Recent rescues and dangerous surf are reminders that even experienced beachgoers can get caught off guard. A local lifeguard and longtime surfer share practical advice on spotting hazards, avoiding rip currents and staying safe in Santa Cruz’s unpredictable waters.
Student Stories
Posted inCommentary
Why Special Olympian Jessa Melcer’s gold-medal win means so much to those of us on the spectrum
Jessa Melcer’s two gold medals and national swimming record have inspired many in Santa Cruz. For one fellow member of the autism community, her journey is a powerful reminder that disabilities do not define what’s possible — and that determination can turn seemingly impossible goals into reality.
Posted inStudent Stories
Reflections from the 2026 Youth & Adult Partnership Summit
Cal State Monterey Bay student Acucar “Sookie” Ramos writes about her experience at the 2026 Youth & Adult Partnership Summit at Cabrillo College, where youth leaders, educators and community partners explored what it means to build authentic youth-adult partnerships. Reflecting on conversations with fellow participants, Ramos argues that young people should be treated as true collaborators in shaping their communities and that meaningful change happens when adults are willing to listen, adapt and create spaces where youth voices can lead.
Posted inStudent Stories
Learning beyond the classroom; reflections on the school year
UC Santa Cruz student, Ava Salinas, writes about her experience as an intern at Lookout Santa Cruz
Posted inStudent Stories
Building connections through community journalism
UC Santa Cruz student, Galicia Stack Lozano, writes about her experience as an intern at Lookout Santa Cruz
Posted inStudent Stories
Covering Santa Cruz: An intern’s introduction to local journalism
UC Santa Cruz student, Ashley Palma-Jimenez, writes about her experience as an intern at Lookout Santa Cruz
Posted inStudent Stories
What a newsroom taught me about storytelling – and community: A look back at my internship with Lookout Santa Cruz
UC Santa Cruz student, Cassidy Beach, writes about her experience as an intern at Lookout Santa Cruz
Posted inStudent Stories
Bridging the classroom with service: An educator’s quiet dedication to students and stewardship
This article was in the top three winners of Lookout’s 2026 Journalism Scholarship challenge, which invited high school students to highlight an unsung hero in their lives. For placing in the top three, students were awarded a $500 scholarship. Learn more and find all of the winners here. On any given weekday, Mrs. Ciandro’s classroom […]
Posted inStudent Stories
Making waves in the mountains: Kurt Edwards’ story
This article was in the top three winners of Lookout’s 2026 Journalism Scholarship challenge, which invited high school students to highlight an unsung hero in their lives. For placing in the top three, students were awarded a $500 scholarship. Learn more and find all of the winners here. We’ve all heard the saying “water is […]
Posted inStudent Stories
A “hope-ologist” at heart: Daisy Nuñez lifts Watsonville through service
This article was in the top three winners of Lookout’s 2026 Journalism Scholarship challenge, which invited high school students to highlight an unsung hero in their lives. For placing in the top three, students were awarded a $500 scholarship. Learn more and find all of the winners here. Daisy Nuñez is a woman of many […]
