Local News

Santa Cruz County senior and social centers offer dances, tech help, fitness classes, gardens, meals, day trips and community for adults 50 and older.

Santa Cruz County is aging fast, while young people and families struggle to stay. What can be done to keep Santa Cruz weird, vibrant and young?

Elite Meal Service brings restaurant-inspired, chef-prepared meals to Santa Cruz County homes, with local sourcing, custom menus and global flavors.

Outdoor group fitness classes at GOAT Santa Cruz offer exercise, fresh air, stress relief and community for people of different ages and fitness levels.

Tony Nuñez won the 4th District Santa Cruz County supervisor seat outright, defeating incumbent Felipe Hernandez and avoiding a November runoff.

The Santa Cruz County Civil Grand Jury says the ParkMobile system at the County Governmental Center creates barriers to public access and raises privacy concerns.

Fourth of July parades filled Santa Cruz County, from Seabright and Aptos to Watsonville, Scotts Valley and Boulder Creek.

The Watsonville City Council on Tuesday gave final approval to a new camping ordinance creating designated “no-encampment zones,” allowing the city to immediately remove encampments from certain public areas without providing the standard 72-hour notice.

The vote marked the ordinance’s second reading, making it final.

The council also approved a map identifying the city’s initial no encampment zones, which will serve as the official enforcement map.

Both items were placed on the consent agenda, which contains items expected to pass without debate or discussion.

The consent agenda was approved 4-0. Councilmembers Vanessa Quiroz-Carter and Maria Orozco, along with Mayor Kristal Salcido, were absent.

While the ordinance passed without comment Tuesday, its first reading on June 23 drew criticism from Quiroz-Carter, who called it “ridiculous.”

“We need to have adequate services for people,” she said. “We need to have adequate shelter for people. That’s a basic human right.”

Future changes to the map will require City Council approval.

The ordinance is intended to address what city officials describe as a recurring enforcement problem along Watsonville’s waterways, levees and other public spaces, where unhoused people often move their belongings just outside a cleanup area after receiving notice, creating new encampments that require another 72-hour warning before crews can return.

Under the new rules, people camping within designated no encampment zones will be considered to have already received notice and may be subject to immediate enforcement. The city will still collect and store qualifying personal property for 60 days at no cost, allowing owners to reclaim it. Signs posted at each zone will notify people that camping is prohibited, explain how to retrieve impounded belongings and provide information about available shelter and services.

The ordinance also expands the city’s definition of camping. It now includes storing unattended personal property on public land, constructing semi-permanent shelters, digging or altering the ground to create shelters, using portable cooking devices or fires on public property outside designated barbecue areas, and sleeping in parked vehicles.

The city says no encampment zones may be established around sensitive infrastructure, environmentally significant areas and homeless shelters or navigation centers to protect public health, safety, sanitation and access.

During the ordinance’s first reading on June 23, city officials said major waterways would be among the first locations designated as no encampment zones because cleanup efforts there have been especially difficult.

Supporters said the changes will help protect waterways, parks and public spaces while giving city crews a more effective way to address persistent encampments.

Critics, however, argued the ordinance criminalizes homelessness without providing enough shelter or housing options.

The ordinance takes effect 30 days after its adoption.

A coalition of patient, labor, health and small business advocates have organized a statewide series of town halls focused on health care affordability, with a kickoff event in Salinas on Thursday. 

The town hall in Salinas will focus on local community concerns, the high cost of care in Monterey County and current policy solutions. Speakers will include representatives from Health Access California, the California Federation of Teachers and National Multiple Sclerosis Society. 

A leading organizer of the town halls, Health Access is an advocacy organization that campaigns at the local, state and federal levels for health care affordability. It recently published  a report that found the Central Coast has some of the highest health care costs in the state. 

“Exorbitant health care costs are driving more and more families and workers into medical debt or to delay or skip care altogether,” reads a press release from Health Access, adding that Monterey County residents pay nearly two times the state average for childbirth.   

