At Lookout, we believe local journalism is about more than publishing stories. It’s about bringing people together, creating opportunities for conversation and helping our community stay informed and engaged.
And if you value this kind of local journalism and community connection, become a Lookout member and help support the work we do across Santa Cruz County.
September is bringing plenty of opportunities to connect with the Lookout community – from a night of trivia with Wallace Baine to two local election forums. Here’s where you can find us this month:
Trivia Night with Wallace Baine | Sept. 9
Wallace Baine may have retired from Lookout, but thankfully, he hasn’t retired from trivia! Join us for an evening of questions, friendly competition and plenty of laughs with the Lookout community. [Reserve your spot for Trivia Night →]
Santa Cruz mayoral election forum | Sept. 23
Hear directly from Santa Cruz mayoral candidates Ryan Coonerty and Ami Chen Mills as they make their case to voters ahead of the November election. The forum will be moderated by Lookout’s Community Voices opinion editor, Jody K. Biehl, and will be held at The 418 Project from 6 to 8 p.m. [Learn more and register here→]
Watsonville City Council candidate forum | Sept. 30
Lookout Santa Cruz is partnering with the Pajaro Valley Chamber of Commerce for a Watsonville City Council candidate forum. Hear from the candidates about their priorities and vision for Watsonville ahead of the November election. [Learn more and register now →]
We’re proud to partner with local organizations to highlight events that reflect the heart of Santa Cruz County. It’s all part of our mission to make local news a living, breathing part of community life. And we couldn’t do it without our Marketing Partners, who help us spotlight key happenings across the county. Interested in joining our Media Sponsorship program? Contact Duffy Barrett at duffy@lookoutlocal.com.
Here are some great September events to check out from our partners:
Capitola Art & Wine Festival | Sept. 12-13
Celebrate the 43rd annual Capitola Art & Wine Festival with a weekend of fine art, local wine, live music, dance and more in beautiful Capitola Village. Browse work from more than 150 artists, sample wines from 22 Santa Cruz Mountains wineries and enjoy free admission. Wine tasting is available for guests 21 and older with a $20 festival glass and tasting tokens.
Santa Cruz County Fair | Sept. 16–20
Celebrate the best of Santa Cruz County at the annual Santa Cruz County Fair, with livestock and agricultural exhibits, carnival rides, food, live entertainment, competitions and plenty of family-friendly fun. The fair returns to the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds in Watsonville for five days of community celebration.
Community Health Trust Health Forum | Sept. 18
Explore youth mental health in the Pajaro Valley at the Community Health Trust of Pajaro Valley’s annual Health Forum. Hear from local health professionals, community leaders and young people about local needs, emerging solutions and the development of Allcove Watsonville, a new youth mental health resource.
Save Our Shores Annual Coastal Cleanup Day | Sept. 19
Join Save Our Shores for its annual Coastal Cleanup Day, with more than 50 cleanup sites across the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, including beaches, parks and waterways. Come together with the community to remove trash, protect local ecosystems and help keep Monterey Bay healthy for all.
Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks 50th Anniversary Birthday Bash | Sept. 19
Celebrate 50 years of Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks at a free birthday bash at Wilder Ranch State Park. Enjoy an afternoon of music, dancing, food, drinks and a silent auction while celebrating five decades of supporting local state parks. The event runs from noon to 3 p.m. and is open to the public.
Community Showcase & Artisan Market | Sept. 23
The Aptos Chamber of Commerce presents the Community Showcase & Artisan Market at Seascape Golf Club. Discover local businesses, artisans and community organizations, browse handmade goods and learn more about preparing for El Niño and coming winter storms. The free, family-friendly event runs 4 to 7 p.m. in Aptos.
