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Articles by Ruby Lee Schembari
For Capitola's first female police chief, childhood lessons shape a vision for progressive policing culture Original
Quick Take A former high school volleyball player and social worker who grew up in the San Lorenzo Valley with two mothers, Sarah Ryan brings a diverse perspective to her role as only the second woman to lead a law enforcement agency in Santa Cruz County’s history. Sarah Ryan’s path to becoming Capitola’s first female police chief started in an unlikely place: a home water birth to two mothers. Now, nearly five decades later, she leads a law enforcement agency serving 10,000 residents.
Cabrillo’s News Production Class Comes to an End
Cabrillo’s news production class (also known as JOURN-54A-54C) has been shut down due to low enrollment, according to an email from Division Administrative Assistant Lizett Zuñiga Zamudio. In her email, she explained that student enrollment in the class was not as strong as Cabrillo had hoped for, resulting in the class being cut until further notice.
Lily Belli on Food: Inside the Boardwalk's dining makeover; Ella's grounded; honors for local foodie businesses
Welcome to Lily Belli on Food, a weekly food-focused newsletter from Lookout’s food and drink correspondent, Lily Belli. Keep reading for the latest local food news for Santa Cruz County – plus a few fun odds and ends from my own life and around the web.
Westside / Downtown Neighborhood Newsletter for Tuesday, June 24
Good morning! It’s June 24 — here’s what’s going on in your community today… Today will be cool with low clouds breaking for some sun. The high will be 68 with a low of 51. Wear your sunblock — the UV Index is very high (10/11). Cloudy now, changing to mostly sunny at 2 p.m. 9 am 56° Cloudy 3 pm 66° Mostly sunny Looking ahead: Pleasant Sunday Santa Cruz and Watsonville are tripling fines for illegal fireworks during Independence Day.
Eastside / Live Oak Neighborhood Newsletter for Tuesday, June 24
Good morning! It’s June 24 — here’s what’s going on in your community today… Today will be low clouds followed by some sun and cool. The high will be 65 with a low of 51. Wear your sunblock — the UV Index is very high (10/11). Cloudy now, changing to mostly sunny at 2 p.m. 9 am 56° Cloudy 3 pm 64° Mostly sunny Looking ahead: Pleasant Sunday Santa Cruz and Watsonville are tripling fines for illegal fireworks, littering, and public alcohol consumption from July 4-7.
Aptos Neighborhood Newsletter for Tuesday, June 24
Good morning! It’s June 24 — here’s what’s going on in your community today… Today will be low clouds followed by sunshine and cool. There is a 1% chance of rain. The high will be 65 with a low of 50. Wear your sunblock — the UV Index is very high (10/11).
Watsonville / Pajaro Neighborhood Newsletter for Tuesday, June 24
Good morning! It’s June 24 — here’s what’s going on in your community today… Today will be low clouds followed by sunshine and cool. The high will be 64 with a low of 51. Cloudy now, changing to mostly sunny at 2 p.m. 9 am 56° Cloudy 3 pm 64° Mostly sunny PVUSD appoints six new principals and assistant principals amid budget concerns. Watsonville City Council considers job cuts and fee hikes. Santa Cruz and Watsonville increase fines for illegal fireworks over Independence Day weekend.
Bonny Doon / Davenport Neighborhood Newsletter for Tuesday, June 24
Good morning! It’s June 24 — here’s what’s going on in your community today… Today will be low clouds breaking for some sun and cool. There is a 1% chance of rain. The high will be 64 with a low of 54. Wear your sunblock — the UV Index is extreme (11/11).
Capitola / Soquel Neighborhood Newsletter for Tuesday, June 24
Good morning! It’s June 24 — here’s what’s going on in your community today… Today will be low clouds followed by some sun and cool. The high will be 65 with a low of 51. Wear your sunblock — the UV Index is very high (10/11). Cloudy now, changing to mostly sunny at 2 p.m. 9 am 56° Cloudy 3 pm 64° Mostly sunny Looking ahead: Pleasant Sunday Santa Cruz County CEO Carlos Palacios will retire in December after 38 years, having managed disaster recovery and budget challenges.
