As “The Many Lives of Mama Love” hits bookshops Tuesday, the tale by Santa Cruz County author and literary agent Lara Love Hardin of rebounding from rock bottom to stability — and fame — shows a dizzying transformation.
The Here & Now
Posted inArts & Entertainment
A brave new world: Sandy Skees shares how businesses can succeed with a new generation of consumers
Business consultant Sandy Skees has written a new book titled “Purposeful Brands,” in which she argues that brands that put sustainability and diversity on the top of their priorities will be better off in the bottom line as well. She sees a new generation of consumers and workers poised to permanently change how the landscape looks for companies and brand managers.
Posted inArts & Entertainment
Fourth of July parades showcase Americana in all its star-spangled, Santa Cruz County glory
Wallace Baine took in both the World’s Shortest Parade in Aptos and the Independence Day parade on Main Street in Watsonville, all before lunch time Tuesday. The classic cars, the spectators draped in star-spangled fabulousness, the surfers riding faux waves on the back of a truck, the people dressed in traditional ritual Indigenous attire, the political views on T-shirts — Santa Cruz County’s Fourth of July parades offered a portrait of the complexities of America in 2023.
Posted inCity Life
Doubly ‘Outstanding’: Land artist/al fresco pioneer Jim Denevan embraces the grand scale of outdoor places
Two June Santa Cruz events celebrate the work and life of local icon Jin Denevan. For First Friday, he’ll be on hand at the unveiling of a self-titled exhibit at Minnow Arts Gallery on Locust Street, focusing on his life’s work as an artist. Then on June 14, he’ll bring the Outstanding in the Field dinner to downtown.
Posted inCity Life
Stephen Kessler’s literary journey takes him to the pinnacle of county’s artist of the year
Santa Cruz County Artist of the Year Stephen Kessler gets the star treatment May 20 in a celebration of his work as a poet and translator in a free event at Kuumbwa Jazz.
Posted inCity Life
How new Santa Cruz poet laureate Farnaz Fatemi navigates her twin heritages, American and Iranian
Writer Farnaz Fatemi takes on the role of Santa Cruz County’s poet laureate on the heels of the publication of her book of poems, “Sister Tongue,” which explores her legacy as an Iranian American.
Posted inCity Life
Santa Cruz Dance Week kickoff just the balm we needed after winter’s beating
Dancers of a multitude of disciplines wowed audiences along Pacific Avenue last week, delivering everything from ballet and classical dance to hip-hop and folk styles on a gorgeous April evening.
Posted inCity Life
New novel means daughter-mother bonding at Bookshop for Molly Prentiss, Nikki Silva
Author Molly Prentiss returns to Santa Cruz County on May 4 to talk about her latest novel, “Old Flame.” She’ll be in conversation at Bookshop Santa Cruz with someone who knows her well: radio journalist Nikki Silva, her mom.
Posted inCoast Life
Santa Cruz Dance Week starts with a bang, continues with classes for just about every interest
Three Pacific Avenue stages will host dozens of performances Thursday, and then it’s time for everyone to get their dancing shoes on. For just $20, you can sample any of Santa Cruz Dance Week’s classes, from dance therapy to Balinese, capoeira and bellydance, to name just a few of the offerings through Friday, April 28.
Posted inCoast Life
Boardwalk’s summer music and movie slate heavy on party faves and crowd-pleasers
Kicking off in mid-June, the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk’s free summer entertainment offerings feature bands on the Colonnade stage on Thursday nights and movies on the beach on Fridays.