Local News

Rainbow Conference

The Rainbow Conference returns to Watsonville High School Sept. 26, bringing LGBTQ+ students, families, educators and allies together for workshops, resources and a day centered on community and celebration.

Community Hub Gone

For 10 months, The Vessel operated in the shadows of Santa Cruz’s mainstream music scene, hosting 75 shows and more than 300 punk, metal, hardcore and alternative bands before closing for good.

World Wide Waves

Santa Cruz surfer and designer Taylor Lane turned thousands of discarded cigarette butts into a striking surfboard—and a globe-spanning surf documentary, streaming Sept. 15–27

Driving Hope

Santa Cruz humanitarian Curtis Reliford recounts a journey from violence and addiction to decades of service, compassion and cross-country relief work in his new autobiography, Madness to Surrender.

New Fireproofing Rules

California is moving closer to new Zone Zero wildfire rules for the first five feet around homes. The Board of Forestry has approved a final draft, now under state review. Here’s what Santa Cruz County homeowners should know.

Dragonfly Year

Santa Cruz County is seeing unusually dense gatherings of dragonflies this summer, bringing flashes of color—and formidable natural mosquito control—to local rivers, lagoons and gardens.

Sensory Delight

Saturday mornings at the Aptos Farmers Market at Cabrillo College are a favorite way to start the weekend. I go not only for the...

Coastal Protection

California lawmakers have sent AB 1448, the California Coastal Protection Act, to Gov. Gavin Newsom. The bill would block state infrastructure from supporting expanded federal offshore drilling.

Scared of Salads

A Cyclospora outbreak is shaking Americans’ confidence in fresh produce, but Santa Cruz farmers and grocers say knowing where your food comes from can help shoppers make safer choices.

Violent Felon Runs

Curt Wilcox is running for a Pajaro Valley Unified School District board seat while defending his qualifications, residency plans and a criminal history that includes a violent felony conviction.

Save Our Shore

Rep. Jimmy Panetta and Central Coast leaders are gearing up to fight renewed federal offshore oil drilling proposals, warning of risks to Monterey Bay’s environment and tourism economy.

Last Call for Over The Hill Gang

After 35 years of drinks, music and Wild West atmosphere, the Over The Hill Gang Saloon will stop swinging its doors Sept. 20 following an eviction notice and unsuccessful rent negotiations.

Grinding for a Great...

News Brief

New Duck Island Festival...

Freak Flag Flying

Free Will Astrology

The Editor’s Desk

Slay Bar

Wrap Star

Grinding for a Great Cause

Rainbow Conference

Community Hub Gone

World Wide Waves

Driving Hope

New Fireproofing Rules

Dragonfly Year

Sensory Delight

Coastal Protection

Scared of Salads

Violent Felon Runs

Save Our Shore

Last Call for Over The Hill Gang