Lookout Santa Cruz

07/30/2026

Thursday morning headlines from Lookout Santa Cruz.

07/30/2026

Shannon Kessler says her experience as a former athlete, mother of a female athlete and founder of Save Girls’ Sports Central Coast makes her the more qualified candidate for the District 30 Assembly seat, which includes communities across the Central Coast. Kessler, a Republican, is challenging incumbent Assemblymember Dawn Addis, pointing to their differing views on girls’ sports, parental rights and legislation including Assembly Bill 2691, the Public Trust Protection Act, which Kessler says reflects concerns about child safety and public accountability. She argues that her background in business, civic leadership and grassroots advocacy provides a different approach to representing Central Coast families.

Shannon Kessler says her experience as a former athlete, mother of a female athlete and founder of Save Girls’ Sports Central Coast makes her the more qualified candidate for the District 30 Assembly…

07/30/2026

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in late June that the Department of Homeland Security has more authority to end temporary protected status for certain countries without facing interference from lower federal courts. Local immigration advocates say the ruling has led to more fear among immigrants under TPS.

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in late June that the Department of Homeland Security has more authority to end temporary protected status for certain countries without facing interference from lower…

07/30/2026

The annual Strawberry Festival returns to the streets of downtown Watsonville this weekend; here’s everything you need to know.

07/30/2026

California's wildfires are destroying forests faster than the state can replant them, and federal cuts are making the gap worse.

07/29/2026

The arraignment for Tyler Leibelt, the 19-year-old accused of stabbing and murdering Rachell Summers, 73, of Capitola, was delayed again on Wednesday. He is due back in court August 19.

07/29/2026

Morning Lookout

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.

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.

Were you forwarded this newsletter? Sign up here to receive Morning Lookout in your inbox every weekday.

DAILY DIGEST

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.

Sign up here for breaking news alerts via email and text, and for all of our other newsletters tk tk socials Lookout is on Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram and Threads.

Download the Lookout Santa Cruz app in both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

Our content isn’t possible without community support, so if you’re not already, please consider becoming a Lookout member.

As always, thanks for reading.

Richard Martin

© 2026 Lookout. All rights reserved.

You are receiving this email because you opted in via our website. To opt out of the Morning Lookout newsletter, click here.

To unsubscribe from ALL Lookout Santa Cruz emails and newsletters, click here.

*Advertisers have no control over editorial decisions or content.

Morning Lookout 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…

07/29/2026

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.

07/29/2026

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

07/29/2026

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.

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…