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Articles by Jana Marcus
‘The Lost Boys’ fans gather in Santa Cruz ahead of a potential 40th-anniversary bash
Quick Take Nearly 40 years after “The Lost Boys” turned Santa Cruz into Santa Carla, actor Jamison Newlander hopes to bring the film’s worldwide fan base together in Santa Cruz for the 40th anniversary of its 1987 release. Two October events featuring international fan art, live music and a screening will test the waters for something bigger in 2027.
Bonny Doon / Davenport Neighborhood Newsletter for Monday, Oct. 12
Good morning! It’s Oct. 12 — here’s what’s going on in your community today… Today will be partly sunny and cool. The high will be 59 with a low of 47. Cal Fire and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo conducted a 48-acre controlled burn at Swanton Pacific Ranch near Highway 1 to reduce wildfire risk, improve forest health, and enhance wildlife habitat. By Kevin Painchaud Oct 9, 2026 ▼︎ events Read on to see the details about each item… At Wilder Ranch State Park on Oct. 17 At Wilder Ranch State Park on Oct.
San Lorenzo Valley Neighborhood Newsletter for Monday, Oct. 12
Good morning! It’s Oct. 12 — here’s what’s going on in your community today… Today will be cool with intervals of clouds and sun. The high will be 72 with a low of 44. Santa Cruz Ghost Hunters founder Mary Anne Porter reveals five haunted local spots with phantom children, mysterious nuns, a woman in white, and an invisible dog, blending spooky legends with Santa Cruz County history for Halloween.
Ghosts among us: Five of Santa Cruz County’s most haunted places
Quick Take Phantom children, mysterious nuns, a woman in white, and one invisible dog with a very bad attitude. Just in time for Halloween, Santa Cruz Ghost Hunters founder Maryanne Porter takes us through five of her favorite haunted places, where local history and ghostly legends have a way of getting tangled together. Santa Cruz has always been good at ghost stories. Maybe it’s the fog. Or the wooded mountains.
How maestro Daniel Stewart is shaping Santa Cruz Symphony’s 69th season
Quick Take Santa Cruz Symphony Music Director Daniel Stewart is bringing together Dvořák and Nina Simone, Stravinsky and BTS, Rachmaninoff and virtual reality pioneer Jaron Lanier for the orchestra’s 69th season, “Music Unites Us.” Jana Marcus sat down with Stewart to find out how those unlikely musical pairings come together.
Watsonville / Pajaro Neighborhood Newsletter for Tuesday, Sept. 22
Good morning! It’s Sept. 22 — here’s what’s going on in your community today… Today will be cool with clouds giving way to sun. The high will be 69 with a low of 52. Wear your sunblock — the UV index is high (6/11). Watsonville City Council will revisit its contract with Flock Safety this evening after community concerns; Councilmember Ari Parker requested a public discussion. By Tania Ortiz Sep 22, 2026 ➤ Para leer el artículo en español, haga clic aquí.
Mountain Community Theater’s ‘Rumors’ turns a cocktail party into comic chaos
Quick Take Mountain Community Theater serves up Neil Simon’s “Rumors” at full comic speed, with a tight ensemble, precise direction by MarNae Taylor and standout comic turns from the cast. It’s a cocktail party gone spectacularly wrong, and great fun to watch. Local theatergoers have been to some pretty disastrous cocktail parties this year.
Scotts Valley Neighborhood Newsletter for Monday, Sept. 21
Good morning! It’s Sept. 21 — here’s what’s going on in your community today… Today will see areas of low clouds, then some sun and cool. The high will be 73 with a low of 53. Santa Cruz County’s free Career Advancement Charter enrollment rose 332% since 2021, driven by adults seeking diplomas and new careers, attracted by its flexibility and supportive environment. By Hillary Ojeda Sep 21, 2026 ➤ Para leer el artículo en español, haga clic aquí.