Corralitos / Freedom Neighborhood Newsletter for Tuesday, June 24
Good morning! It’s June 24 — here’s what’s going on in your community today… Today will be low clouds giving way to sunshine and cool. There is a 1% chance of rain. The high will be 67 with a low of 49. Wear your sunblock — the UV Index is very high (10/11).
Scotts Valley Neighborhood Newsletter for Tuesday, June 24
Good morning! It’s June 24 — here’s what’s going on in your community today… Today will be sunshine and a few clouds. There is a 1% chance of rain. The high will be 77 with a low of 49. Wear your sunblock — the UV Index is extreme (11/11). 9 am 58° Mostly sunny Looking ahead: Mostly sunny this weekend Santa Cruz County CEO Carlos Palacios will retire in December after 38 years, having managed disaster recovery and budget challenges.
San Lorenzo Valley Neighborhood Newsletter for Tuesday, June 24
Good morning! It’s June 24 — here’s what’s going on in your community today… Today will be sunshine and a few clouds. There is a 1% chance of rain. The high will be 79 with a low of 50. Wear your sunblock — the UV Index is extreme (11/11). 9 am 60° Mostly sunny Looking ahead: Sunny this weekend Santa Cruz County CEO Carlos Palacios will retire in December after 38 years, having managed disaster recovery and budget challenges.
Morning Lookout: County CEO Q&A, watchdog rips permitting process, Watsonville budget concerns
We meet again, Santa Cruz County. (Or if it’s your first time, welcome and thanks for reading!) It’s Tuesday, June 24, and the summer weather pattern continues – morning fog, afternoon sun, temperatures from the 60s to the low 80s.
Santa Cruz, Watsonville ramp up illegal fireworks for Independence Day Weekend
In anticipation of thousands of visitors coming to Santa Cruz for Independence Day weekend, the Santa Cruz Police Department announced on social media that fines are increasing across the city for some violations from Friday, July 4, at 8:00 a.m. to Monday, July 7, at 8:00 a.m. According to the social media post from Santa Cruz Police, fines for violations like illegal possession or discharge of fireworks, littering, and public consumption of alcohol will be tripled under a citywide Safety...
Santa Cruz protests Trump on President’s Day
Hundreds of protestors gathered today at the Santa Cruz Courthouse as part of a national movement “Not My President’s Day”. Santa Cruzans held posters containing slogans like “No person is above the law” and “Love not hate makes America great” while chanting “Hey hey! Ho ho! Elon Musk has got to go!” – all in protest of President Donald Trump and his administration. The crowd took to the lawn and sidewalk, as traffic slowed and cars honked in support.
Adrian Gonzalez reenacts crime, describes actions as self-interested as cross-examination concludes
Quick Take In the final two days of prosecutor Tara George’s cross-examination of Adrian Gonzalez, she touched on a number of issues, including his planning of the 2015 rape and murder of 8-year-old Madyson Middleton and hiding of the evidence. George also brought several props to have Gonzalez reenact the crime for the jury. The trial will resume Monday.
The Moss Landing fire - where do we go from here?
Quick Take The battery fire at Moss Landing requires a complete, independent investigation, writes state Sen. John Laird, and the public deserves to know how the fire started, how future fires can be prevented and the possible health and ecological impacts of the fire. There are no lithium standards in California, he writes, but says if Vistra’s battery plant does get rebuilt in Moss Landing, “it should be with newer, safer technology.” Have something to say?
Santa Cruz County live music roundup, Feb. 6-9
February is a beautiful month to spend time with your loved ones. Aren’t we all looking for a surprise to give them for Valentine’s Day? Whether that be your partner, friends or family, make sure to show your appreciation and invite them along to one of these shows! Thursday, Feb.
Owner, employee of Watsonville residential care home accused of elder abuse after resident died in 2022 from cold exposure
Quick take: The owner and an employee of Rose Garden Residential Care Home in Watsonville are each facing one felony charge of elder abuse after state officials say a dependent adult died under their care more than two years ago. A Watsonville residential care home owner and her employee are each facing a charge of felony elder abuse after state officials say an 88-year-old male resident died under their care in 2022.