Health Access said it will discuss policy solutions such as the state’s new Office of Health Care Affordability setting a statewide cost growth target of 3%, down from the current rate of 6%. 

Health Access has not yet published a list of town hall dates and locations to follow the first event in Monterey County. 

Monterey County town hall details 
When: July 9, Thursday, at 10:30 a.m. 
Where: 168 West Alisal Street, 1st floor, Salinas, California, 93901

The post Coalition launches statewide health care affordability town halls with first in Monterey County appeared first on Lookout Santa Cruz.

On Wednesday, June 24, my colleagues and I had the opportunity to volunteer at Friendship Park at Harvey West Park, and it served as a powerful reminder of what can happen when a community comes together with a shared purpose.

Nearly 50 volunteers rolled up their sleeves to help revitalize the park by cleaning the bocce ball court, spreading fresh mulch, and planting colorful flowers. What may have seemed like a few hours of volunteer work became something much bigger: a visible investment in a space that brings people together.

This project was made possible through the support of amazing community partners and donors, including the Santa Cruz Warriors, NAMI Santa Cruz, Lookout Santa Cruz, New Leaf Community Markets, Scotts Valley Rockery, TOGOs Capitola, and GivingTuesday. Their generosity and commitment to Santa Cruz County made this transformation possible.

For me, this day was especially meaningful.

After attending my third annual Volunteer Center Be the Difference Awards ceremony earlier this year, I walked away inspired by the individuals and organizations being recognized for their dedication to serving our community. I remember telling my coworker, Jamie Garfield, that I wanted to be part of the kind of meaningful work represented on that stage.

Having worked closely with Leslie Lee, director of community engagement at the Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County, for nearly four years, I reached out to explore how Lookout Santa Cruz could deepen its involvement. What started as a conversation quickly turned into us not just participating in this park revitalization project, but also committing to ongoing monthly volunteer opportunities as a team.

In addition to these efforts, I also work with Leslie each month to publish promoted content roundups that highlight volunteer opportunities across the county. These roundups include direct links to organizations and ways for our readers to easily get involved, connect, and give back.

Being invited to volunteer alongside so many local organizations reminded me why I love this community. Spending just three or four hours making a tangible difference in the same county that raised me and helped shape who I am today is something I will always be grateful for.

At Lookout Santa Cruz, we are committed to serving Santa Cruz County in many ways: through local journalism, community storytelling, and events that bring people together. This volunteer work adds another meaningful layer to that commitment. When we connect with community members, whether they’re thanking us for a story, attending an event, or discovering Lookout for the first time, it strengthens that sense of shared purpose.

Looking ahead, I’m excited to continue expanding Lookout’s volunteer efforts in new ways. That includes opportunities such as food sorting with Second Harvest Food Bank of Santa Cruz County, beach cleanups, and many other ways we can show up for the community we serve.

Community isn’t just something we cover, it’s something we’re proud to be part of. I’m excited for what’s ahead as we continue giving back, one volunteer day at a time.

The post Serving beyond the headlines: How Lookout Santa Cruz volunteers are giving back to the community appeared first on Lookout Santa Cruz.

Businesses operating in Santa Cruz County must register with the county clerk. Lookout Santa Cruz reviews the public filings from local businesses to report on new businesses starting in the area.

Here is what’s new in local business recently.

New businesses

• GREEN HILL GARDENING was registered at 236 Miramar Dr, Santa Cruz CA 95060 by Gavin Wellington Hill as an individual business on June 22.
   
• AKFLORES CONSULTING was registered at 260 Camino Al Barranco, Watsonville CA 95076 by Alexandre Kozoroski Flores as an individual business on June 22.
   
• COFFEE AND JAM was registered at 107 Washburn Ave., Capitola CA 95010 by John Borgman as an individual business on June 22.
   
• DR JIMI’S HANDYMAN SERVICES was registered at 590 Madrona Ave., Felton CA 95018 by Phd Operations, LLC as a Limited Liability Company on June 22.
   
• BLACKWING MARKETING was registered at 270 Cambridge Dr, Watsonville CA 95076 by Blackwing Ventures, LLC as a Limited Liability Company on June 22.
   
