Santa Cruz County is showing off this week, with live music everywhere, movies under the stars, an illuminated redwood forest, World Cup excitement and even a little poetry. We’ve also rounded up the local news you need to know — plus the strangely sweet discovery floating around in space. Come for the glowing redwoods…stay to find out why the universe apparently smells like raspberries and self-tanner.

Summer is just getting warmed up! This week's newsletter features outdoor movies, live theater, luaus, lavender fields, live music, and even a chance to help scientists measure water quality at Loch Lomond. Plus, catch up on the week's biggest local news, discover the remarkable story of America's railroad dogs, and find out why octopuses that use mirrors are making scientists do a double take.

Fourth of July week has arrived, and Santa Cruz County is ready to celebrate! This week's newsletter rounds up hometown parades, live music, holiday festivities, the county's only major fireworks show, and plenty of ways to make the most of the long weekend. Plus, catch up on the week's biggest local news, meet the Texas giraffe that somehow vanished for two weeks, and discover stories on nutrition, beach safety, wellness, local dining and more.

Summer has officially arrived, and Santa Cruz County is wasting no time celebrating. This week's Good Times newsletter is packed with World Cup watch parties, free concerts, Food Truck Fridays, live music, roller derby, local news, and one soccer-loving duck who's become the tournament's most unlikely star. Whether you're planning your weekend or simply catching up on what's happening around town, we've got you covered.

Sharks in the lineup, World Cup fever sweeping the county, summer solstice celebrations, Lucinda Williams, Father's Day fun and even a mysterious "space potato." Dive into the week's biggest Santa Cruz news, events and stories all in one place.

Pride glitter, booming surf, Dusty Baker, Lost Boys nostalgia, Juneteenth celebrations, ocean festivals, classic cars, Wharf concerts and the looming Murray Street Bridge closure — Santa Cruz launches headfirst into summer this week. Plus: top local news, a weirdly hilarious Uber Lost & Found report, surf forecasts, night skies and plenty happening around the county.

The Wharf concert series is back, vintage Volkswagens are rolling into Capitola and Santa Cruz’s spooky crowd is already celebrating Halfway to Halloween. Throw in GZA at The Catalyst, a major new homelessness initiative in Watsonville and one of the nation’s sharpest population drops, and this week’s Santa Cruz headlines are all over the map in the best possible way.

Goth dance parties, reggae legends, whale rescues, Bach cantatas, longboard contests and lumberjack competitions? Somehow Santa Cruz County packed all of that into a single Memorial Day week. Here’s your guide to the beach BBQs, mountain-town parades, local headlines and gloriously weird moments happening around the county right now.

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.