Illustration by Louise Leong.

Entertainment & Activities

Cheap getaways require some amount of creativity — you have to know exactly where to look and how to find it. OPERS offers weekend trips at reasonable prices, from backpacking to white-water rafting. For simpler getaways, the department also offers independent trips that you can organize entirely on your own. You can check out rental gear for quick and local camping trips, or snowshoes for longer weekend outings. Whatever it is that interests you, the recreation department offers a frugal opportunity to get away for the weekend with your friends or significant other.

Whether it be for a romantic getaway or relaxation with friends, the Santa Cruz harbor offers a pristine location for a quick voyage aboard one of UCSC’s sailboats. For $15, you can sail up to Pleasure Point in the Santa Cruz harbor and enjoy a three-hour journey as licensed guides take you through the bay. The fee includes lunch and guides — all you need to bring is yourself. Warm clothing is recommended for cooler marine temperatures that can drop below the mainland’s average. Trips fill up quickly and are reserved on a first come, first serve basis. Contact the recreation department at OPERS or recreational department director Matt Brower to reserve a spot or get more information.

This February, Santa Cruz will be hosting an event that seeks to answer one question: “What Is Erotic?” For just $20 on opening night, you can get a firsthand look at what it means to be erotic through various art and dance forms. The event’s proceeds go toward the 418 Project, which has dedicated itself to “moving community and inspiring transformation through performance and dance,” according to their website. Opening night begins Feb. 10 and the show closes on Feb. 19, culminating a six-show run at the 418 Project in Santa Cruz.

Illustration by Jamie Morton.

Gifts

Rising International is having a sale from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Feb. 11. Have fun together and shop fair trade or buy a gift for someone special. The store aims to help impoverished women across the globe by selling their handmade crafts. Colorful accessories, kitchenware, apparel, toys and more are available for a discounted price. It is a great gift that helps spread love in a big way.

If you are in a creative mood, make your own chocolate-dipped strawberry bouquet. Hop over to a local grocery store, like Trader Joe’s, Safeway or New Leaf, to pick out strawberries and chocolate chips. Melt your chips and dip your strawberries. Get some bamboo kebab skewers at Safeway or, depending on your preference, go to Beverly’s Fabric and Crafts or the Dollar Tree, and get plastic flowers and cut off the heads. Then, head over to Ferrari Florist and Gifts to get some cheap flowers like baby’s-breath. Place your strawberries on the stems or skewers, add the flowers and wrap it with a bow. Voila!

Get a gift you both can enjoy at Petroglyph Ceramic Lounge. Select and customize a piece of white bisque pottery, which costs anywhere from $10-$15. Sit, talk, and get creative together. The $9.75 admittance fee covers supplies, support, glazing by trained staff, and kiln firing. If you are celebrating Valentine’s Day with a group, Petroglyph Ceramic Lounge offers a discount price of $5 per person for groups of seven or more. However, if you are in a group, it is best to make a reservation in advance.

Illustration by Christine Hipp.

Food

Valentine’s Day isn’t all about candlelit dinners. There’s nothing like waking up early and going out for a banana-pancake breakfast with that special someone on Valentine’s Day morning. The Harbor Café, nestled in the Twin Lakes area of Santa Cruz, offers plate-sized banana pancakes for $1 each on Tuesday mornings. For a restaurant that’s already best known for its breakfasts, pancakes at $1 apiece just might be worth that early wake-up call, rain or shine. For those who’d like to bring along a canine companion, the Harbor Café features a “Doggie Menu” for your four-legged friends. Whether you arrive solo, with a partner, or with your dog, $1 banana pancakes will be sure to hit the spot — whether you’re a Jack Johnson fan or not.

From its green-and-yellow-painted exterior to its warm, inviting decor, Café Brasil is hard to miss. For a low-key, authentic Brazilian meal, Café Brasil, located on Mission Street, offers both breakfast and unique lunch entrées for the food-curious. Exploring dishes like Coxinha de Galinha (chicken), Bacalhoada (codfish) and Aipim Frito (yucca) with that special someone may serve as a fun addition to your Valentine’s Day festivities. Almost all of the entrees at Café Brasil are under $10. A visit to Café Brasil is an inexpensive way to experience foreign cuisine without the hefty price tag of a plane ticket, and what better excuse to do this than Valentine’s Day?

Home-cooked Meals 101 — Whether you’re a culinary connoisseur or the water-boiling, Ramen-making type, cooking a Valentine’s Day meal in the comfort of your own kitchen for or with your significant other is a fun and collaborative experience. From chicken cordon bleu to homemade pizzas, there are recipes for cooks of all skill levels. Easy fixes include pizzas, pastas, stir-fry and barbecue. Make a trip to the Santa Cruz Farmer’s Market, Staff of Life, or any local market to pick up produce and meats for a simple meal. For recipe ideas,
Epicurious.com offers access to free recipes from food magazines and professional chefs alike! Or check out City on a Hill Press’ food blog, The Starving Student, for easy, step-by-step instructions for a fancy and affordable meal.

