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Viral Seabright beach rescue: Trump invites 16-year-old Santa Cruz lifeguard to White House
By Caly Luna Plowman
A Santa Cruz teen lifeguard saved a 10-year-old boy from rough waters this past weekend at Seabright State Beach, and a video of the rescue went viral. President Donald Trump has since invited the teen and his family to the White House to receive what he called a “high civilian honor” via Truth Social.
Congress passed a major housing bill. Here’s why Santa Cruz won’t see more affordable units anytime soon
By Dieter Holger
Although the new 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act simplifies regulations and boosts tax credits, local officials say it won’t provide immediate relief to Santa Cruz County’s housing shortage. Instead, the bill’s benefits are expected to unfold gradually over the next decade.
Santa Cruz says goodbye to Oliver Tree in emotional hometown celebration
By Mat Weir
Friends, family, fans and celebrity collaborators filled UC Santa Cruz’s Quarry Amphitheater to celebrate the life of Santa Cruz musician Oliver Tree in a three-hour memorial that blended music, comedy and heartfelt tributes. The emotional hometown farewell highlighted both Tree’s global impact and the lasting legacy he leaves in the community that shaped him.
Three dead from separate vehicle crashes in Hollister-Gilroy this weekend; two were Watsonville and Aptos residents
By Caly Luna Plowman
Three separate vehicle crashes in Hollister-Gilroy resulted in deaths this weekend, two of which were residents of Watsonville and Aptos. Neither resident has been ID’d or had their name released to the public. The Hollister-Gilroy California Highway Patrol office said that the incidents did not seem to be associated in any way, and the causes of the crashes are still being investigated.
OPINION: We’re making permitting easier in Santa Cruz County – have you noticed?
By Matt Machado
Santa Cruz County is making it easier to get a permit. Here, Matt Machado, deputy county executive officer and director of community development & infrastructure, discusses how the county has redesigned its permitting process over the past few years to make it more customer-friendly. The new unified permit center offers expanded online service, but also an in-person option, he writes. He explains how the changes are making permitting more accessible, efficient and transparent while maintaining the standards that protect public safety and the environment.
NWS extends beach hazard warning as hurricane swells prompt dozens of rescues in Santa Cruz County
By Max Chun and Caly Luna Plowman
The National Weather Service will extend its beach hazards statement through Saturday afternoon, the agency told Lookout on Monday, following a weekend full of water rescues due to rough ocean conditions.
Dedicate a Lookout membership to an educator in your life
Every One-for-One membership provides free access to a local teacher. Upgrade your membership today and you can dedicate that access to an educator in your life. Or, if they teach in Santa Cruz County, you can specify a teacher you’d like to receive access and Lookout will send them an invite.
Right now, Lookout is contributing 10% of membership fees — including upgrades — to the Stuff the Bus school supply drive, which provides backpacks full of supplies to local students in need. That means your membership upgrade benefits educators and students.
Help us meet the matching challenge and fund 100 backpacks for local students in need
Now through August 3, Lookout’s 10% contribution to United Way Santa Cruz County’s Stuff the Bus school supply drive for every new membership is being matched. Meeting the matching challenge would provide 100 backpacks full of school supplies for local students experiencing homelessness, housing insecurity and other hardships.
Become a member of Lookout today and double your impact for local students in need. Signing up for a One-for-One membership provides free educational access to a local teacher in addition to filling two backpacks for local students.
Sign up for your Neighborhood Roundup. Sent every weekday morning, receive a neighborhood-specific roundup of the weather forecast, local news, crime reports, road closures, permit applications, restaurant inspections, upcoming events and more.
What’s new on the Lookout Job Board
- Recording Services Supervisor at The County of Santa Cruz
- Early Education Teacher (Preschool) at UC Santa Cruz
- Utility Service Technician / Utility Service Specialist at Scotts Valley Water District
- Behavioral Support Specialist at BalanceSCC
- Operations Coordinator at UC Santa Cruz
Want more? Browse all openings on our Job Board.
Hiring? Post your job today!