Watsonville / Pajaro Neighborhood Newsletter for Monday, Sept. 21
Good morning! It’s Sept. 21 — here’s what’s going on in your community today… Today will see areas of low clouds, then some sun. The high will be 70 with a low of 56. Wear your sunblock — the UV index is high (6/11). Santa Cruz County’s free Career Advancement Charter enrollment rose 332% since 2021, driven by adults seeking diplomas and new careers, attracted by its flexibility and supportive environment. By Hillary Ojeda Sep 21, 2026 ➤ Para leer el artículo en español, haga clic aquí.
Eastside / Live Oak Neighborhood Newsletter for Monday, Sept. 21
Good morning! It’s Sept. 21 — here’s what’s going on in your community today… Today will see areas of low clouds, then some sun and cool. The high will be 70 with a low of 56. Wear your sunblock — the UV index is high (6/11). Santa Cruz will hold a Wednesday open house on the Water Street Safety Project, proposing new bike lanes and intersection upgrades to enhance safety on this busy road.
Aptos Neighborhood Newsletter for Monday, Sept. 21
Good morning! It’s Sept. 21 — here’s what’s going on in your community today… Today will see areas of low clouds, then some sun and cool. The high will be 69 with a low of 55. Wear your sunblock — the UV index is high (6/11). Nearly all survey respondents support reopening Cabrillo College’s 470-seat theater; local artists and educators are exploring revival options, and the college is open to discussions about restoring the long-closed venue.
470 empty seats make some noise: What’s next for Cabrillo’s original theater?
Quick Take Two weeks after Lookout asked whether Cabrillo College’s long-shuttered theater could have a second act, nearly 99% of 178 survey respondents said yes. Now a group of longtime Cabrillo artists and educators is exploring what it would take to bring the 470-seat theater back to life, while the college says it welcomes conversations about revitalizing the space. Apparently, 470 empty seats can make a lot of noise.
Bonny Doon / Davenport Neighborhood Newsletter for Wednesday, Sept. 16
Good morning! It’s Sept. 16 — here’s what’s going on in your community today… Today will see low clouds breaking for some sun and cool. The high will be 62 with a low of 49. Wear your sunblock — the UV index is high (6/11). Allergy sufferers beware: There are high amounts of ragweed in the air. Shawn Peterson becomes Volunteer Center director with new goals; Joby Aviation’s electric aircraft start a national tour, debuting in Texas. By Jessica M.
Aptos Neighborhood Newsletter for Wednesday, Sept. 16
Good morning! It’s Sept. 16 — here’s what’s going on in your community today… Today will see low clouds breaking for some sun and cool. The high will be 70 with a low of 54. Wear your sunblock — the UV index is high (6/11). Allergy sufferers beware: There are high amounts of ragweed in the air. Cabrillo College tackles a $2 million deficit through cuts and enrollment efforts. Highway 1 in Aptos will close overnight Sunday and Monday for a new pedestrian overcrossing at Mar Vista Drive.
San Lorenzo Valley Neighborhood Newsletter for Wednesday, Sept. 16
Good morning! It’s Sept. 16 — here’s what’s going on in your community today… Today will be cool with sunshine and some clouds. The high will be 74 with a low of 53. Wear your sunblock — the UV index is high (6/11). Allergy sufferers beware: There are high amounts of ragweed in the air. Shawn Peterson becomes Volunteer Center director with new goals; Joby Aviation’s electric aircraft start a national tour, debuting in Texas. By Jessica M.
‘The Last Five Years’ at Santa Cruz Shakespeare: A beautiful production of a frustrating musical
Quick Take Santa Cruz Shakespeare gives Jason Robert Brown’s “The Last Five Years” a thoughtful production, with terrific performances and wonderful live musicianship leading the way. But this musical autopsy of a failed marriage ultimately leaves us with one lingering question: What have we learned from the wreckage? There is something inherently irresistible about a train wreck. If you go Who: Santa Cruz Shakespeare What: “The Last Five Years” When: Through Oct.