Illustration by Matt Boblet.

‘Tis the season for hot chocolate, holiday parties, lots of shopping and going to the movies. This holiday season is prime time for the world of cinema, with over three dozen films being released between Thanksgiving and New Year’s. From Oscar contenders to action blockbusters and romantic comedies, here is a small taste of some of the films that will be opening during winter break.

Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close

Director: Stephen Daldry
Stars: Thomas Horn, Tom Hanks, Sandra Bullock
Release date: Dec. 25
Genre: Drama

Based on the 2005 novel of the same name, “Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close” tells the story of nine-year-old Oskar Schell (Horn), whose father died in the 9/11 attacks. Oskar finds a mysterious key in his father’s closet two years after his death and is determined to find the lock that matches this key. Through his journey searching the five boroughs of New York City to find the lock, he meets people and goes places that shed light on his father’s life, his own, and the complex world that is post-9/11 New York. The movie touches on the difficulty of grieving when the audience sees Oskar and his mother (Bullock) disconnect from each other in the midst of mourning their father and husband (Hanks). Movie adaptations of books are known to rarely live up to the reader’s expectations, but with an outstanding cast and director, “Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close” may be an exception.

Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows

Director: Guy Ritchie
Stars: Robert Downey Jr., Jude Law, Jared Harris
Release date: Dec. 16
Genre: Action-adventure

Sherlock Holmes is back, and this time he’s not the the only mastermind in the room. The ruthless Professor Moriarty, who matches Holmes in intelligence but lacks any kind of conscience, becomes Holmes’ prime suspect in his investigation of the death of the crown prince of Austria — although the cause of the prince’s death is supposedly suicide, Holmes suspects the prince was killed by Moriarty. More importantly, Holmes discovers the murder is only a small part of Moriarty’s secret plan, which will shock and destroy the world. The sequel continues as Holmes (Downey Jr.) and his loyal sidekick Dr. Watson (Law) chase Moriarty through visually impressive period violence. One part mystery, one part epic, one part bromance, this film is sure to transport you to a more exciting place.

The Adventures of Tintin

Director: Steven Spielberg
Stars: Jamie Bell, Daniel Craig
Release date: Dec. 21
Genre: Animation/family

Whether you grew up reading the comic books or your parents read them, most people remember “The Adventures of Tintin,” coming to theaters this December. Young reporter Tintin (voice of Bell) and his dog companion, Snowy discover a ship with an astonishing secret. Escaping the gambit of classic Tintin villains, Tintin and Snowy travel around the world to find an important artifact that holds the ancient curse on the ship. Following the trend of big-name directors remaking classic children’s books, the film takes Tintin out of the panel and puts him on the screen in 3-D, sure to complement Spielberg’s cinematography nicely and add to the adventure.

New Year’s Eve

Director: Garry Marshall
Stars: Halle Berry, Jessica Biel, Robert de Niro, Ashton Kutcher
Release date: Dec. 9
Genre: Comedy

Remember the 2010 holiday film, “Valentine’s Day”? Well, imagine it took place on New Year’s Eve. Garry Marshall has once again gathered an ensemble cast of stars to celebrate forgiveness, love, new beginnings and other typical feel-good themes of the holiday. Set in the Big Apple and shot entirely on location, the audience is able to see much of the city following the criss-crossing plot lines and experience the excitement of New Year’s Eve in the one and only Times Square. Lighthearted and funny, “New Year’s Eve” is an appropriate holiday pick.

Young Adult

Director: Jason Reitman
Stars: Charlize Theron, Patrick Wilson, Patton Oswalt
Release date: Dec. 9
Genre: Comedy-drama

Director Jason Reitman and screenwriter Diablo Cody reunite again in this black comedy after working together on the 2007 hit “Juno.” Theron stars as literature writer Mavis Gary, also known as the girl that everybody hated in high school. She comes back to her small town to win back her now-married high school sweetheart (Wilson) but realizes her conquest is not as easy as she thought it would be. Gary is newly-divorced and unhappy, while her high school boyfriend is happily married with kids — a strong contrast and interesting play on gender roles. While she tries to win his affections, she befriends a former nerd (Oswalt). Gary remains an immature, mean person despite everybody else in the film, which proves that some people never really grow out of high school.

