Santa Cruz is easing into summer — longer days, sailboat races on the horizon, farmers markets in full swing, and a mix of local news shaping the week. A community-led push to buy The Catalyst is gaining momentum, alongside UCSC strike plans, art, events, and one very suspicious sea lion — here’s what’s unfolding across the county.

From Mother’s Day markets and brunches to scenic runs, wine tastings and candlelit concerts, Santa Cruz is packed with ways to celebrate this weekend. Meanwhile, a tragic Highway 1 crash, county budget concerns and protests across the region lead this week’s headlines. Also… there’s a 2,000-pound sea lion with the internet’s full attention.

It starts with a true crime cannabis book talk…then somehow turns into an erotic art gallery opening, a New York Times shoutout, a farmers market, and a full-on downtown takeover for kids. Just another week in Santa Cruz.

Earth Day brings cleanups, redwood walks and ocean views, while a major power outage shuts down Boardwalk rides, and a wave of local headlines reminds you this week has a little bit of everything.

From mosh pits to Emmylou Harris, art festivals to makers markets—Santa Cruz is buzzing this week, with key local news and a “wait, what?!” twist at the end.

It’s a busy one out there—Spring Break crowds, packed events, and a lot going on, with key headlines and a grandma-powered defense system you didn’t see coming.

From Easter egg hunts to First Friday, punk shows to Nick Lowe—Santa Cruz has something for everyone this week, with key local headlines and one surprisingly tear-free twist.

It’s that time of year—everyone’s out, something’s always happening, and Santa Cruz feels fully alive, with major local headlines and a satellite puzzle that’s trickier than it looks.