Aptos Neighborhood Newsletter for Monday, Sept. 14
Good morning! It’s Sept. 14 — here’s what’s going on in your community today… Today will see some low clouds early; otherwise, mostly sunny and nice. The high will be 79 with a low of 53. Allergy sufferers beware: There are high amounts of ragweed in the air. The Capitola City Council approved a temporary polyester concrete overlay for Stockton Avenue Bridge, delaying full replacement.
Santa Cruz Shakespeare’s ‘Private Lives’ is deliciously funny — and gloriously toxic
Quick Take Santa Cruz Shakespeare opens its fall season in delicious style with Noël Coward’s “Private Lives.” Charles Pasternak and Paige Lindsey White are marvelous as the spectacularly combustible couple who can’t seem to stay together or apart, bringing sparkling chemistry and impeccable comic timing to Laura Gordon’s stylish, laugh-out-loud production. Some couples fall in love. Some fall out of love. If you go Who: Santa Cruz Shakespeare What: Noël Coward’s “Private Lives” When: Through Oct.
Eastside / Live Oak Neighborhood Newsletter for Thursday, Sept. 10
Good morning! It’s Sept. 10 — here’s what’s going on in your community today… Today will be mostly sunny and not as hot. The high will be 87 with a low of 57. Wear your sunblock — the UV index is high (7/11). Allergy sufferers beware: There are high amounts of ragweed in the air. Santa Cruz County firefighters will hold their 25th annual 9/11 memorial stair climb at Seacliff State Beach in Aptos on Friday. Rick Walker marks 60 years in music with a solo show at Cayuga Stage on Saturday.
Puccini, poker and profanity: ‘The Girl of the Golden West’ takes an unexpectedly funny ride
Quick Take Puccini heads to the California Gold Rush in “The Girl of the Golden West,” where a contemporary English translation adds profanity, camp and plenty of unexpected laughs. The emotional depth sometimes gets lost along the way, but three terrific lead voices, particularly Jordan Best's Minnie, make the production. Ever wonder where the theatrical expression “park and bark” comes from?
Corralitos / Freedom Neighborhood Newsletter for Monday, Aug. 31
Good morning! It’s Aug. 31 — here’s what’s going on in your community today… Today will see low clouds followed by some sun. The high will be 71, with a low of 53. Looking ahead: Cool tomorrow Santa Cruz County schools ask parents to share children’s health insurance info to secure funding for free student counseling and mental health services, ensuring continued access at no cost. By Hillary Ojeda Aug 31, 2026 ➤ Para leer el artículo en español, haga clic aquí.
Aptos Neighborhood Newsletter for Monday, Aug. 31
Good morning! It’s Aug. 31 — here’s what’s going on in your community today… Today will see low clouds breaking for some sun and cool; watch for large waves and rough surf. The high will be 70, with a low of 54. Wear your sunblock — the UV index is high (7/11). Santa Cruz County schools ask parents to share students’ health insurance to sustain free mental health services. Cabrillo College may reopen its closed 470-seat theater to address local performance space shortages.
San Lorenzo Valley Neighborhood Newsletter for Monday, Aug. 31
Good morning! It’s Aug. 31 — here’s what’s going on in your community today… Today will see areas of low clouds early; otherwise, mostly sunny and cool. The high will be 75, with a low of 52. Wear your sunblock — the UV index is high (7/11). Santa Cruz County schools ask parents to share children’s health insurance info to secure funding for free student counseling and mental health services, ensuring continued access at no cost.
Eastside / Live Oak Neighborhood Newsletter for Monday, Aug. 31
Good morning! It’s Aug. 31 — here’s what’s going on in your community today… Today will be cool with low clouds breaking for some sun; watch for large waves and rough surf. The high will be 70, with a low of 54. Santa Cruz County schools ask parents to share children’s health insurance info to secure funding for free student counseling and mental health services, ensuring continued access at no cost.