Prescribed burns planned at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park today
California State Parks will conduct prescribed burns at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park on Wednesday between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. The burns will take place in the Old Growth Redwood Loop and along Pipeline Road. The park aims to reduce the risk of large-scale wildfires and maintain the health of the old growth redwood forest through these controlled burns. The project also aims to protect nearby residential areas from potential fire hazards.
San Lorenzo Valley Neighborhood Roundup for Wednesday, Feb. 5
Good morning! It’s Feb. 5 — here’s what’s going on in your community today… Today will be cool with sun and some clouds. There is a 2% chance of rain. The high will be 60 with a low of 41. Allergy sufferers beware: there are high amounts of mold in the air. Partly sunny now, changing to mostly sunny at 4 pm.
Corralitos / Freedom Neighborhood Roundup for Wednesday, Feb. 5
Good morning! It’s Feb. 5 — here’s what’s going on in your community today… Today will be mostly sunny. There is a 1% chance of rain. The high will be 59 with a low of 40. Allergy sufferers beware: there are high amounts of mold in the air.
Capitola / Soquel Neighborhood Roundup for Wednesday, Feb. 5
Good morning! It’s Feb. 5 — here’s what’s going on in your community today… Today will be sunny to partly cloudy. There is a 1% chance of rain. The high will be 59 with a low of 44. Allergy sufferers beware: there are high amounts of mold in the air.
Watsonville / Pajaro Neighborhood Roundup for Wednesday, Feb. 5
Good morning! It’s Feb. 5 — here’s what’s going on in your community today… Today will be sunny to partly cloudy. There is a 1% chance of rain. The high will be 61 with a low of 40. Allergy sufferers beware: there are high amounts of mold in the air. 9 am 46° Mostly sunny 7 pm 51° Mostly clear Looking ahead: Expect rainy weather tomorrow morning through late tomorrow night Pacific Valley Bank plans a Santa Cruz branch. Watsonville businesses face customer declines over deportation fears.
Aptos Neighborhood Roundup for Wednesday, Feb. 5
Good morning! It’s Feb. 5 — here’s what’s going on in your community today… Today will be sunny to partly cloudy. There is a 1% chance of rain. The high will be 59 with a low of 43. Allergy sufferers beware: there are high amounts of mold in the air.
Eastside / Live Oak Neighborhood Roundup for Wednesday, Feb. 5
Good morning! It’s Feb. 5 — here’s what’s going on in your community today… Today will be sunny to partly cloudy. There is a 1% chance of rain. The high will be 59 with a low of 44. Allergy sufferers beware: there are high amounts of mold in the air.
Westside / Downtown Neighborhood Roundup for Wednesday, Feb. 5
Good morning! It’s Feb. 5 — here’s what’s going on in your community today… Today will be mostly sunny. There is a 1% chance of rain. The high will be 59 with a low of 44. Allergy sufferers beware: there are high amounts of mold in the air. Mostly sunny Mostly clear Looking ahead: Expect rainy weather tomorrow morning through late tomorrow night Strong winds caused power outages for 1,857 Santa Cruz households. Jazz pianist Pascal Le Boeuf won a Grammy.
Wed., Feb. 5, playlist: Power outages linger post-storm; controversial homeless sweep; Santa Cruzan wins Grammy
Skip to content Click the playlist below to listen to today’s headlines. Read or listen to the latest headlines, discover local events, or enjoy a puzzle break – our app has it all! Enter the code sent to your email. Enter your password Sign in by entering the code we sent to , or clicking the magic link in the email.
Morning Lookout: Power outages linger post-storm; controversial homeless sweep; Santa Cruzan wins Grammy
Hello hello, Santa Cruz County. It is Wednesday, Feb. 5, and we’ve got a brief break from the stormy weather with sun and mid-50s in the forecast.
Santa Cruz native Pascal Le Boeuf wins Grammy, putting him in august company
Quick Take Santa Cruz native and jazz pianist Pascal Le Boeuf on Sunday won the Grammy Award for Best Instrumental Composition, an honor that in the past has gone to the likes of Duke Ellington and Henry Mancini. He is no one’s idea of a pop-culture icon, but for one brief moment on Sunday, Pascal Le Boeuf stood shoulder to shoulder, at least figuratively, with Beyonce, Kendrick Lamar and Lady Gaga.
