Lily Belli is a food writer and journalist in Santa Cruz, CA
An award-winning journalist and features writer, Lily Belli’s engaging, personal stories explore communities through the lens of food and drink, focusing on agriculture, the ocean economy, small businesses, dining culture, and interesting people.
My Writing Style
I’m a just and accurate reporter who seeks to deepen knowledge of the issues, not just state the facts. I respond nimbly with complete and compelling stories that hold readers to the end
By blending personal anecdotes with thorough reporting, I offer readers both informative content and engaging storytelling. My articles often highlight local culinary trends, events, and the individuals behind them to create a comprehensive view of the Central Coast’s vibrant food culture.
What else?
Originally from California’s Gold Country, I’ve lived in Santa Cruz for almost 20 years. When I’m not writing, I’m cooking and gardening with my husband, playing with our two young children at the beach, reading everything I can get my hands on, or running somewhere between the redwoods and the coast.
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100s of published stories
At 5 publications
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12+ Years of Experience
At print and digital news outlets
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Community Focused
Journalism through the lens of food
Writing Samples
A ‘perfect storm’ of environmental and political issues is driving Santa Cruz fishers out of the water
Lookout Santa Cruz, 2025
One Santa Cruz County farmer’s quest to grow sustainable, locally raised meat
Lookout Santa Cruz, 2022
Farm-to-table trailblazer Jim Denevan returns to his roots with a dinner on Capitola Wharf
Lookout Santa Cruz, 2025
483 days for 120 square feet: How Santa Cruz’s permitting process almost killed one entrepreneur’s dream
Lookout Santa Cruz, 2024
*Society for Features Journalism Award Winner: Food Feature, 2nd Place
Santa Cruz Pizza Guide: does our pizza-obsessed county have its own style?
Lookout Santa Cruz, 2024
The Santa Cruz Restaurant Scene’s Labor Crisis
Good Times Weekly, 2017
*California News Publishers Association Award Winner, Enterprise News Story, 2nd Place
Growing like fungus: Inside Santa Cruz’s wild mushroom culinary community
Lookout Santa Cruz, 2024
*Society for Features Journalism Award Winner: Food Writing Portfolio, 2nd Place
‘Field of Dreams’ in reverse: How an unused baseball field could become a farm for Live Oak School District
Lookout Santa Cruz, 2024
Winds of change at Linda’s Seabreeze: Beloved Seabright restaurant under new ownership
Lookout Santa Cruz, 2024
*Society for Features Journalism Award Winner: Food Writing Portfolio, 2nd Place