Watsonville / Pajaro Neighborhood Newsletter for Monday, Aug. 31
Good morning! It’s Aug. 31 — here’s what’s going on in your community today… Today will see low clouds followed by some sun. The high will be 70, with a low of 55. Wear your sunblock — the UV index is high (7/11). Santa Cruz County schools ask parents for children’s health insurance info to sustain free mental health services. Watsonville Community Hospital nurses will rally Monday over the NICU closure due to staffing shortages.
Scotts Valley Neighborhood Newsletter for Monday, Aug. 31
Good morning! It’s Aug. 31 — here’s what’s going on in your community today… Today will see low clouds breaking for some sun and cool. The high will be 73, with a low of 53. Wear your sunblock — the UV index is high (7/11). Santa Cruz County schools ask parents to share children’s health insurance info to secure funding for free student counseling and mental health services, ensuring continued access at no cost. By Hillary Ojeda Aug 31, 2026 ➤ Para leer el artículo en español, haga clic aquí.
Bonny Doon / Davenport Neighborhood Newsletter for Monday, Aug. 31
Good morning! It’s Aug. 31 — here’s what’s going on in your community today… Today will see low clouds breaking for some sun and cool; large waves and rough surf could affect the area. The high will be 64, with a low of 49. Santa Cruz County schools ask parents to provide children’s health insurance info to sustain free student mental health services. Watch the “Made in Santa Cruz” video series showcasing local artist Mattie Leeds and his creative process.
Capitola / Soquel Neighborhood Newsletter for Monday, Aug. 31
Good morning! It’s Aug. 31 — here’s what’s going on in your community today… Today will be cool with low clouds breaking for some sun; watch for large waves and rough surf. The high will be 70, with a low of 54. Santa Cruz County schools ask parents to provide children’s health insurance info to sustain free mental health services. Capitola residents can participate in two transportation surveys, one closing Monday. By Hillary Ojeda Aug 31, 2026 ➤ Para leer el artículo en español, haga clic aquí.
470 empty seats: What happens to Cabrillo College’s original theater now?
Quick Take For nearly half a century, Cabrillo College’s original theater hosted world-renowned musicians, Hollywood actors and generations of young artists. It has been dark since 2009. Now, amid a shortage of performance spaces in Santa Cruz County, some are asking whether its 470 empty seats could have a future. For 17 years, the doors have been locked. Walk past Cabrillo College’s Building 200 today, in the center of the Aptos campus, and there is little to suggest what lies inside.
Watsonville / Pajaro Neighborhood Newsletter for Wednesday, Aug. 26
Good morning! It’s Aug. 26 — here’s what’s going on in your community today… Today will see some low clouds early; otherwise, mostly sunny and very warm. Large waves and rough surf could affect the area. The high will be 85, with a low of 58. Wear your sunblock — the UV index is very high (8/11). Brie Reiter Smith is the new CEO of Watsonville-based Driscoll’s, succeeding Soren Bjorn.
Aptos Neighborhood Newsletter for Wednesday, Aug. 26
Good morning! It’s Aug. 26 — here’s what’s going on in your community today… Today will see some low clouds early, then mostly sunny. The high will be 86, with a low of 59. Wear your sunblock — the UV index is very high (8/11). Santa Cruz fenced off Coral Street sidewalks near Housing Matters, citing the wrong law. Homeless advocates question the legality, calling it discriminatory against unhoused people already facing frequent sweeps there.
Westside / Downtown Neighborhood Newsletter for Wednesday, Aug. 26
Good morning! It’s Aug. 26 — here’s what’s going on in your community today… Today will see some low clouds early, then mostly sunny and very warm; watch for large waves and rough surf. The high will be 87, with a low of 60. Wear your sunblock — the UV index is very high (8/11). Santa Cruz fenced Coral Street sidewalks near Housing Matters, citing the wrong law. Homeless advocates question the legality, calling it discriminatory against unhoused people already facing frequent sweeps there.
