THE HERE & NOW: Jim Thomas and his band The Mermen don’t just attract fans, they draw disciples. Think that’s hyperbole? We talked to a sampling of those who live for the complex, acid-splashed, surf-inspired tunes that come from his guitar.
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A tie-dye high: Roaring Camp live show brings back the pre-pandemic good vibes
THE HERE & NOW: On Friday at Roaring Camp, Felton Music Hall began its outdoor summer music series, with a sold-out live set from Dark Star Orchestra, one of the country’s top Grateful Dead tribute bands. The return-to-normalcy live music action continues Saturday and Sunday.
A comforting Bay Area voice stilled: Remembering KPIG’s Laurie Roberts
THE HERE & NOW: The leader at beloved KPIG, Roberts, 67, leaves behind a decades-long legacy of memorable radio, as evidenced by her induction into the Bay Area Radio Hall of Fame in 2011.
Flower power: Santa Cruz’s newest café is part coffee shop, part chocolatier, part boutique florist
The Flower Bar takes a hybrid approach to a delightfully European extreme. Truffles, lunch, a flower arrangement for mom or bride, it’s a place ready to offer them all. “We wanted a flower shop, but more than a flower shop,” says a co-owner. That’s what they have created.
50-unit apartment complex for low-income renters proposed in Santa Cruz’s Lower Ocean neighborhood
Under developer MidPen’s proposal, existing buildings at 314 Jessie St. would be demolished and replaced with a five-story apartment complex that includes parking underneath it, as well as leasing offices and a community room on the two bottom floors.
Musical May rebirth: FMH’s Roaring Camp shows kick off array of live offerings at Moe’s, Dream Inn and more
Here’s what’s up in the next month for Felton Music Hall, The Rio, Michael’s on Main, Kuumbwa, Moe’s, and, yes, there’s even a music festival coming!
Rail Trail coming to a head: Supporters make big push to keep rail on track heading into Thursday RTC meeting
In a last-ditch effort to get the rail momentum back on track, proponents of having rail and trail down the coast of Santa Cruz County rallied Wednesday in Aptos, forming a human train along the tracks to show public support for the project.
Building blocks of the Coonerty political dynasty? A bookshop, an earthquake, condoms and Rush Limbaugh
THE HERE & NOW: Not all of the above, of course, carry even remotely the same weight. But Ryan Coonerty’s political career mirrors that of his dad, Neal, who helped create Santa Cruz’s unique post-university personality and bridged the gap between business and government.
A ‘refreshing return to music’: Jim Lewin back in the saddle with Edge of the West
Jim Lewin ready to pick up where he left off after a pandemic year off; Moe’s shakes off the cobwebs; a Bookshop summer; remember KLRB
The Crocker Comedy Hour: Santa Cruz filmmaker builds a sketch-comedy troupe from scratch
Santa Cruz filmmaker Drew Crocker is doing it all — writing, directing, acting, editing — to develop a recognizable style of sketch comedy.

