Last week, Lookout brought readers, members, business leaders and community partners together through three unique events that showcased the many ways local journalism can connect and strengthen our community.
These community experiences are made possible by the support of Lookout members. If you’re not yet a member, we invite you to join us and help sustain independent local journalism while gaining access to exclusive events, experiences and opportunities to connect with the people and stories that make Santa Cruz County unique.
Five years strong — and just getting started.
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Private VegFest tasting tour with Lily Belli
On Saturday morning, June 6, 12 Lookout members got a taste of life as a food journalist, joining food and drink correspondent Lily Belli for an exclusive tasting tour at Santa Cruz VegFest at the county fairgrounds in Watsonville. More than just a food crawl, the experience offered behind-the-scenes conversations with local food makers and a deeper understanding of the stories, cultures and community connections behind each bite.
The group began at Samba Rock Açaí Café, where members enjoyed fresh açaí bowls while learning about the fruit’s roots in Brazil and the inspiration behind bringing authentic açaí culture to Santa Cruz. Next, they sampled vegan arepas from Areperia 831. The owner shared her commitment to creating food that is inclusive and accessible for everyone – often making dishes that are vegan, gluten-free and nut-free without sacrificing flavor. The verdict from the group: You would never guess the arepas were vegan.
The tour continued with vegan churro donuts from Hole Foods Donuts. Members learned how the owner balances a full-time career as a carpenter while building his donut business on the side, and got a look at some of his creative flavors, including blueberry and matcha. The morning wrapped up at Santa Cruz Cider Co., where participants sampled a classic dry cider, a pomegranate-apple blend and fresh apple juice, all made from apples grown right here in Santa Cruz County.
What makes these tasting tours so special is that they go far beyond simply tasting food. Participants get to hear directly from chefs, entrepreneurs and makers about their journeys, their craft and their connections to the community. It’s an opportunity to experience food through the lens of a journalist – discovering the stories behind the flavors and gaining a richer appreciation for the people who make our local food scene so vibrant.
Lookout Trivia Night at Abbott Square
On Wednesday evening, June 10, 65 community members gathered at Abbott Square for the kickoff of Lookout’s fifth annual summer trivia series. Hosted by longtime arts and entertainment writer Wallace Baine, the monthly event has become a beloved summer tradition in downtown Santa Cruz, drawing a mix of loyal regulars and first-time players eager to test their knowledge and enjoy a night out with friends.
Although Wallace retired from Lookout last December, he was so passionate about the trivia series that he couldn’t imagine letting it go. A devoted “Jeopardy!” fan, Wallace designs each round with the same spirit of curiosity and challenge – and participants quickly discover that these questions are no joke. With four rounds covering everything from pop culture and history to science and local knowledge, even the most seasoned trivia buffs find themselves stumped.
Fifteen teams competed throughout the evening while enjoying food and drinks from Abbott Square vendors. After a hard-fought final round, first-time Lookout trivia attendees the Scrambled Eggheads emerged victorious, taking home Pacific Cookie Company treats, Lookout swag and, perhaps most important, bragging rights until next month.
Business after hours with the Santa Cruz Area Chamber of Commerce
On Thursday evening, June 11, more than 50 local business, nonprofit and community leaders gathered inside the Lookout newsroom for a business after hours event in partnership with the Santa Cruz Area Chamber of Commerce. Despite an unexpected air-conditioning outage on one of the warmer days of the year, the newsroom was full of energy, conversation and new connections.
For many attendees, the evening offered a rare behind-the-scenes look at how local journalism works. Guests learned more about Lookout’s mission to provide independent, nonpartisan reporting for Santa Cruz County and the role local news plays in keeping communities informed and connected. While much of the newsroom team was out doing what journalists do best – covering breaking stories and reporting in the field – the event provided an opportunity to showcase the people, partnerships and community engagement efforts that help support Lookout’s work.
The gathering also served as an introduction to Lookout’s new executive editor, Richard Martin, who recently joined the organization to lead the newsroom and help guide its next chapter. Attendees had the chance to meet Richard and learn more about Lookout’s continued investment in strong local journalism.
Beyond the newsroom itself, the evening highlighted the many ways businesses, nonprofits and community organizations can partner with Lookout. Guests enjoyed a spread from Busy Bees Catering, winner of the 2025 Lookout List award for Best Catering for a Dinner Party, alongside award-winning wines from Soquel Vineyards, another 2025 Lookout List honoree. The space was brightened by stunning floral arrangements from woman-owned Tulipa Florals, whose creative displays featured fresh strawberries woven into the bouquets – a detail that quickly became a conversation-starter among attendees. Together, these local businesses helped showcase the talent, creativity and entrepreneurial spirit that make Santa Cruz County such a special place. A special thank you to the Santa Cruz Area Chamber of Commerce and everyone who joined us for such a memorable evening.
Whether exploring Santa Cruz’s food scene with a journalist, gathering with friends for a night of trivia or connecting with local leaders in our newsroom, each of these events reflects the same goal: bringing people closer to the stories, businesses and neighbors that shape our community. That’s the power of local journalism – not just informing people about where they live, but helping them feel more connected to it.
