Happy weekend, Santa Cruz! In today’s happening-today edition: World U20 steeplechase win, 50 years of the farmers market, and spring serve showdown + events worth checking out today & tomorrow.
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01 — Worth knowing In the newsThree local stories this week, plus a few worth your money.
A standout on the track: Santa Cruz’s Eli Fitchen-Young qualified for World U20 Championships, winning the 3,000-meter steeplechase in 8:58.48 at Hayward Field. The Duke freshman met standard, and Worlds are in Eugene in 2026 -- see Eli’s championship win.
A market with deep roots: Immigrant resilience powers 50 years at the Aptos farmers market at Cabrillo College. Catherine Barr made it year-round and longtime vendor Lynn Bottazzo went from opera singer to beekeeper -- meet the market’s pioneers.
A new market home: Scotts Valley Farmers’ Market will debut at Graham Plaza on June 27, shifting from the Boys and Girls Club site, running Saturdays 8 a.m. to noon through Thanksgiving -- get all the details.
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03 — On our radar
Local business spotlightNearby spots we'd actually send a friend to.
Plug in by the waves: Rolling around Santa Cruz in a rig or sprinter and need a low-key home base near Pleasure Point? Beach RV Pleasure Point packs full hookups, hot showers, and coin-op laundry a short stroll from the sand, so you can surf, rinse, recharge, then repeat without playing musical parking spots.
Instant harbor reset: Crow's Nest Restaurant delivers panoramic harbor and lighthouse views, fresh seafood, and an upstairs Breakwater Bar & Grill with live entertainment that turns a random weeknight into a mini vacation. When you want something quick, the Beach Market’s wood-fired pizza and soft-serve hit the spot.
Local fairway therapy: DeLaveaga Golf Course is that reliable Santa Cruz reset, with a two-level driving range for dialing it in and a well-stocked shop when your glove ghosts you. Then walk the hilltop track and see if the famously tricky 10th behaves, because at least the views will.
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04 — Our recommendations
We got your backA handful of products and services we think are worth a look.
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Have an event to share? We (and our readers) can't wait to hear about it! Submit an event → |
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05 — The event calendar Around town today & tomorrowOur favorite events going on the rest of this weekend. Dates, times, and locations are subject to change. Always check official event pages before heading out.
🏐 No Attitudes Beach Volleyball Tournaments @ Main Beach | Saturday (6/20) at 9:00 AM – Main Beach goes full Jane Fonda for Spring Serve Showdown, an all-levels volleyball tourney. Rock neon, leg warmers, and headbands, pick your lane: coed novice or intermediate, men’s, women’s, or 1 rated with 1 not. Win, laugh, and repeat.
🧩 Bring Your Own Piece @ The Vintage Pick & Art Studio (Soquel) | Saturday (6/20) at 10:00 AM – That scuffed end table you rescued from a yard sale is ready for a glow up. For $85, you bring a small, clean, not-broken piece, they handle tools, techniques, lunch, snacks, beverages, and a pour from Soquel Vineyards. Fewer fumes at home, better results.
🎨 Sumi-E Bamboo with Enso @ Scotts Valley Branch Library | Saturday (6/20) at 1:00 PM – Swap your to-do list for quiet brushstrokes as you learn sumi-e bamboo and a moonlike Enso with longtime Cabrillo Extension instructor, Carolyn Fitz. Adults only, supplies provided, registration required, and yes, the waitlist can hang out and observe. Simple, meditative, oddly satisfying.
🎶 Tiger's Tale @ Woodhouse Blending & Brewing | Saturday (6/20) at 7:00 PM – Think you know your Garcia-Saunders deep cuts? Tiger’s Tale throws a summer solstice dance party at Woodhouse Blending & Brewing, serving R&B, Motown, blues, and soul with a JGB heartbeat. Bring dancing shoes, seasoned hips, and a few bucks for the cover, general admission.
🥞 2026 Zayante Volunteer Firefighters Association Pancake Breakfast @ Zayante Fire Protection District Station 1 (Felton) | Sunday (6/21) at 7:00 AM – Grab a fork and head to Zayante for the volunteer firefighters pancake breakfast, $10 for adults, $5 for kids 12 and under. Expect strong coffee, familiar faces, and a silent auction that turns syrup into thermal imaging cameras, rope rescue gear, and training.
🏊 Around the Pier Swim @ Santa Cruz Wharf | Sunday (6/21) at 8:30 AM – Shake off the cobwebs and meet the hardy crew for a Sunday 8:30 swim around the pier. It is equal parts bracing wake-up and bragging rights, with kelp, sea lions, and that smug post-dip coffee. Show up so nobody laps solo.
🛍 Downtown Santa Cruz Makers Market - Sunday, June 21 @ Santa Cruz Makers Market | Sunday (6/21) at 10:00 AM – Third Sunday means Pacific Ave becomes a treasure hunt, with 40-plus makers between Cathcart and Lincoln. Swing past Five Guys and Nick the Greek, snag something pretty, something practical, and a treat for the leashed pup, because supporting locals beats letting another algorithm decide. Live music & entertainment:
Want more? Browse our full events calendar | Submit an event |
06 — The Santa Cruz report Weather forecastToday — High: 70°F — Low: 54°F — Precip: 0%
A slight chance of drizzle before 11am. Partly sunny, with a high near 70. Southwest wind 0 to 6 mph. Later: Patchy fog after 3am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 54. West northwest wind 1 to 6 mph.
Tomorrow — High: 72°F — Low: 54°F — Precip: 0%
Patchy fog before 8am. Mostly sunny, with a high near 72. Later: Patchy fog after 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 54. This house is wildThis fairytale-inspired 3 bed, 2.5 bath home is beautifully updated inside and out, with easy-care turf, a whole-house generator, and a water filtration system. The gourmet kitchen features knotty pine cabinets, granite counters, and stainless appliances. French doors open to a generous deck, while oversized windows, a fireplace, and a bonus flex space add charm and versatility.
Take a peek inside → |
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