After Santa Cruz encampment sweep that resulted in arrests, homeless advocacy groups decry ‘cruelty and shame’
Quick Take A homeless encampment sweep along Coral Street in Santa Cruz last week was pre-planned, said a city spokesperson, and resulted in several arrests. Two homeless advocacy and mutual aid groups expressed their disapproval of the practice of sweeps and called on the city and county to invest in supportive measures rather than on resources for sweeps.
This week in Santa Cruz County business: Pacific Valley Bank looks north to Santa Cruz; deportation fears stalk Watsonville business
Quick Take In this week's local business roundup, Jessica M. Pasko spotlights a move by Salinas-based Pacific Valley Bank to open a branch in downtown Santa Cruz, notes the impact of Donald Trump's immigration policy on Watsonville businesses and passes along other news, numbers and events to know. Each week, we’re taking a closer look at the movers and shakers, the growth of industries, and what’s really driving the Santa Cruz County economy.
As California’s fire season grows, state senators push for more year-round firefighters
Quick Take Senate President Pro Tem Mike McGuire proposed that state firefighters work full time in place of the seasonal workforce the agency currently staffs for nine months each year. Senate President Pro Tem Mike McGuire proposed Tuesday that state firefighters work year-round in place of the seasonal workforce the agency currently staffs for nine months each year. The increased duty for about 3,000 seasonal firefighters is estimated to cost at least $175 million.
Strong winds and rain lead to power outages in Santa Cruz; PG&E expecting mountain outages overnight
Quick Take More than 3,000 Pacific Gas & Electric customers in Santa Cruz lost power early Tuesday afternoon as strong rain and wind gusts continued. PG&E spokesperson Stephanie Magallon said more outages were expected. Some 3,000 Pacific Gas & Electric customers in Santa Cruz experienced power outages early Tuesday afternoon as strong wind gusts and rain hit the region. By 3 p.m., power had been restored to 3,056 PG&E customers; 14 were still without power, said Stephanie Magallon.
Santa Cruz County business filings: Week of Feb. 3
All businesses operating in Santa Cruz County are required to register with the county clerk. Each week, we pull together the business filings to spotlight the latest entrepreneurs and ventures shaping our local economy. The list below rounds up recent business name filings. Read on to discover the latest local businesses coming to Santa Cruz County. WELLNESS FROM THE EARTH was registered at 32 Seascape Village, Aptos, by Barbara Socorro Iliscupidez as an individual business on Jan. 16.
Your Educator Alert: A weekly local news roundup: Feb. 4, 2025
Good afternoon, The new year has gotten off to a busy start, but there’s still time for students to submit their Unsung Hero Journalism Scholarship story! If you know a student who would like a chance to be a published author and win $500 please tell them about this scholarship opportunity. If you are in contact with any parent groups that you think would like to know about this opportunity I’d love to reach out. My email is eetai@lookoutlocal.com.
Lily Belli on Food: Food businesses join 'A Day Without Immigrants'; Lookout hosting restaurant industry listening session
Welcome to Lily Belli on Food, a weekly food-focused newsletter from Lookout’s food and drink correspondent, Lily Belli. Keep reading for the latest local food news for Santa Cruz County – plus a few fun odds and ends from my own life and around the web. … On Monday, dozens of businesses closed throughout Santa Cruz County to take part in “A Day Without Immigrants.” The nationwide protest encouraged supporters to stay home from work and school or to close their businesses.
San Lorenzo Valley Neighborhood Roundup for Tuesday, Feb. 4
Good morning! It’s Feb. 4 — here’s what’s going on in your community today… Today will be winds becoming strong; periods of rain, some heavy. There is a 100% chance of rain. The high will be 59 with a low of 40. Allergy sufferers beware: there are high amounts of mold in the air.
Scotts Valley Neighborhood Roundup for Tuesday, Feb. 4
Good morning! It’s Feb. 4 — here’s what’s going on in your community today… Today will be winds becoming strong; periods of rain, becoming heavy. There is a 100% chance of rain. The high will be 60 with a low of 41. Allergy sufferers beware: there are high amounts of mold in the air.
