The martini is having a national resurgence, and Santa Cruz County bartenders are embracing the classic cocktail with riffs featuring olive oil, tomato brine, bonito flakes and wine-based spirits. This guide highlights six standout local martinis, each paired with a complementary dish, and offers a look at how bartenders are using the drink’s simple formula to create new expressions.
Today’s Top Story
A significant story with interest across the county
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Carmageddon: Capitola City Council approves short-term repairs for Stockton Avenue Bridge to extend lifespan
The Capitola City Council voted on Thursday to approve a polyester concrete overlay for the Stockton Avenue Bridge, the Caltrans-recommended course of action, to buy time as the city moves toward long-term work for the nearly 100-year-old structure, which could involve full replacement.
Posted inRecreation & Sports
‘Keep it sumo’: Ancient sport gets a California reboot in Santa Cruz
Professional sumo is making its California TV debut in Santa Cruz on Sept. 26, when the World Elite Sumo league brings a 12-man tournament – and a modernized, shorts-wearing take on the 2,000-year-old sport – to Kaiser Permanente Arena.
Posted inLatest News
Santa Cruz County’s heat wave, one job at a time
As a heat wave gripped the region, Lookout journalists spoke with workers from Santa Cruz to Capitola to Watsonville about how they were getting through it, shift by shift.
Posted inLatest News
Santa Cruz County first responders set to memorialize 25th anniversary of 9/11 on Friday
Firefighters in Santa Cruz County are preparing for their annual stair climb on Friday to memorialize the 25th anniversary of the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. While always a powerful event, those participating at Seacliff State Beach in Aptos this year think of the importance of passing down the remembrance to younger generations who are increasingly separated from the day of the attacks.
Posted inBusiness & Technology
This week in Santa Cruz County business: Paystand branches into AI agents; court hearing for former Scotts Valley executive; Barilla snaps up Goodles
In this week’s survey of local business, Jessica M. Pasko reports on the rollout of a new AI tool for Santa Cruz-based fintech company Paystand, notes a court date for a former executive of Scotts Valley’s Ambient Photonics and runs down other numbers, names and dates to know.
Posted inLatest News
Heat advisory in Santa Cruz County: Temperatures to reach 90s through Thursday
Santa Cruz County and much of California are under a heat advisory as peak temperatures are forecast to reach the low 90s in Santa Cruz and Watsonville and the upper 90s in the mountains.
Posted inEducation
A Pajaro Valley school board race is raising bigger questions about who should be eligible for public office in California
Whether a criminal record should matter to voters is playing out in the race for the Pajaro Valley Unified School District governing board, where candidate Curt Wilcox has a felony assault conviction and a history of run-ins with law enforcement. California law doesn’t stand in his way — but many think it should factor into their decision.
Posted inFood & Drink
The best things I ate and drank in Santa Cruz County in August
Santa Cruz County chefs went all out in August with four playful dishes, from tomato-loaded pasta to unconventional burgers and a memorable wedge.
Posted inLatest News
Felton voters bet $1.7 million a year on a new era for the fire department
Felton voters approved a major investment in their fire department, paving the way for paid firefighters alongside volunteers. The move comes after years of staffing challenges and slow response times that left the mountain community questioning whether its traditional volunteer model was sustainable.