• ARTTERIE, YOLTZIN was registered at 191 Acorn Dr., Boulder Creek CA 95006 by Yoltzin Q Delgado as an individual business on June 22.
   
• HELENA ROMERO ART was registered at 519 Humes Avenue, Aptos CA 95003 by Helen Thompson as an individual business on June 22.
   
• ALIGNED WITH ALLY was registered at 511c Swift St., Santa Cruz CA 95060 by Allyson N Torres as an individual business on June 22.
   
• FEHER SUPPLY POTS MATERIAL NURSERIES was registered at 63 Mt Madonna Raod, Watsonville CA 95076 by Fernandez Hernandez Antonia as an individual business on June 22.
   
• OMNIA STONE AND TILE was registered at 825 Walker St. #102, Watsonville CA 95076 by Mx Builders, Inc. as a corporation on June 22.
   
• ALEXAS DOG GROOMING MOBILE was registered at 1 Amesty Road, Watsonville CA 95076 by Bernardo Garcia Contreras as an individual business on June 22.
   
• ALCHEMY EPOXY COATINGS was registered at 216 Arthur Rd, Watsonville CA 95076 by Martin Evan Gonzalez as an individual business on June 23.
   
• THE SANTA CRUZ CHILDREN’S THEATRE was registered at 510 Riverview Dr, Boulder Creek CA 95006 by Sunflower Stages LLC as a Limited Liability Company on June 23.
   
• HotelKio was registered at 228 Potrero Street #b, Santa Cruz CA 95060 by Hotelkio LLC as a Limited Liability Company on June 23.
   
• SANTA CRUZ CABANA COMPANY was registered at 516 Wilkes Circle, Santa Cruz CA 95060 by Santa Cruz Cabana Company LLC as a Limited Liability Company on June 23.
   
• TOM’S PAINT & FINISH was registered at 154 Elm Street, Watsonville CA 95076 by Thomas Tamayo Alvarez as an individual business on June 23.
   
• LATIN FINANCE was registered at 1481 Freedom Blvd., Watsonville CA 95076 by Dagoberto Marin Gomez as an individual business on June 23.
   
• UN FINANCE was registered at 1481 Freedom Blvd., Watsonville CA 95076 by Uriel Nolasco Hernandez as an individual business on June 23.
   
• FLOW IN KINETIC CURVES was registered at 2800 A Glen Canyon Rd., Santa Cruz CA 95060 by Randolph Lee Smith as an individual business on June 23.
   
• SANTA CRUZ POOP SCOOPERS was registered at 10 Fred Court, Scotts Valley CA 95066 by Reilachi Ventures LLC as a Limited Liability Company on June 24.
   
• MATH ROCKS was registered at 22 Blake Ln, Scotts Valley CA 95066 by Nadzeya Miatselitsa as an individual business on June 24.
   
• MONUMENT BUILDERS INC. was registered at 103 Bluebonnet Lane, Scotts Valley CA 95066 by Monument Builders Inc. as a corporation on June 24.
   
• CORRALITOS CREEK SANCTUARY, INVISION HEALTH was registered at 52 Browns Valley Road, Corralitos CA 95076 by Gina Lynn Locatelli as an individual business on June 24.
   
• DRIP 2 HARD BARBERSHOP was registered at 2120 Soquel Avenue, Santa Cruz CA 95062 by Drip Fades Barbershop LLC as a Limited Liability Company on June 24.
   
• PENCILS PORTRAITS PAINTS was registered at 127 Prospect Ct., Santa Cruz CA 95065 by Pencils Portraits Paints LLC as a Limited Liability Company on June 24.
   
• AMERICAN INSPECTION SERVICE was registered at 165 Hillcrest Ave., Ben Lomond CA 95005 by Chance Group Inc as a corporation on June 24.
   
• FUSION DANCE COMPANY was registered at 272 Hames Rd., Watsonville CA 95076 by Cambell Ruth Walker as an individual business on June 24.
   
