Ryder Walding, 17, will compete in the prone paddling world championships this Sunday. After a year of intense training, he aims to conquer one of the sport’s most grueling races: a 32-mile paddle from Molokai to Oahu in Hawaii.
Today’s Top Story
A significant story with interest across the county
Posted inLatest News
Santa Cruz County ranks second in California for bike, alcohol-related crashes, safety report shows
Santa Cruz County ranks among California’s most dangerous regions for cyclists and pedestrians, a decadelong traffic safety report shows. Local advocacy groups cited inadequate cycling infrastructure and population growth as key factors contributing to the high rate of serious crashes.
Posted inHousing & Development
Santa Cruz County named the nation’s least affordable rental market for third straight year — and the gap has widened
Workers need to earn $80 an hour to comfortably afford the average rental in Santa Cruz County, named the country’s least affordable rental market for a third consecutive year, a new study finds.
Posted inFood & Drink
‘We would 100% do it again’: As Davenport Roadhouse changes hands, former owners reflect on five years
After five turbulent years marked by the pandemic, wildfire evacuations and storm damage, Christopher and Vanessa Chamberlain are stepping away from the Davenport Roadhouse, passing ownership to undisclosed new buyers this week.
Posted inEducation
How tiny Pacific Elementary defied the trend of declining enrollment: Student chefs, small classes and parent volunteers
While California schools struggle to grow enrollment, Davenport’s Pacific Elementary has expanded its student body by more than 60% in the past eight years through a blend of unconventional programs, small class sizes and deep community involvement.
Posted inRecreation & Sports
From dead-end roads to ocean sunsets: Locals share their favorite places to bike, hike and walk in Santa Cruz County
Lookout photojournalist Kevin Painchaud spent a couple days wandering through Santa Cruz County and chatting with locals about their favorite places to enjoy the outdoors on land — by hiking, biking and walking.
Posted inLatest News
ICE agents have visited Watsonville at least eight times since Trump returned to office, ‘courtesy calls’ to local police show
The Watsonville Police Department has on eight occasions this year received courtesy notifications from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers that they are operating within city limits, according to records provided by the department.
Posted inHousing & Development
Scaled-down Capitola Road apartment complex moves ahead over objections of nearby residents
Santa Cruz County has approved a preapplication for a Workbench-led housing development on Capitola Road in Live Oak that has changed considerably since its inception three years ago. However, residents in the area are still displeased with the project as they await public hearings on the development.
Posted inLatest News
Local immigration advocates share tips on how to locate a loved one detained by ICE
As federal officials continue to ramp up efforts to arrest and detain undocumented immigrants across the U.S., local immigration advocates share steps families can take to locate a loved one if they are detained.
Posted inHousing & Development
On Ocean Street, Marianne’s Ice Cream comes under the shadow of a major housing development
A five-story mixed-use development is slated to go up behind Marianne’s Ice Cream, a Santa Cruz staple. Marianne’s owners are worried about street parking during construction and the shadow of the building — which will stretch across Ocean Street in front of the parlor in winter — once it’s done.