People carry a large American flag during a Fourth of July parade in Santa Cruz County.

July Fourth Parades

Good Times rounds up Fourth of July parades across Santa Cruz County, from Seabright’s first parade to Boulder Creek, Scotts Valley, Aptos and Watsonville.
A person using a mobility scooter travels along the West Cliff Drive path in Santa Cruz, separated from car traffic.

DANGER AFOOT

Gwyneth Holcomb reports on a Santa Cruz County Civil Grand Jury finding that the county remains one of California’s most dangerous places for pedestrians.
People carry a large American flag during a Fourth of July parade in Santa Cruz County.

July Fourth Parades

Good Times rounds up Fourth of July parades across Santa Cruz County, from Seabright’s first parade to Boulder Creek, Scotts Valley, Aptos and Watsonville.
A person using a mobility scooter travels along the West Cliff Drive path in Santa Cruz, separated from car traffic.

DANGER AFOOT

Gwyneth Holcomb reports on a Santa Cruz County Civil Grand Jury finding that the county remains one of California’s most dangerous places for pedestrians.
A singer performs in a crowd at an outdoor concert by the water as audience members raise their hands and take photos.

Things to do in Santa Cruz

James Durbin & The Lost Boys kick off the Fourth of July weekend on Friday with a free Lighthouse Field show featuring hard rock anthems, food trucks, beer, wine and holiday energy.
A colorful citrus salad with herbs, sauce and charred accents is served on a plate at Bad Animal in Santa Cruz.

Flavor Savior

Mark C. Anderson visits Bad Animal in Santa Cruz, where Chef Nick Hahn’s market-driven menu turns seasonal appetizers into bold, shareable flavor experiences.
Poke nachos with ahi tuna, green onions and avocado sauce are served with sliders and a cocktail at Solaire in Santa Cruz.

Aire Apparent

Andrew Steingrube checks in with Solaire Restaurant & Bar at Hotel Paradox, where a revamped menu, local partnerships and poolside energy are giving the restaurant a new identity.
A colorful citrus salad with herbs, sauce and charred accents is served on a plate at Bad Animal in Santa Cruz.

Flavor Savior

Mark C. Anderson visits Bad Animal in Santa Cruz, where Chef Nick Hahn’s market-driven menu turns seasonal appetizers into bold, shareable flavor experiences.
Poke nachos with ahi tuna, green onions and avocado sauce are served with sliders and a cocktail at Solaire in Santa Cruz.

Aire Apparent

Andrew Steingrube checks in with Solaire Restaurant & Bar at Hotel Paradox, where a revamped menu, local partnerships and poolside energy are giving the restaurant a new identity.
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Cast members gather around a red kitchen table in a scene from Joe Ortiz’s musical Escaping Queens.

He Escaped Queens

Siran Babayan profiles Joe Ortiz and his musical Escaping Queens, a story of family, food, music and survival from Queens to California.
fingers typing on a vintage typewriter

Letters

This week’s letters reflect on America’s 250th birthday, Second Harvest Food Bank’s role in nourishing the American Dream, and the debate over renaming Cesar Chavez Middle School.
Fruit skewers arranged like an American flag with blueberries, raspberries and white cheese or melon in a glass dish.

The Editor’s Desk

Good Times editor Brad Kava previews this week’s issue, from the 418 Project’s new director and Fourth of July events to local safety concerns, food, comedy and Street Talk.
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fingers typing on a vintage typewriter

Letters

This week’s letters reflect on America’s 250th birthday, Second Harvest Food Bank’s role in nourishing the American Dream, and the debate over renaming Cesar Chavez Middle School.
Fruit skewers arranged like an American flag with blueberries, raspberries and white cheese or melon in a glass dish.

The Editor’s Desk

Good Times editor Brad Kava previews this week’s issue, from the 418 Project’s new director and Fourth of July events to local safety concerns, food, comedy and Street Talk.
best of santa cruz county 2026
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