Santa Cruz County Local News: Art, Culture & Media


All Local Art, Culture & Media News articles contributed by our local media allies and other local newsrooms.

Image caption: Like ripples in a pond, the hip impulse moved through Santa Cruz and beyond, and continues across generations.
How Did Santa Cruz Get So Hip?

Looking back at the Sixties and Seventies in Santa Cruz

Image caption: California's library system dates back 171 years.
How Cool Are Libraries?

California has gone from one library to more than 1,100 in the last 171 years.

California Local Pin Marker From Daily Democrat...

03/15/2025
"From Labs to Lives" is a new website and video series launched by UC Davis highlighting the impact of research funded by the federal government. Read on for details.

California Local Pin Marker From Lookout Local...

03/13/2025
Read on to learn how to submit your art for the 2025 Watsonville Strawberry Festival art contest.

California Local Pin Marker From Lookout Local...

03/12/2025
Mark your calendars and plan to attend the Surf City Comic Con at the Capitola Mall on April 5. Read on for details.

California Local Pin Marker From Santa Cruz Sentinel...

03/08/2025
The second annual Santa Cruz County STEAM Expo was held on March 8 at the county fairgrounds and featured the experiments, works and exhibits of nearly 200 local students. Read on to learn more.

The Pajaronian logo From The Pajaronian...

03/07/2025
Image for display with article titled Watsonville Native, ‘Raw Talent’ Actor, Hits the Big-Time

Watsonville High graduate Sedrick Cabrera never planned on being an actor.

Press Banner logo From Press Banner...

03/07/2025
Image for display with article titled Explore the Intricate World of Calculation at San Lorenzo Valley Museum’s New Exhibition

San Lorenzo Valley Museum is counting on locals to visit its newest exhibition, “The Way We Calculated,” at the San Lorenzo Valley’s Faye G. Belardi Memorial Gallery in Felton. The exhibition runs until June 15, with a reception on Saturday, March 15, from 2-4pm.

KSQD logo From KSQD...

03/06/2025
Image for display with article titled Celebrating International Women’s Day With Women Activists

We hear from the singing group, the Ukes of Bonny Doon, Suzanne, Laurie, Rizzie and Becca, who recently returned from singing and playing at a protest at the state capital. Then, an interview with Amanda Harris Altice and Jenny Evans with Indivisible Santa Cruz County about their organizing efforts. Then, a visit with United Way CEO, Yvette Lopez Brooks about an upcoming celebration of HERstory honoring local women leaders. The event is March 13th at 5;30PM.

California Local Pin Marker From Santa Cruz Sentinel...

03/05/2025
Read on to learn more about the upcoming March 15 celebration of the founding of KSQD six years ago.

Press Banner logo From Press Banner...

02/28/2025
Image for display with article titled Art, Wine & Beer Fest Saved at ‘11th Hour’ With Help of New Council Member

Planning for the two-day Scotts Valley Art, Wine & Beer Festival, scheduled for Aug. 16-17, was about to be derailed when discussions between the Scotts Valley Chamber of Commerce and the City got back on track with the help of Councilmember Steve Clark, who was elected to his first term in November.

The Pajaronian logo From The Pajaronian...

02/27/2025
Image for display with article titled Quilt Show Fills Three Buildings

The Pajaro Valley Quilt Association held its annual show over the weekend with more than 300 quilts on display at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds.

California Local Pin Marker From Lookout Local...

02/27/2025
Read on to learn more about the 13th Annual Watsonville Film Festival coming to theaters throughout the county in March.

Good Times logo From Good Times...

02/26/2025
Image for display with article titled Poetic License

Meet the new poet laureates in Santa Cruz County and Watsonville.

San Lorenzo Valley Post logo From San Lorenzo Valley Post...

02/26/2025
Image for display with article titled Yeshe Jackson Paints Mural Honoring Albert the White Peacock

Artist Yeshe Jackson has put initial brush strokes on a mural honoring Albert the white peacock of Boulder Creek. The artwork in progress in Historic Downtown Boulder Creek is intended to symbolize mountain resilience through beauty and community spirit. The project will be completed this spring.

The Pajaronian logo From The Pajaronian...

02/20/2025
Image for display with article titled Watsonville Woman Chosen as Poet Laureate

Victoria Bañales was the first in her family to attend college, but like many young people she was unsure where her path would take her.

Press Banner logo From Press Banner...

02/20/2025
Image for display with article titled Gomez Appointed 2025-26 Santa Cruz County Poet Laureate

Nancy Miller Gomez has been named the 2025-26 Santa Cruz County Poet Laureate, announced Santa Cruz Public Libraries and the County of Santa Cruz Department of Parks, Open Spaces and Cultural Services, along with Arts Council Santa Cruz County and Poetry Santa Cruz.

KSQD logo From KSQD...

02/20/2025
Image for display with article titled KSQD Silent Auction March 15th Preview

On March 15th KSQD will celebrate its 6th birthday with a gala fundraiser concert and silent auction. Donations are still coming in!

California Local Pin Marker From Santa Cruz Sentinel...

02/14/2025
In the January 28 meeting of the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors, Nancy Miller Gomez was announced as the official 2025-2026 Poet Laureate for Santa Cruz County. Read on to learn more.

KSQD logo From KSQD...

02/07/2025
Image for display with article titled Squid Fest West Tickets Now on Sale

Squid Fest West is shaping up to be one for the records. It's KSQD's Sixth birthday celebration March 15th at The Resource Center for Nonviolence, 1-6pm at 612 Ocean Street in Santa Cruz.

Press Banner logo From Press Banner...

02/07/2025
Image for display with article titled Get Cozy at Roaring Camp’s Winter Warmer Festival

A brand-new and all-ages tradition called Winter Warmer Festival will be held inside Bret Harte Hall at Roaring Camp Railroads on Saturday, Feb. 15, from 3-9:30pm.

California Local Pin Marker From Santa Cruz Sentinel...

02/06/2025
Read on for more information about Oscar nominee and Santa Cruz native Nick Gordon.