Lookout Santa Cruz

12/20/2025

An annual report from crowdfunding and fundraising platform GoFundMe spotlights big generosity from our small county, Jessica M. Pasko reports in her weekly look at local business. She's also got news on real estate trends, dates, names and numbers to know and more.

An annual report from crowdfunding and fundraising platform GoFundMe spotlights big generosity from our small county, Jessica M. Pasko reports in her weekly look at local business. She's also got…

12/20/2025

Thirty-seven unhoused Santa Cruz County residents died over the course of 2025, out of an estimated 1,728 total homeless residents. While that is just half the number who died in 2024, it is still about 1 out of every 42 people experiencing homelessness in the county.
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12/20/2025

The Central Coast Dungeness commercial crab season will open Jan. 5 with 40% fewer traps permitted, in order to reduce the risk of lines entangling whales. State officials and environmental groups say the restrictions balance fishers’ economic needs with wildlife protection as entanglements have declined.

The Central Coast Dungeness commercial crab season will open Jan. 5 with 40% fewer traps permitted, in order to reduce the risk of lines entangling whales. State officials and environmental groups say the restrictions balance fishers’ economic needs with wildlife protection as entanglements have d...

12/20/2025

Thirty-seven unhoused Santa Cruz County residents died over the course of 2025, out of an estimated 1,728 total homeless residents. While that is just half the number who died in 2024, it is still about 1 out of every 42 people experiencing homelessness in the county.

12/19/2025

A Santa Cruz County Superior Court judge has scheduled the murder trial of Leif Ames for April 6, 2026, six years after he was charged with fatally stabbing his best friend, Hubert Cross, in his Live Oak home. The trial has been delayed at least seven times since 2022, with prosecutors saying they have long been ready for trial while continuances were repeatedly granted due to defense attorney requests.

A Santa Cruz County Superior Court judge has scheduled the murder trial of Leif Ames for April 6, 2026, six years after he was charged with fatally stabbing his best friend, Hubert Cross, in his Live Oak home.

12/19/2025

Lily Belli heads to downtown Santa Cruz newcomer Mane Kitchen & Cocktails for a taste of chef Desmond Schneider's spin on a classic pasta dish, and her Friday newsletter also includes weekend event recommendations and food & drink stories you might've missed.

Lily Belli heads to downtown Santa Cruz newcomer Mane Kitchen & Cocktails for a taste of chef Desmond Schneider's spin on a classic pasta dish, and her Friday newsletter also includes weekend event recommendations...

12/19/2025

Lookout food & drink correspondent Lily Belli highlights top events happening around Santa Cruz County this weekend and into next holiday week, plus more listings from Lookout's BOLO events calendar.

12/19/2025

Get a taste of Santa Cruz County's food & drink scene in Lily Belli's Eaters Digest newsletter – it's coming soon, so hit the link below to subscribe for free.

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12/19/2025

Check out Lookout's Friday morning headlines, with stories from Max Chun, Lily Belli, Wallace Baine and more.

Santa Cruz County headlines from Lookout for the morning of Friday, Dec. 19.

12/19/2025

Making some plans? Check out Wallace Baine's recommendations for things to do all over Santa Cruz this weekend and into next week.

With the weekend nearly here and the holiday season in full swing, check out Wallace Baine’s Best 9 recommendations for things to do around Santa Cruz County via Lookout’s BOLO events calendar.

12/19/2025

Mane Kitchen & Cocktails, opened in late October by industry veterans Desmond Schneider and Julianna Mireles, brings polished service, standout cocktails and a bistro-style menu to a prime downtown Santa Cruz location. While the food and hospitality are already dialed in, the renovated space has room to evolve into the moody, after-hours destination the owners envision, with a speakeasy-style VIP room on the way.

Mane Kitchen & Cocktails, opened in late October by industry veterans Desmond Schneider and Julianna Mireles, brings polished service, standout cocktails and a bistro-style menu to a prime downtown Santa Cruz location.

12/19/2025

The city of Watsonville has been designated a "cultural district" by the California Arts Council, a recognition of the city's commitment to promote local arts and one of only 24 such designated places in the entire state.