Good Times editor Brad Kava celebrates the unexpected discoveries found in print, from local music and arts stories to Gabrielle Stocker’s remarkable bequest, Cheryl Anderson’s return (above) and a dose of World Cup fever.

Santa Cruz Pride and VegFest bring color, community and compassion to the weekend, while local news looks at hospital access, battery safety and wildfire resilience.

This week’s Editor’s Note looks at Dusty Baker’s Santa Cruz connection, a sports story that reaches beyond baseball, plus Pride events, local bands, rail debate, the mayor’s race and Watsonville Hospital news.

Brad Kava frames this week’s AI cover story through the legend of John Henry, asking what happens when artists, businesses and communities face machines that can both help and harm.

This week’s Editor’s Desk celebrates Santa Cruz as a home for creative misfits, highlights MAH Director Ginger Shulick Porcella, looks at mental health, language studies, Staff of Life’s anniversary and Watsonville Community Hospital’s safety grade.

This week’s issue dives into Santa Cruz music, from Kat Moss’ soul-baring interview to Dark Ride’s horror-punk new album, plus a tribute to longtime Soquel High music teacher Jim Stewart.

Is parenting stuck in routine? Brad Kava explores the power of travel as real education for kids—plus a look at Kids Day, local food, wellness, and community news.

From beach access battles to community stories, this week’s Editor’s Note celebrates what makes Santa Cruz—and California—worth protecting.

Santa Cruz’s creative pulse is on full display as the Ripple Effect festival launches, showcasing the artists, performers and cultural energy that define the community.

Editor Brad Kava introduces Joe Sib, a larger-than-life Santa Cruz storyteller whose journey through punk, skate culture and comedy redefines the California archetype.

A trip to the Sphere in Las Vegas isn’t just a concert—it’s a glimpse into a new art form. With immersive visuals, haptic seats, and local talent behind the scenes, this experience is changing what live entertainment can be.

From the stark realities of who gets funded—and who gets left behind—to the local women working to rewrite those odds, this week’s issue explores both inequality and ingenuity. We spotlight community voices, from classical music discoveries and intimate local performances to a powerful report on Iranian students navigating life during wartime. And in a rare Santa Cruz appearance, actor-turned-author Andrew McCarthy brings his deeply personal journey into friendship to the Rio Theatre, proving that even the most familiar faces are still searching for connection.