Other movies coming out during winter break

The Sitter
Director: David Gordon Green
Stars: Jonah Hill
Release date: Dec. 9
Genre: Comedy

I Melt With You
Director: Mark Pellington
Stars: Thomas Jane, Jeremy Piven, Rob Lowe
Release date: Dec. 9
Genre: Thriller

Carnage
Director: Roman Polanski
Stars: Jodie Foster, Kate Winslet, John C. Reilly, Christopher Waltz
Release date: Dec. 16
Genre: Comedy

Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked
Director: Mike Mitchell
Stars: Jason Lee, Anna Faris, Justin Long, Christina Applegate
Release date: Dec. 16
Genre: Family

The Iron Lady
Director: Phyllida Lloyd
Stars: Meryl Streep
Release date: Dec. 16
Genre: Drama

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
Director: David Fincher
Stars: Daniel Craig, Rooney Mara
Release date: Dec. 21
Genre: Thriller

Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol
Director: Brad Bird
Stars: Tom Cruise, Jeremy Renner
Release date: Dec. 21
Genre: Action

We Bought a Zoo
Director: Cameron Crowe
Stars: Matt Damon, Scarlett Johansson, Patrick Fugit
Release date: Dec. 23
Genre: Comedy drama

The Darkest Hour
Director: Chris Gorak
Stars: Emile Hirsch, Olivia Thirlby
Release date: Dec. 25
Genre: Action

War Horse
Director: Steven Spielberg
Stars: Jeremy Irvine, Emily Watson
Release date: Dec. 25
Genre: Drama

Click to expand. Illustration by Matt Boblet.

Santa Cruz is a town with a lot to offer. But despite the wide array of options, students often end up scratching their heads over what to do each weekend. With Valentine’s Day weekend coming up, the City on a Hill Press city reporters took it upon themselves to suggests activities, beaches, stores, and restaurants worth checking out.

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Fantastic Eats and Cinematic Feats

By Nikki Pritchard

There’s no date more classic than dinner and a movie for Valentine’s Day. In Santa Cruz, there are four movie theaters to choose from, but the Nickelodeon and Del Mar theaters are locally owned gems that all UCSC students should be familiar with before they graduate. Both theaters have an old-time charm reminiscent of an era before illegal movie downloads.

Originally opened in 1969, the Nickelodeon Theatre (210 Lincoln St.) is known for its dedication to independent art and foreign films. Wednesday nights are the prime time to catch the student rate: $7.50. Restaurant options are abundant in Santa Cruz, but in the interest of affordability and proximity, check out Jack’s Hamburgers (202 Lincoln St.) next door when visiting the Nick. During happy hour (3 to 4 p.m. daily), Jack’s patrons can grab one burger and get the second one half off. A local favorite, Jack’s burger joint provides affordable, filling food that will satisfy your craving for all-American grub.

The Del Mar Theatre (1124 Pacific Ave.), opened in 2002. It offers weekly “midnight movies” for $6.50 every Friday and Saturday night. Owned and operated by the folks who brought you the Nick, the Del Mar stays true to the independent flavor Santa Cruzans love. Its quirky staff raffles off door prizes before the movie begins, and there are often trivia questions or movie quote competitions. This Friday and Saturday night’s midnight movie at the Del Mar will be “The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert.”

Pizza My Heart (1116 Pacific Ave. #B) is a great place to eat before viewing a movie at the Del Mar. A chain originating in the San Francisco Bay Area, Pizza My Heart sells pizza by the slice until 2 a.m. on Friday and Saturday nights. For $6, you can purchase a slice and grab a Pizza My Heart shirt for your sweetie.

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Reinventing Valentine’s Day for Singles

By Chelsea Hawkins

As Valentine’s Day weekend rolls in, if you suddenly find yourself without a date and annoyed by the onslaught of couples on the bus making you all too aware you’re going solo once again, remember to step back and recognize the freedom that comes with being single.

Embrace it.

For those of us not held up by a relationship, there are some noteworthy Santa Cruz singles options for making a memorable night.

Singles might consider paying a visit to the El Palomar Ballroom, located downtown on Pacific Avenue.

On Wednesday, Friday and Saturday nights, the Palomar offers both drop-in dance classes and dance parties. Drop-in classes start immediately before the dance parties and range in style from West Coast Swing to Latin, giving people the opportunity to learn various styles of dance and try out their new skills later that evening.

There is no need to pre-register for classes or even commit to a class. The entire evening can cost as little as $10.

El Palomar dance parties last from 9 to 11:30 p.m. and cost $5 at the door.

If a night of dancing isn’t exactly what you’re looking for, there are several other places where singles might hit a few high notes.

The Boardwalk Bowl, near the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, offers more than bowling — it is also known among students for its rowdy karaoke nights.

Karaoke nights at the Boardwalk Bowl are notorious for the local characters who get behind the microphone. There is no need to be part of a duet to enjoy a pop ballad or two.

