Marketing Partners

Capitola Mall highlights shift toward locally owned storefronts ahead of Small Business Saturday

There’s a distinct new rhythm at Capitola Mall. What once felt like a traditional mall anchored by national chains is now quietly undergoing a transformation—one that centers on local entrepreneurs, community energy, and genuine connections. As Small Business Saturday approaches, the timing couldn’t feel more right for the mall to step into its next chapter. […]

Built for this moment: Community Bridges will be the light during these dark times

The coming year will test the strength and spirit of our community. Beginning in 2026, many sweeping policy changes as a result of H.R.1—the “One Big Beautiful Bill”—and state budget cuts will take hold across the nation and in our own backyard. Here in Santa Cruz County, they will reshape how families access food, health […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

Where art meets the ocean: A Santa Cruz illustrator builds community through fish, science, and story

For Santa Cruz artist and scientific illustrator Amadeo Bachar, everything begins — and ultimately returns — to the sea He was born in Waddell Valley, just north of town, when his dad welded for Big Creek Lumber as well as served as caretaker for Rancho Del Oso with his mom.  “I grew up surrounded by Monterey […]

When you invest in the Seymour Center, you create scientists like Wave

My name is Wave Moretto, and I absolutely love SCUBA diving, science communication, marine conservation, and all things kelp forest ecology. I’m a marine ecologist currently pursuing my PhD in fisheries science at Oregon State University. The Seymour Center is where I was first introduced to what careers in marine science could look like. My […]

A lifeline for Salmon: UCSC and NOAA join forces to secure a future for California’s most iconic fish

By Annie Roth Nearly every day for the past 20 years, scientists from UC Santa Cruz and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) have waded into Scott Creek, a 12-mile-long burbling stream in Santa Cruz County just a few miles north of Davenport.  Dressed in waders and toting bags and buckets, these scientists navigate the […]

Verify your email

We'll send a verification code to .

Sign up for newsletters

Get the best of Lookout Santa Cruz directly in your email inbox.

Sending to:

Gift this article