fire at Moss Landing battery storage facility, nearby residents have more questions than answers
People who live near Moss Landing still have more questions than answers about the massive fire that started Jan. 16, 2025, at the world’s second-largest battery storage facility.
Posted inHealth & Wellness
Watsonville Community Hospital faces shortage of ICU nurses as it continues to struggle financially
Administrators at Watsonville Community Hospital say they’ll need to make difficult decisions to keep it operating, which doesn’t sit well with nurses. Meanwhile, there’s a staffing shortage in the intensive care unit, and nurses are rallying to keep it and other essential departments open.