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Riding high on ‘Shark Tank’ success, Santa Cruz-based Surf Skull aims to make safety fashion-forward
Head and neck injuries are one of the most common and potentially serious injuries for surfers, and yet helmet use remains relatively rare. That’s what the team behind Surf Skull hopes to change with their take on a surf helmet that pairs function with fashion.
City, county of Santa Cruz formally begin process to replace Housing Matters’ day services
The Santa Cruz City Council moved to form a group of city and county staff members to begin exploring options to replace the day services that homelessness nonprofit Housing Matters is poised to halt at the end of March. Staff are expected to return no later than Feb. 28 with a recommendation.
Law enforcement data shows 29 total ICE action notifications in county between January and November
Federal immigration officials visited the city of Santa Cruz at least once since late July, according to communication records provided by the police department. This increases the total number of courtesy notifications from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to local law enforcement since January to 29.
Revved up and ready: The Chop Tops reunite for two final shows
Iconic local rockabilly trio The Chop Tops come to Moe’s Alley for sold-out shows Friday and Saturday. It’s the last stop on a small tour touting their reunion of sorts, but mostly their new album, “Fabrikate.”
This week in Santa Cruz County business: Surf Skull’s new take on a surf helmet; considering The Catalyst; latest tourism stats
Jessica M. Pasko dives into the story behind the surf helmet a Santa Cruz company pitched on a recent episode of “Shark Tank,” explores The Catalyst’s iconic status and highlights numbers, names and events to know on the local business scene.
Hazardous beach conditions, large shore breaks in Santa Cruz County forecast
The National Weather Service has issued a beach hazards statement for Santa Cruz County through Sunday evening, warning of rip currents and large waves.
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Best of Santa Cruz County events, December 12-14
Here are some events you may be interested in this weekend:
Friday, Dec. 12
- Guided Tour | 1 p.m. @ Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History
- The Oberufer Shepherds | 7 p.m. @ Santa Cruz Actors’ Theatre | $20
- Moe’s Alley Presents: The Chop Tops – Final Reunion Shows (Night 1) | 9 p.m. @ Moe’s Alley
- Crafts & Cocoa | 6 p.m. @ Scotts Valley Community Center | $5
- Samuel Louis Smith Wine Tasting | 5 p.m. @ Saison Cellar & Wine Bar | $40
- Tokyo Hot Tub Party | 7 p.m. @ Woodhouse Blending & Brewing | Free
- No Room at The Inn | 5 p.m. @ St. Philip Episcopal Church | Free
- Twistmas Caroling with the Trolley Drop Holiday Band | 5 p.m. @ Stockwell Cellars | Free
Saturday, Dec. 13
- Cars and Coffee | 9 a.m. @ East Lake Village Shopping Center | Free
- Aptos Farmers Market | 8 a.m. @ Cabrillo College | Free
- Segundo Sabado/Second Saturday Watsonville | 1 p.m. @ Downtown Arts District | Free
- Gingerbread Cookie Workshop | 2 p.m. @ Lito’s Community Cafe and Market | $45 to $55
- Pigeon Point – Geminids Meteor Shower | 5 p.m. @
- FARMER ARANN KID’S SHOW! | 11 a.m. @ The Crepe Place
- EZRA LIPP’S MAGIC IN THE OTHER | 8 p.m. @ The Crepe Place
- Moe’s Alley Presents: The Chop Tops – Final Reunion Shows (Night 2) | 9 p.m. @ Moe’s Alley
Sunday, Dec. 14
- Open Mic Comedy at Shanty Shack | 7 p.m. @ Shanty Shack | Free
- Siena House Holiday Market | 2 p.m. @ Holy Cross Pre-school Parking lot | Free
- Madson Wines Holiday Market Party | 1 p.m. @ Madson Wines | Free
- Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park – Highlights Loop Guided Hike | 10 a.m. @ Visitor Center | Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
- Succulent Craft Class at Bruno’s! | 12 p.m. @ Bruno’s Bar and Grill | $44.52
- Holiday Gift Making (Ages 7-12) | 10 a.m. @ Santa Cruz Maker Studios | $50 to $100
Repeats once more on December 14
- Be Natural’s Last Show of the Season at Woodhouse Santa Cruz | 12 p.m. @ Woodhouse Blending & Brewing | Free
- Look Show 2025 | 11 a.m. @ Look Show 2025 | Free
Repeats once more on December 14