A year ago, City of Santa Cruz Development Manager Norm Daly plunged into stormy waters when the section of the Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf he was standing on collapsed. Now, he’s back on the job like nothing ever happened, working to bring the end of the wharf back to life.
Today’s Top Story
A significant story with interest across the county
Posted inArts & Entertainment
Newsmakers 2025: Jackie Rogoff’s encounter with fleeting ‘Jeopardy!’ fame
Santa Cruz’s Jackie Rogoff embarked on a “Jeopardy!” journey, never expecting she might win. But she did.
Posted inArts & Entertainment
Not a farewell, more of a see-you-later
Lookout correspondent Wallace Baine announces his retirement after more than 35 years of covering Santa Cruz County’s arts and culture beat.
Posted inFood & Drink
Mane Kitchen & Cocktails opens in former Betty’s Eat Inn space with steaks, caviar and cocktails
Mane Kitchen & Cocktails, opened in late October by industry veterans Desmond Schneider and Julianna Mireles, brings polished service, standout cocktails and a bistro-style menu to a prime downtown Santa Cruz location.
Posted inHousing & Development
California Supreme Court decision maintains public access to Aptos beachfront walkway, county says
The California Supreme Court has declined to review a challenge by a Rio Del Mar homeowners association, effectively upholding lower-court rulings that an 800-foot walkway along Seacliff State Beach in Aptos is public property. Santa Cruz County officials say the decision leaves no further avenue for appeal and moves the case closer to resolution, including the removal of fences that currently block public access.
Posted inLatest News
Mental health organization MHCAN hopes to resume its services; supervisors move to fill Housing Matters mail void
County behavioral health staff met this week with members of the Mental Health Client Action Network board of directors, who say they want to resume services within six months — but need to get past obligations paid first. On Tuesday, the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors took steps to prepare for homelessness nonprofit Housing Matters ending its day services in March, particularly the mail services that are a lifeline for many vulnerable residents.
Posted inLatest News
‘We’re not going to retreat’: Local rabbi reflects on the Bondi Beach shooting
Local celebrants of Hanukkah gathered on Sunday night in downtown Santa Cruz for the first night of the joyous Jewish holiday. But their minds were on the senseless killing of Hanukkah celebrants half a world away, in Sydney, Australia.
Posted inHousing & Development
Deep-pocketed investors account for a third of home purchases in Santa Cruz County
Since 2021, investors have spent nearly $1.45 billion on purchases of single-family homes in Santa Cruz County, accounting for around 44% of total sales value.
Posted inHousing & Development
Are we there yet? As 2026 dawns, downtown Santa Cruz is still in the middle of a long process to transformation
As 2025 morphs into 2026, Santa Cruz’s downtown is still deep in the middle of a major transformation. A new proposal for The Catalyst building has many up in arms, while fans of the new library quietly wait for 2028. Here’s an overview of where all the projects stand.
Posted inEducation
Pajaro Valley school board votes to cut nearly 160 jobs, more than 40 in special education, during stormy meeting
In a marathon, chaotic session that ended with the room being cleared because of disruptions, Pajaro Valley Unified School District trustees voted Thursday to cut 160 jobs in an effort to stay solvent and comply with California budget requirements.