Good morning. It’s Wednesday, July 29, and today’s forecast calls for a morning marine layer clearing to sunshine and highs in the mid-60s to low 70s in the coastal areas, while the mountainous regions are expected to experience warmer, sunnier conditions peaking in the upper 70s to low 80s.

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In this week’s business roundup, Jessica M. Pasko highlights an exciting new partnership between Monterey Bay DART and Vets to Drones, which connects transitioning service members to high-wage careers in advanced aviation. She also delivers critical updates on Santa Cruz County’s rental market, local corporate layoffs, and Joby Aviation’s major international expansion.

Lookout photojournalist Kevin Painchaud takes you behind the curtain to capture the raw energy, focus, and camaraderie bringing Santa Cruz Shakespeare’s “Much Ado About Nothing” to life. Through his striking photo essay, see how actors, directors, and crew transform months of preparation into a celebration of music and theater.

In case you missed it, correspondent Caly Luna Plowman explains why President Donald Trump says he wants to recognize the 16-year-old Santa Cruz lifeguard whose heroic act captivated millions online.

Now to the headlines.

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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.

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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.


This week in Santa Cruz County business: Local nonprofit partners to help veterans transition into aviation careers; rental market takes dubious top honors for most expensive in the nation

In her latest business column, Jessica M. Pasko highlights a tricounty nonprofit aiming to give veterans more career opportunities, along with dates to keep in mind and more.

Behind the scenes at Santa Cruz Shakespeare: Bringing ‘Much Ado’ to life

Go behind the scenes with Santa Cruz Shakespeare as actors, directors and crew bring “Much Ado About Nothing” to life.

Happening later today, correspondent Max Chun will be covering the scheduled arraignment of the 19-year-old man who is accused of fatally stabbing a 73-year-old woman outside the Capitola Mall last week. Tyler Leibelt of Santa Cruz is charged with first-degree murder in the killing of Rachell Summers, who was the manager of the Art of Santa Cruz gallery in the mall.

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As always, thanks for reading.

Richard Martin

Richard joins Lookout Santa Cruz with a wealth of leadership and editing experience at top newsrooms across the country. He spent the past four years helping build and lead another successful digital local...