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.
Today’s Top Story
A significant story with interest across the county
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.
Posted inLatest News
Santa Cruz Wharf businesses face many uncertainties, concerns for future
Business owners and employees who work on the Santa Cruz Wharf don’t yet know when they’ll be able to get back on the job after the partial collapse of the wharf on Monday. City officials say they’re working around the clock to assess damage but it’s unclear when they’ll know when the wharf can reopen.
Posted inRecreation & Sports
The Surf Whisperer: Mark Sponsler’s forecasts have earned a devoted following among big-wave surfers
Mark Sponsler has gained cult status among big-wave surfers thanks to his ability to time a wave down to the minute and predict its height to within inches. The retired engineer’s website, Stormsurf, combines meteorological science with custom software to forecast exactly when the next monster wave will hit Steamer Lane.
Posted inLatest News
Santa Cruz Wharf to remain closed indefinitely, raising new questions about its future
Santa Cruz city officials said Tuesday that there is no estimated reopening date for the wharf, which was undergoing repairs when a section collapsed Monday, sending three workers into the ocean. The incident has forced the city to confront difficult questions about rebuilding aging infrastructure in an era of climate change, Mayor Fred Keeley said.
Posted inLatest News
Portion of Santa Cruz Wharf collapses, harbor damaged and parts of Capitola Village flooded amid huge swells
A section of the Santa Cruz Wharf collapsed Monday, plunging three construction workers into 25-foot swells. At least nine people were rescued countywide as authorities evacuated parts of Capitola Village and Rio Del Mar for flooding and closed several beaches because of dangerous conditions.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Santa Cruz County braces for political change: new alliances, new sheriff, downtown revivals – all in the shadow of a second Trump presidency
As 2025 dawns, election results — not campaigns — promise to shape Santa Cruz County’s future. From Donald Trump’s White House return to transformative local projects, shifting political alliances, and new leadership challenges, the year ahead could redefine our communities.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Santa Cruz County immigrant community prepares for an uncertain future under Trump
Undocumented immigrants say they are avoiding the news and making family contingency plans as they and local advocacy groups prepare for Donald Trump’s return to the White House in January.