Capitola / Soquel Neighborhood Newsletter for Wednesday, Aug. 26
Good morning! It’s Aug. 26 — here’s what’s going on in your community today… Today will see some low clouds early, then mostly sunny; large waves and rough surf could affect the area. The high will be 84, with a low of 60. Wear your sunblock — the UV index is very high (8/11). Santa Cruz fenced off Coral Street sidewalks near Housing Matters, citing the wrong law. Homeless advocates question the legality, calling it discriminatory against unhoused people already facing frequent sweeps there.
Santa Cruz Shakespeare goes big: Eight shows take the stage in 2027
Quick Take Santa Cruz Shakespeare is going bigger than ever in 2027, with eight productions stretching from spring through winter, including a record four-show summer season. But at a warm gathering in the Audrey Stanley Grove on Monday night, the company also looked back, surprising former artistic director Mike Ryan by naming the Grove stage in his honor. It was supposed to be a season announcement.
Aptos Neighborhood Newsletter for Friday, Aug. 21
Good morning! It’s Aug. 21 — here’s what’s going on in your community today… Today will see low clouds followed by some sun. The high will be 76, with a low of 54. Wear your sunblock — the UV index is very high (8/11). A Pajaro Valley school board candidate with felony assault and child endangerment convictions remains eligible under state law; questions have also arisen about Curt Street Wilcox’s claimed Watsonville residency.
Scotts Valley Neighborhood Newsletter for Friday, Aug. 21
Good morning! It’s Aug. 21 — here’s what’s going on in your community today… Today will see areas of low clouds early; otherwise, mostly sunny and pleasant. The high will be 81, with a low of 54. Wear your sunblock — the UV index is very high (8/11). Santa Cruz County’s housing market slowed in July due to vacations and back-to-school but rebounded. Realtors expect increased demand amid the region’s AI-driven wealth boom.
Plugged in, yet all alone: All About Theatre connects with ‘Dear Evan Hansen’
We have never had more ways to connect with one another. If you go Who: All About Theatre What: “Dear Evan Hansen” When: Through Aug. 29 Where: Colligan Theater at the Tannery Arts Center, 1010 River St., Santa Cruz Tickets: Click here We text. We post. We scroll. We share the intimate details of our lives with hundreds, sometimes thousands, of people we may barely know. Already have an account? Sign In You can also read an additional two free articles PER DAY in the Lookout app.
Capitola / Soquel Neighborhood Newsletter for Wednesday, Aug. 19
Good morning! It’s Aug. 19 — here’s what’s going on in your community today… Today will see areas of low clouds, then some sun and comfortable. The high will be 73, with a low of 56. Wear your sunblock — the UV index is very high (8/11). Many seats on Santa Cruz County school boards and for Cabrillo College are up for grabs this fall, though not all will be contested.
Westside / Downtown Neighborhood Newsletter for Wednesday, Aug. 19
Good morning! It’s Aug. 19 — here’s what’s going on in your community today… Today will see areas of low clouds, then some sun and pleasant. The high will be 76, with a low of 56. Wear your sunblock — the UV index is very high (8/11). Many seats on Santa Cruz County school boards and for Cabrillo College are up for grabs this fall, though not all will be contested. By Hillary Ojeda Aug 19, 2026 ▼︎ police incidents ▼︎ events Read on to see the details about each item… At The 418 Project on Aug.
Eastside / Live Oak Neighborhood Newsletter for Wednesday, Aug. 19
Good morning! It’s Aug. 19 — here’s what’s going on in your community today… Today will see areas of low clouds, then some sun and comfortable. The high will be 73, with a low of 56. Wear your sunblock — the UV index is very high (8/11). Many seats on Santa Cruz County school boards and for Cabrillo College are up for grabs this fall, though not all will be contested.
Corralitos / Freedom Neighborhood Newsletter for Wednesday, Aug. 19
Good morning! It’s Aug. 19 — here’s what’s going on in your community today… Today will be partly sunny and pleasant. The high will be 78, with a low of 54. Wear your sunblock — the UV index is very high (9/11). Many seats on Santa Cruz County school boards and for Cabrillo College are up for grabs this fall, though not all will be contested. By Hillary Ojeda Aug 19, 2026 ▼︎ police incidents ▼︎ events Read on to see the details about each item… Event date: Aug. 19.