• DENHAM CONSTRUCTION was registered at 491 5th Avenue, Santa Cruz CA 95062 by Jordan Riley Denham as an individual business on June 25.
   
• MINDFUL-MEDIATION, LLC was registered at 226 Campus Drive, Aptos CA 95003 by Mindful-mediation, LLC as a Limited Liability Company on June 25.
   
• ELAINE MURPHY NUTRITION was registered at 732 Delta Way, Watsonville CA 95076 by Mary Elaine Murphy as an individual business on June 25.
   
• TERIYAKI MADNESS was registered at 550 River Street, Ste D, Santa Cruz CA 95060 by Archgate Inc as a corporation on June 25.
   
• GIVE THANKS was registered at 2851 Research Park Dr. Suite D, Soquel CA 95073 by Stony Cruz LLC as a Limited Liability Company on June 25.
   
• MIKE’S PLUMBING was registered at 8297 Hermosa Ave., Ben Lomond CA 95005 by Michael Rose as an individual business on June 25.
   
• SANTA CRUZ RECOVERY LOUNGE was registered at 542 Ocean St. Suite # I & J, Santa Cruz CA 95060 by William R Maximiuk as an individual business on June 26.
   
• CALCOMP ADVISORY was registered at 113 E 5th St., Watsonville CA 95076 by Linda L Rosser as an individual business on June 26.
   
• RESCUED BY THE DUSTY BAG LADY, THE DUSTY BAG LADY BOUTIQUE, THE DUSTY BAG LADY ENTERPRISES, THE DUSTY BAG LADY ON WHEELS, THE DUSTY PEARL COLLECTION was registered at 5515 Washington Way, Felton CA 95018 by Khristine Joanne Guire as an individual business on June 26.
   
• EL BARRIO OAXAQUENO INC was registered at 329 Rodrirguez St., Watsonville CA 95076 by El Barrio Oaxaqueno Inc as a corporation on June 26.
   
• WINDWARD LEADERSHIP LABS was registered at 1329 Seabright Ave., Santa Cruz CA 95062 by Katelyn Marie Lucille Judge as an individual business on June 26.
   
• GOPHER CONTROL SANTA CRUZ was registered at 116 S Branciforte Ave., Santa Cruz CA 95062 by Nate Thomas Helman as an individual business on June 29.
   
• ESPERANZA FOOD HUB was registered at 444 Airport Blvd., Ste 107, Watsonville CA 95076 by Esperanza Community Farms, Inc. as a corporation on June 29.
   
• MP VEHICLES was registered at 619 Soquel Avenue, Santa Cruz CA 95062 by Mp Automobile Services LLC as a Limited Liability Company on June 30.
   
• BODACIOUS BBQ was registered at 314 Bowen Ave., Aptos CA 95001 by Christopher James H. Benson as an individual business on June 30.
   
• MOUNTAIN FILM LAB was registered at 11489 Clear Creek Road, Brookdale CA 95007 by Daniel Ellis Wilbur as an individual business on July 2.
   
• Electrolysis by gg was registered at 313 Soquel Avenue, Santa Cruz CA 95062 by Gianna Siena Medeiros Guerisoli as an individual business on July 2.
   

The post Santa Cruz County business filings: Week of July 7 appeared first on Lookout Santa Cruz.

Carolyn Saenz is officially back. The longtime local barber is thrilled to announce her return to the neighborhood, stepping right back behind the chair at Westside Barber Shop. To make her return as seamless as possible for old clients, she is returning to her classic schedule and is located just one block away from her original location.

How to Book and Visit Carolyn

Carolyn is operating on her old schedule and is ready to welcome you back:

• The Location: Westside Barber Shop at 247 Trescony St., Santa Cruz
• The Schedule: Sundays and Mondays only.
• To schedule appointments after 4pm, call or text Carolyn directly at (831)239-1799.
• Walk-ins are always welcome, stop by at your convenience!

