Santa Cruz County agents see a glimmer of hope in new state regulations aimed at enticing insurance companies back to the California market, though questions about access and affordability remain.
Today’s Top Story
A significant story with interest across the county
Posted inFood & Drink
National egg shortage hits some stores, but local businesses sourcing from Aptos’ Glaum Egg Ranch ‘fully stocked’
Markets and grocery stores throughout Santa Cruz County are unable to stock eggs due to outbreaks of avian flu, which is causing a nationwide shortage. But bakeries, grocery stores and restaurants that source eggs from family-owned Glaum Egg Ranch in Aptos say their supply hasn’t been affected.
Posted inLatest News
Cal/OSHA confirms it is investigating Santa Cruz Wharf collapse
The state agency responsible for holding employers accountable for workplace safety has launched an investigation into the Dec. 23 Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf collapse, a spokesperson for Cal/OSHA confirmed.
Posted inHealth & Wellness
‘We’re drowning’: Dominican nurses raise alarms over staffing, patient care
Nurses at Dominican Hospital in Santa Cruz say staffing levels aren’t meeting the needs of patients who are arriving with more severe conditions than in prior years. They told Lookout that hospital administrators aren’t doing enough to address their concerns.
Posted inLatest News
Carmageddon: A guide to Santa Cruz County’s 2025 road projects
It’s a new year, which means new — and ongoing — projects will bring some road delays throughout 2025 in Santa Cruz County. Here are the major projects slated to begin, and in some cases, wrap up throughout the year.
Posted inLatest News
High surf prompts beach hazards statement in Santa Cruz County
High surf and sneaker waves could hit Santa Cruz County this weekend, but the impacts are likely to be far less dramatic than the huge swells of last week. The National Weather Service has issued a beach hazards statement from Friday until early Sunday morning.
Posted inLatest News
After contract awarded, Murray Street Bridge retrofit finally headed for spring 2025 groundbreaking
A process spanning two decades looks to be finally coming to a head as the City of Santa Cruz readies to break ground on the Murray Street Bridge retrofit in the spring. Shimmick Construction was awarded a $45 million contract to perform the build.
Posted inLatest News
Santa Cruz Wharf collapse raises questions about lawsuits, maintenance and the Coastal Commission
A number of issues have risen from last week’s partial collapse of the Santa Cruz Wharf, including questions regarding whether a lawsuit against the city’s Wharf Master Plan contributed to the collapse, deferred maintenance on the structure and California Coastal Commission rules that restrict construction to the winter months.
Posted inLatest News
Triumphs, tragedies and tempests: Santa Cruz County’s 2024 in photos
Lookout photojournalist Kevin Painchaud shares the top moments he captured on camera in 2024, from the collapse of a portion of the historic Santa Cruz Wharf to local tensions over the war in Gaza.
Posted inEnvironment
Storm surge causes $20 million in damages to Santa Cruz Harbor, leaving boat residents in limbo
The Santa Cruz Harbor is still assessing damages that have so far amounted to $20 million after Monday’s storm surge. Port District Director Holland MacLaurie said she doesn’t have a timeline for when repairs will be completed.