Good Times Santa Cruz

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.

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.

Where do you go when you need to get away?

This week’s letters correct recent reporting on Capitola’s coastal bluff fence and the Over the Hill Gang Saloon, respond to Grateful Dead and Cabrillo Festival coverage, and make the case for rainwater catchment.

Rob Brezsny’s Free Will Astrology offers this week’s guidance on simple solutions, creative transformation, unexpected insight, resilience and embracing change.

Grammy-nominated guitarist Bill Kirchen and acclaimed guitarist Nina Gerber bring decades of roots, rock and folk history to The Landing in Scotts Valley.

Santa Cruz’s only LGBTQ+ bar, The Neighbor’s Pub, has closed its Pacific Avenue location after citing high rent, rising costs and equipment problems, while searching for a new home.

Bay Area reggae-rock favorites The Holdup bring their blend of reggae, hip hop and rock to Felton Music Hall on Saturday, Aug. 29.

Richard Stockton traces how SpaceX launches, a new federal review of California’s coastal program and possible offshore oil leasing have converged into a larger fight over who controls California’s coast.

La Placa Italian Cuisine combines its family restaurant, pizzeria and bakery traditions in a new Scotts Valley home, while Melo Bread rises in Watsonville.

Elizabeth Borelli explores hyperbaric oxygen therapy, from surfer Shawn Dollar’s recovery story to its established medical uses and growing popularity in local wellness centers.

Tragedy at Steamer Lane The Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that UC Santa Cruz student Alli Singh, 19, was killed after the car she was in drove off West Cliff Drive and into the bay at Steamer Lane — reported Aug. 16. Lookout Protests for Midtown Housing Proposal A controversial preliminary housing proposal at […]

Brad Kava warns about renewed threats to coastal protections and offshore drilling, while also highlighting Pajaro Valley school-board turmoil and questions about food safety.

Check out these photos from the Best of Santa Cruz 2026 mixer at Hotel Paradox.

Enter for a chance to win tickets to Music in the Park featuring Common Kings at The Plaza in San Jose on Friday, September 18. Drawing September 9, 2026.

Enter for a chance to win tickets to Music in the Park featuring Ice-T with DJ Evil E at The Plaza in San Jose on Saturday, September 19. Drawing September 9, 2026.

Enter for a chance to win a Friends & Family Weekend Pass to Open Farm Tours in Santa Cruz County on October 10–11. Drawing Date is October 3, 2026.

Enter for a chance to win tickets to The Magic Table—an immersive dining experience—at the Palm & Ember Restaurant plus a one-night stay at Hayes Mansion in San Jose. Drawing October 21, 2026.

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.

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.