Over the years, our beloved Santa Cruz County has housed exciting, creative people with innovative genius. Many locals cook up new businesses and come up with cutting-edge ideas, making our humble coastal community a birthplace of numerous technological and inspirational breakthroughs. Such change-makers deserve to be revered – and through this mission, the NEXTies were […]
Lookout Interns
NEXTies 2024 Musician of the Year: Alwa Gordon Spotlight
Hey Alwa, excited to get started! Could you give a background of yourself? Where did you grow up? I was born and raised in Santa Cruz, and have lived in various parts including Capitola, the westside, scotts valley, watsonville, and midtown. My mom is Japanese, English, Irish, and French. And my dad is black. What […]
NEXTies 2024 Soquel High Knights Spotlight, with Coach Dwight Lowery
The Soquel High Football Team had quite the year. They ended the season 13-2, winning 2023 California Interscholastic Federation Division 4-AA title. This is the first time any school football team has achieved this in Santa Cruz county… ever. We talked to Coach Dwight Lowery, a former pro turned coach. Hey coach! Could you tell […]
Surfer of the Year Spotlight: Aylana Zanville & Women on Waves
Aylana is an accomplished local surfer. She is know for a variety of things, from hosting surf comps to running her own apparel brand, but I’ll let her tell you herself! Hey Aylana! Could you give us some backstory on yourself? Sure! I grew up in the Santa Cruz Mountains-Boulder Creek. I learned to swim […]
Annual Small Business Summit unveils exciting lineup for 2024
Santa Cruz County is gearing up for its much-anticipated Annual Small Business Summit, set to take place on Friday, May 3rd, 2024. Hosted by the Santa Cruz County Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Cabrillo College, this day-long event promises to showcase the innovation of the region’s entrepreneurial landscape. Drawing in over 200 local small […]
Santa Cruz community champions to shine at United In Purpose celebration & awards
The anticipation is building as the date for the United In Purpose Celebration & Awards draws near. Scheduled for April 26th, the event promises an evening brimming with appreciation and recognition at the stylish Hotel Paradox. The occasion, dedicated to applauding those who have played a pivotal role in supporting youth and fostering community growth, […]
Santa Cruz student deals & discounts
Here’s a list of student deals from businesses in and around Santa Cruz County. All deals are featured in Student Lookout. Many places offer student discounts and don’t advertise it; just try asking at any store and you might get 10% off!
Eats on a budget in Santa Cruz
Looking for an affordable meal in Santa Cruz County? Take a look at some of Max Chun’s recommendations for eats on a budget.
Santa Cruz student recommendations
Here’s a list of recommendations for Santa Cruz students written by Santa Cruz students.