San Lorenzo Valley Neighborhood Newsletter for Wednesday, Aug. 19
Good morning! It’s Aug. 19 — here’s what’s going on in your community today… Today will be partly sunny and warmer. The high will be 86, with a low of 56. Wear your sunblock — the UV index is very high (9/11). Many seats on Santa Cruz County school boards and for Cabrillo College are up for grabs this fall, though not all will be contested.
Scotts Valley Neighborhood Newsletter for Wednesday, Aug. 19
Good morning! It’s Aug. 19 — here’s what’s going on in your community today… Today will be partly sunny and beautiful. The high will be 82, with a low of 56. Wear your sunblock — the UV index is very high (9/11). Many seats on Santa Cruz County school boards and for Cabrillo College are up for grabs this fall, though not all will be contested.
Aptos Neighborhood Newsletter for Wednesday, Aug. 19
Good morning! It’s Aug. 19 — here’s what’s going on in your community today… Today will be pleasant with sun breaking through clouds at times. The high will be 74, with a low of 55. Wear your sunblock — the UV index is very high (9/11). Many seats on Santa Cruz County school boards and for Cabrillo College are up for grabs this fall, though not all will be contested.
Existential crisis has never been this funny: SH Theatrical takes on Stoppard
Quick Take New Santa Cruz company SH Theatrical makes an impressive debut with Tom Stoppard’s “Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead,” a smart, well-acted and laugh-out-loud production led by Zed Warner, Chris Salem and Ward Willats. There are plays that make us laugh. There are plays that make us think. Tom Stoppard’s “Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead” somehow manages to do both at exactly the same time.
Eastside / Live Oak Neighborhood Newsletter for Monday, August 17
Good morning! It’s Aug. 17 — here’s what’s going on in your community today… Today will see areas of low clouds, then some sun, nice and cool. The high will be 71, with a low of 56. Santa Cruz will spend $150,000 on a lidar tree inventory to plant 3,000 trees by 2030 and is considering speed limit cuts and a road safety task force to improve dangerous streets. By William S.
The applause isn’t over yet: Your fall/winter theater guide
Quick Take Summer theater might be winding down, but the curtain isn't closing anytime soon. Santa Cruz County's stages are packed with comedies, dramas, musicals, opera, holiday favorites and a few surprises, giving audiences more reasons than ever to head to the theater. It’s been a full summer of theater, and the rousing applause isn’t over yet. If you thought the curtain was coming down for the year, think again.
Santa Cruz Holocaust survivor, 94, sees her life story become award-winning documentary
Quick Take The new documentary film "My Name is Gitta" follows Santa Cruz Holocaust survivor Gitta Ryle as she returns to Europe in search of answers, discovering that forgiveness is not a destination, but a lifelong journey. It’s a warm June evening as camera shutters fire in rapid bursts outside Hollywood’s iconic TCL Chinese Theatre. Photographers jockey for position along a glowing orange carpet that stretches toward the theater entrance.
The stories we inherit: SC Shakespeare builds a remarkable ‘Fences’
Quick Take August Wilson's Pulitzer Prize-winning masterpiece “Fences” receives a powerfully acted and deeply moving production from Santa Cruz Shakespeare, led by a remarkable Derrick Lee Weeden and an outstanding ensemble. Every family inherits a story. The difficult question is whether we are bound to repeat it. If you go Who: Santa Cruz Shakespeare What: August Wilson’s “Fences” When: Through Aug.
Lawmakers will decide on these 10 bills affecting California students and schools
Quick Take As California legislators return from recess for the final stretch of the legislative session, several education bills addressing social media usage, disability funding and student achievement remain undecided. This story was originally published by EdSource. Sign up for its daily newsletter. California legislators returned from their summer recess this week for the final stretch of the legislative season, with the fate of several education bills still undecided. Lawmakers have until Aug.
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