A Cherished 25-Year Career

For 25 years, Carolyn Saenz was a beloved fixture of the Santa Cruz barbering community. Sitting in her chair meant more than just walking away with a sharp haircut—it meant catching up with a friend, sharing local news, and enjoying the unique charm of the community.

Many longtime locals will fondly remember Carolyn from her two and a half decades at the former Esquire 2 Barbershop. Working alongside Wayne, the shop was famous not just for its classic, high-quality cuts, but for its unforgettable co-star: Buddy the parrot. For a generation of Westside residents, a visit to Carolyn, Wayne, and Buddy was a staple of local life.

Bridging the Six-Year Hiatus

That 25-year run came to an unexpected halt six years ago. When the COVID-19 pandemic swept through Santa Cruz, forced closures and unprecedented safety challenges meant Carolyn had to step away and close the doors to her business.

It was a difficult departure from a community she loved. Over the six years that followed, Carolyn deeply missed the hum of the clippers, the familiar faces, and the vibrant Westside neighborhood energy. Now, that hiatus is officially over, and she looks forward to seeing you on a Sunday or Monday in the very near future.

The post Longtime local barber Carolyn Saenz back behind the chair at Westside Barber Shop appeared first on Lookout Santa Cruz.

Meet Michael.

Today, Michael is in a much better place. But not long ago, his life was different.

Michael was struggling with serious health issues, long-term alcohol use, and years of social isolation. A former avid traveler, Michael was afraid to leave home. His past adventures felt like a distant dream, until he connected with Santa Cruz County’s Long Term Case Management team.

Long Term Case Management (LTCM) is a program which focuses on helping elderly adults maintain independence through advocacy, counseling and referrals to community agencies. Social workers connect one-on-one with clients, fostering special bonds and relationships that enable people like Michael to stay safe and maintain independence. 

For Michael, Long Term Case Management arrived at his door because he was referred to APS by someone in his life who cared for him. LTCM is alerted to potential cases through anonymous referrals from neighbors, family, friends and health care professionals. Seniors are also welcome, and encouraged, to reach out to LCTM directly if they need help. 

Initially, it was difficult for Michael to accept help. But with support from his social worker, public health nurse and doctor, Michael gradually gained control of his health, learned to manage his medical conditions and chose to stop drinking. The team supported him every step of the way — from home safety to medical care, and even helped him tidy his apartment when he was ready. 

Michael credits his team for increasing his understanding of health and advocating for him. They feel like family to him – through offering consistent support and showing him daily that he is valued and people care. One of the reasons Michael became sober is to make his team proud. 

Michael’s story shows how consistent support and care can transform a life. Santa Cruz County’s Adult and Long Term Case Management helps people stay healthy, safe and connected — one step at a time. 

“Since 2023, Adult Protective Services Long Term Case Management program has served nearly 100 older and dependent adults throughout the county,” said Whitney Barnes, supervisor at Adult and Long Term Care. “The program has consistently improved client’s health and outlook on life.”

If you or someone in your life needs help, please reach out to the Adult and Long Term Care Division at 831-454-4101 or www.santacruzhumanservices.org/AdultLongTermCare.

The post Adult and Long Term Care is here to help: Michael’s story shows how appeared first on Lookout Santa Cruz.

Watsonville Police are asking the public for help in finding an at-risk 12-year-old girl who has been reported missing.

Willowwind Crowbear was last seen Monday morning around 1:45am on the 500 block of Westridge Drive. She is believed to be wearing a black hoodie and jeans. 

She was also reported missing last month in Salinas, and returned home on June 24 before leaving 30 minutes later, police said.

Anyone with information of her whereabouts is asked to call 831.471.1151.

Watsonville City Council will decide whether to make changes to its camping ordinance, establishing “no encampment zones” in areas such the Struve Slough, the Pajaro River levee and other public spaces around the city.

Joe Ortiz transforms the chaos of his 1950s childhood into an exuberant musical memoir filled with unforgettable songs, powerhouse performances from Lori Rivera and Adam Saucedo, and enough heart to earn a sold-out opening-night audience’s standing ovation.