Tue., Feb. 4, playlist: ‘A Day Without Immigrants’ across county, Live Oak budget cuts
Skip to content Click the playlist below to listen to today’s headlines. Read or listen to the latest headlines, discover local events, or enjoy a puzzle break – our app has it all! Enter the code sent to your email. Enter your password Sign in by entering the code we sent to , or clicking the magic link in the email.
Aptos Neighborhood Roundup for Tuesday, Feb. 4
Good morning! It’s Feb. 4 — here’s what’s going on in your community today… Today will be winds becoming strong; periods of rain, some heavy. There is a 100% chance of rain. The high will be 59 with a low of 42. Allergy sufferers beware: there are high amounts of mold in the air.
Eastside / Live Oak Neighborhood Roundup for Tuesday, Feb. 4
Good morning! It’s Feb. 4 — here’s what’s going on in your community today… Today will be winds becoming strong; periods of rain, becoming heavy. There is a 100% chance of rain. The high will be 59 with a low of 42. Allergy sufferers beware: there are high amounts of mold in the air.
Westside / Downtown Neighborhood Roundup for Tuesday, Feb. 4
Good morning! It’s Feb. 4 — here’s what’s going on in your community today… Today will be windy with periods of rain, becoming heavy. There is a 100% chance of rain. The high will be 59 with a low of 43. Allergy sufferers beware: there are high amounts of mold in the air. Rain now, changing to cloudy at 10 am, then rain again in the afternoon.
Morning Lookout: 'A Day Without Immigrants' across county, Gonzalez testimony continues, Live Oak budget cuts
Hi there, Lookout friends. It’s Tuesday, Feb. 4, and it’s a rainy one – heavy at times – around Santa Cruz County, which is under a flood watch until early Wednesday morning as this atmospheric river moves through. JUMP TO … Neighborhood Roundup | Latest News | Opinion | Briefs | Event Calendar | Job Board | Puzzles The nationwide “A Day Without Immigrants” movement came to Watsonville and Santa Cruz on Monday, with hundreds turning out to protest the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown.
'United we can do many things': Protesters advocate for immigrant rights in Santa Cruz and Watsonville
Quick Take Hundreds of community members in Santa Cruz and Watsonville took part in protests Monday afternoon advocating for immigrant rights as President Donald Trump attempts to make sweeping changes to immigration policies.
Dozens of businesses close countywide to protest Trump immigration policies
Quick Take On Monday, dozens of businesses throughout Santa Cruz County were closed to take part in the nationwide "A Day Without Immigrants" protest. The campaign encouraged supporters to stay home from work and school, and for businesses to close. Participation appeared widespread in South County, and included restaurants, laundromats, bakeries, retail shops, food trucks and grocery stores.
Live Oak School District to vote on budget cuts of up to nearly $2 million at Wednesday meeting
Quick Take Live Oak School District’s governing board is set to vote Wednesday on the superintendent’s proposal for stabilizing the budget. Superintendent Pat Sánchez told Lookout he thinks his plan to trim nearly $2 million from the budget should save the district from future cuts.
Adrian Gonzalez grilled about pornography, prison friends and intent in rape and murder of Madyson Middleton
Quick Take Adrian Gonzalez, convicted in the 2015 rape and murder of 8-year-old neighbor Madyson Middleton, was grilled on the stand most of the day Monday by a Santa Cruz County prosecutor clearly intent on trying to show that Gonzalez is not fit for release. Adrian Gonzalez took the witness stand all day Monday as he was grilled by county prosecutor Tara George, part of the ongoing trial for his release from custody.
Why won’t the dream of a train die?
Quick Take Santa Cruz leaders have considered building a train from Watsonville to Davenport for decades, and the Regional Transportation Commission has repeatedly approved studies on cost and feasibility. Measure D (2022) was among the costliest and most contentious ballot initiatives in recent memory and saw 70% of voters support trying to build a train.
In the Public Interest: After public self-immolation, activist’s friends demand transparency
Hundreds gathered Sunday evening for a march to Santa Cruz City Hall and a candlelight vigil for local activist Thairie Ritchie, who set himself on fire outside city hall on Jan. 20, a date that marked the confluence of President Donald Trump’s second inauguration and Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
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