Santa Cruz County home sales were strong in November, reaching a three-year high for the month. Real estate agents point to several factors including good weather, a Fed rate cut and a post-election boost.
Today’s Top Story
A significant story with interest across the county
Posted inPolitics & Policy
In departing from 4Leaf, county thinks it’s ready to handle next phase of CZU recovery
More than four years after the CZU wildfire, Santa Cruz County plans to phase out its partnership with 4Leaf, the firm praised for streamlining rebuild permits for fire victims. While officials promise continuity, residents fear a return to bureaucratic delays.
Posted inSan Lorenzo Valley
In a town once scorched by wildfire, Albert the white peacock became a symbol of resilience — and loss
When the CZU wildfire devastated Boulder Creek in 2020, a white peacock named Albert became a beacon of hope, strutting through smoky streets and uniting a grieving community. On Nov. 23, Albert met his end after he was killed by a mountain lion.
Posted inEducation
With bond measures totaling $480 million approved, county school districts eager to get improvements started
Four Santa Cruz County public school districts received official approval this week that their bond measures passed, clearing the way for repairing leaky roofs, refurbishing athletic fields and potentially building workforce housing. Leaders told Lookout they’re relieved and appreciative of the community’s support.
Posted inHousing & Development
Residents raise concerns over 157-unit housing project near Henry Cowell
A major housing development planned between Scotts Valley and Santa Cruz drew more than 60 residents to a community meeting Wednesday, where they raised concerns that ranged from traffic and water usage to school and nature impacts. The project is in the application submittal phase, and there are currently no estimates for timeline or total cost.
Posted inLatest News
‘It’s a miracle’: Victim of Westside drive-by shooting defies the odds
Following a Westside Santa Cruz drive-by shooting in mid-November, the two victims, Merrill Roberts and Richard Brookes, have returned home, where they continue their recovery. Oceanside resident Roberts said it is a “miracle” that he is not dead or paralyzed.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
On the Campaign Trail: Turnout tops 81% in county’s final vote tally
With the final vote count certified on Dec. 3, Lookout’s On the Campaign Trail delivered Election 2024 results, reaction and analysis from across Santa Cruz County and beyond.
Posted inLatest News
Court views video of Gonzalez’s confession as his trial for release resumes
Adrian Gonzalez’s trial for release continued Monday with a video from the Santa Cruz Police Department showing Gonzalez confessing to killing 8-year-old Madyson Middleton to police just two days after Middleton was reported missing in 2015. The trial will continue on Tuesday.
Posted inLatest News
His home was devastated by winter storms, she offered to help. Now, they’re engaged.
Benjamin Short wasn’t expecting to find the love of his life after his home was damaged during the January 2023 winter storms. But after Lookout published a story about Short’s plight, the unexpected happened.
Posted inLatest News
A drier La Niña winter may be brewing. Santa Cruz County isn’t taking chances.
Although the Climate Prediction Center estimates a 57% chance this winter of a La Niña weather pattern, often characterized by drier weather, the Central Coast’s unique location makes it difficult to predict whether Santa Cruz County will see more, less or the same amount of rain as usual. Regardless, local governments that have faced severe storms in recent years have been prepping for winter weather for over a month now.