Just 60 miles or less from just about anywhere in Santa Cruz County, Monterey makes a great destination for families and groups, couples or those flying solo. With the Monterey Bay Aquarium a must among the Central Coast’s crown jewels, Ashley Spencer plots out an itinerary for a quick day trip south.
Coast Life
Posted inCoast Life
Bearing valentines for Watsonville, Michael Gaither returns with new album, El Vaquero celebration
Still basking in the glow of his 60th birthday, bard of Watsonville Michael Gaither takes to the stage Saturday at El Vaquero Winery to fete the release of his first album since pre-pandemic times, “Welcome Back: A Collection.”
Posted inCoast Life
‘Disaster of a season for us’: Cancellation ripples through California salmon fishery
Citing record-low stock of the fish prized by commercial and recreational interests alike, a federal commission moved last week to cancel the 2023 salmon season, which had been set to open in May and run into the fall. “It’s a really tough situation for commercial fishermen in California,” said one industry veteran from Ben Lomond.
Posted inCoast Life, Events
The last wave: Ambitious and locally rooted publication Santa Cruz Waves closes up shop
Santa Cruz Waves, the glossy periodical devoted to covering surfing and its influence on Monterey Bay culture and environmental issues, has ceased publication. “To put it quite bluntly,” CEO and founder Tyler Fox told Lookout, “I was just not getting enough financial return to make it worthwhile for me, personally.”
Posted inCoast Life
Vets Hall ramps up
It’s shaping up to be a busy spring and summer at the downtown Santa Cruz Veterans Memorial Building, with Stinkfoot Orchestra bringing its Zappa vibes for a First Friday concert and a series of psychedelic shows in the offing.
Posted inCoast Life
First Friday dispels the winter blues, from Davenport to Capitola Mall
First Friday festivities are blooming all over Santa Cruz County, with the April event including glass-blowing in Davenport, functional art from more than 60 locals at the mall and sculpture at downtown newcomer Minnow Arts.
Posted inCoast Life
An early look at Cabrillo Festival’s new season
The 2023 season of the Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music will run July 30-Aug. 12 at the Santa Cruz Civic, and will include a visit from The Kronos Quartet and a festival-commissioned piece paying tribute to longtime executive director Ellen Primack, who’s stepping down after 33 years.
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City aims to pilot Santa Cruz wharf to calmer waters after stormy few years
“We’re investing in building momentum this summer,” the City of Santa Cruz’s development manager says of goings-on at the wharf, where the balance between tourists and locals, new challenges and old wooden pilings, development and a fragile ecosystem are all part of the equation.
Posted inCoast Life
‘High Flyin’ news for Neil Young fans
Bootleg recordings of Santa Cruz gigs of 1970s supergroup the Ducks, featuring Neil Young, are coming out April 14 in a three-LP or two-CD set.