California’s budget has delayed proposed Medi-Cal dental cuts, giving Dientes Community Dental Care and thousands of Santa Cruz County patients a critical one-year reprieve — but the threat has not disappeared, writes Laura Marcus, CEO of Dientes. If the reductions take effect next year, Dientes estimates it could lose $2 million in funding, putting jobs, clinics and care for an estimated 1,800 patients at risk. With nearly 74,000 Santa Cruz County residents relying on Medi-Cal and too few dentists accepting new Medi-Cal patients, protecting access to preventive dental care is both a public health and economic imperative, she writes.

Since the CZU Fire burned over 86,000 acres of Santa Cruz and San Mateo counties in 2020, many residents have faced rising insurance premiums, non-renewals and an increased reliance on the California FAIR Plan, which provides basic fire insurance coverage for high-risk properties when traditional insurance companies will not. 

In response to these issues, the Santa Cruz County Office of Response, Recovery and Resilience (OR3) and Community Development and Infrastructure Department helped the county secure a Fire Risk Reduction designation through the California Board of Forestry and Fire Protection. The designation went into effect July 1. 

“This recognition reflects years of work to make Santa Cruz County safer, better

prepared and more competitive for wildfire prevention funding,” OR3 Director David Reid said in a June 26 press release.

The California Fire Risk Reduction Community List, which is where the county was named as a designee, recognizes local agencies that have demonstrated a strong commitment to reducing wildfire risk through planning, community engagement, wildfire mitigation and implementation of state-recognized best practices.

The Fire Risk Reduction designation could make Santa Cruz more competitive for millions of dollars in future wildfire prevention grants to support projects like fuel reduction, wildfire planning and community education. It will also help qualifying homeowners, especially those on the FAIR plan, receive wildfire insurance discounts. 

Homeowners interested in pursuing potential insurance discounts can contact their insurance agent or provider and ask whether the county’s new designation can be applied to their policy.

The post County recognized as Fire Risk Reduction Community, making certain homeowners eligible for wildfire insurance discounts appeared first on Lookout Santa Cruz.

Cabrillo College has the only dental hygiene program in the Monterey Bay region. (B. Sakura Cannestra — Santa Cruz Local file)

APTOS >> After the Dental Hygiene Board of California found in February that Cabrillo College’s dental hygiene program was not in compliance with minimum standards for patient safety and student learning, the college has now addressed all but one of the eight violations. Board members were outraged by the violations but opted to put the program on a three-year probation and allow it the opportunity to fix the issues. 

In a letter dated July 1, the board wrote that the college is now in compliance with seven areas of concern. The program has yet to meet minimum staffing requirements and has until Aug. 17 to hire another permanent, full-time staffer. The program was found to be in violation with only one full-time employee, the program director. The board previously cited the college for understaffing of its dental program in 2019 and 2024.

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In a letter dated July 1, the board wrote that the college is now in compliance with seven areas of concern. The program has yet to meet minimum staffing requirements and has until Aug. 17 to hire another permanent, full-time staffer. The program currently has one full-time employee, the program director. The board previously cited the college for understaffing of its dental program in 2019 and 2024.

In a press release published on July 2, Vice President of Instruction Travaris Harris wrote that the improvements demonstrate “the extraordinary commitment of our faculty, staff, administrators, and students to ensuring that our program not only meets regulatory standards but continues to prepare outstanding dental hygienists who serve our community with excellence.”

Santa Cruz Local reported last month that problems in the program may have stemmed from a chaotic and at times, toxic work environment. College leaders denied the allegations. The dean overseeing the dental program, Heidi Weber, resigned June 21. Weber and college administrators declined to discuss her resignation. 

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The post Cabrillo College fixes most dental program violations, state board says appeared first on Santa Cruz Local.

A new report from the Santa Cruz County Civil Grand Jury says that had the county implemented a widely adopted traffic safety approach, it might have avoided some pedestrian injuries and fatalities. The grand jury recommends that the county adopt an action to implement the Vision Zero strategy to eliminate pedestrian injuries and fatalities.