By Emily Wilson Larry McDonald has been a hand percussionist for over 60 years. While he may not be a household name, his recording and performing career is full of them. He has collaborated with Bob Marley and the Wailers, Toots and the Maytals, Peter Tosh, Lee “Scratch” Perry, and, for nearly 30 years, Gil Scott-Heron. As […]
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The Solar Tax Credit Is Over… Or is it? Here’s how savvy homeowners are going solar in 2026
If the 2025 solar universe had a soundtrack, it would be equal parts construction noise, utility rate alerts, and the gentle hum of a battery kicking on right when the grid decides it’s had enough. At the federal level, the messaging has been clear: encourage more domestic oil-and-gas exploration and production, including on federal lands […]
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What does it mean to protect land forever?
Legally, it means that the 19,000+ acres the Land Trust of Santa Cruz County has protected in our county over the last 45 years can only be held by a qualified nonprofit organization with a mission that will maintain the land’s conservation purpose in perpetuity. These precious conservation lands can never be sold or given […]
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Stress is piling on for Santa Cruz families, and the Children’s Museum is stepping up to provide relief
Santa Cruz County families are navigating one of the most stressful periods in recent memory. Parents are already stretched thin between sky-high housing costs and the demands of multiple jobs just to make ends meet. Recent developments with government shutdowns and a changing childcare landscape are pushing families to the brink. According to First 5 […]
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Help keep families together: Support the Rebele Family Shelter
For nearly 20 years, hope has found a home at the Rebele Family Shelter (RFS). Since opening in 2005, RFS has provided stability and connection for more than 675 families with children experiencing homelessness in Santa Cruz County. “I stayed at RFS for four months with my daughters,” said Jennifer, a former RFS participant. “I […]
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Santa Cruz Mountains Trail Stewardship: Building new trails since 1997
Santa Cruz Mountains Trail Stewardship (SCMTS) has operated in the area since 1997, and their work as a nonprofit trails organization has opened up some of Santa Cruz’s most popular trails to the public. Because of their work, Wilder Ranch Trails reaches up to Empire Grade, there’s an iconic Flow Trail in the depths of […]
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You can make the holidays joyful for Santa Cruz families in need
More than 2,000 children and teens across Santa Cruz County are hoping for brighter holidays this year. The Volunteer Center’s Adopt-a-Family program makes it easy for neighbors to step in and share joy. The holidays should feel bright and magical for every child. But for thousands of kids across Santa Cruz County, the season can […]
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Educator Update: University research funding uncertainty, and controversy with the “Renegade” heroics of the CZU fires
Local news in the classroom: Weekly roundup 9/30/2025 Here’s the weekly educator update designed just for high school educators – where we hand-pick several stories that we think will resonate with you and your students – especially those that might spur discussion. These alerts also highlight different resources we offer, such as our upcoming journalism […]
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Lookout in the Community: Fall into October events in Santa Cruz
October is here, and with it comes a full calendar of engaging events throughout Santa Cruz County. As UC Santa Cruz’s school year picks up and a heat wave arrives, Lookout’s calendar of events is full of experiences that celebrate what makes Santa Cruz such a vibrant and unique community. From Open studios to Trick-or-Treating, […]
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Reimagining Huckleberry Finn: National Book Award-winning author Percival Everett to speak on campus May 4
By Dan White Acclaimed novelist Percival Everett will step onto the stage of the Quarry Amphitheater at UC Santa Cruz this weekend for a highly anticipated conversation with Professor Vilashini Cooppan as part of The Humanities Institute’s Deep Read. At the center of this event is James, Everett’s searing, funny and inventive 2024 National Book Award-winning novel, […]