Unlike other places in town, the Boardwalk Bowl does not have a minimum party size or minimum purchase requirement, but after 9 p.m., karaoke is closed to people under 21.

The Bowl is not the only place in town that offers singles the opportunity to test their courage behind a microphone. With easy access from downtown, local restaurant I Love Sushi has become a staple for the university crowd. It’s not just the menu that draws a crowd — the atmosphere and friendly demeanors of the staff make I Love Sushi a student favorite, and the owner is known for challenging customers to sake bombs.

If you’re able to assemble a small group of eight, you can easily reserve a table in the karaoke room, order drinks and sushi, and spend the evening reveling in the somewhat questionable vocal stylings of locals.

Although this is only a taste of the things offered throughout the Santa Cruz area — cafés, theaters and beaches to name a few — they are sure-fire ways for the young and the unattached to get out of their comfort zones and have a little fun.

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Save That Money, Honey

By Stephanie Meade

Valentine’s Day, with all of the expenses it can incur, can be a dreaded day for poor college students across the nation. But some creativity can keep you and your heart from going bankrupt.

There isn’t anything more intimate than grocery shopping with your sweetheart. Santa Cruz has many different grocery stores to choose from: Safeway (2203 Mission St.), Trader Joe’s (700 Front St.) and New Leaf (1101 Fair St. or 1134 Pacific Ave.), to name a few. See what’s on sale and bust out your club card when applicable. Pick up some fresh, organic fruit, cold cuts and cheese to enjoy with a baguette and butter. This simple meal makes for a perfect picnic. Plan a nice outdoor activity — perhaps a hike around Natural Bridges or a beach-side bike ride, and then settle down somewhere pretty with a blanket and your grocery store treasures.

If you or your sweetheart prefer indoor activities, try taking a fresh spin on the old “dinner and a movie” date. You can cook up something romantic for dinner. Pasta is tasty, cheap and easy to make. Make it a little more romantic with some red wine, like Trader Joe’s infamous Two-Buck Chuck. Lay down a makeshift tablecloth. Your roommate’s sheets will look great, but make sure to wash them first. Light a few candles for ambience.

Trips to the movie theater can cost upwards of $40 with snacks for two people. Instead, you and your date can rent a movie together and snuggle up under a blanket. Pop your own popcorn to save money. Plus, you won’t have to deal with crying babies, ringing cell phones and chatty moviegoers interrupting your mid-movie make-out sessions.

If everything you touch in the kitchen burns, and you think it would be safe to dine out instead, try taking your darling out for lunch instead of dinner. Many restaurants offer the same or similar menu items for cheaper lunchtime prices. Sabieng on Mission Street offers an excellent lunch special. Diners can get the soup of the day, an entrée and rice for under $7.

If you’re on a first date and you don’t want your date to think you’re cheap, you have options. Try going out for sushi. It’s delicious, often affordable and incredibly adorable to share. Taco platters, another classic dish to share, can also be affordable. El Palomar Taco Bar all the way at the back of the Santa Cruz Coffee Roasting Company on Pacific, offers tasty tacos and burritos for relatively low prices, plus free chips and salsa. The small dining area can get very crowded and loud, but the staff at the Santa Cruz Coffee Roasting Company usually doesn’t mind if you bring your tacos and sit and eat in their much quieter café.

Have fun this Valentine’s Day, and remember to show love to your sweetheart as well as your wallet.

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Want a Sandy Romance? Go to the Beach!

By Michael Mott

Santa Cruz is well known for its wealth of sunny sand. Even in February, you can traverse the beaches with your sweetheart like a true local.

If you don’t mind crowds, then a day at the Main Beach by the Boardwalk is sure to be fun. After getting an ice cream at Marini’s, head down to the volleyball courts and spike a ball. Or relax and unwind under the pier if it gets too hot. The wharf and boardwalk can be expensive for food, so bring lunch. Picnics are a time-honored guarantee to impress your date.

The Boardwalk itself is an old-fashioned, classic place that has enchanted friends and lovers since 1907. Stroll hand-in-hand down past the arcades and the mini-golf course to the rides, where your date will be sure to lean in on the roller coasters.

If you and your valentine scoff at the tourists, try Seabright Beach just south of the Boardwalk. This beach has fewer people and more sand.

You can find some East Side locals and even a cave to write your lover’s name in. You might not want to show off your body-boarding skills just yet here, because the waves can be vicious. Set up an umbrella and feel free to people-watch, and you two will be bound to come up with some funny stories.

Like the sand? Instead of taking a long awkward walk, woo your date with your castle-building and hole-digging skills. After the day is done, set up camp and have a bonfire, because this beach is one of the few in Santa Cruz that allows them.

After a few hours of spelling each other’s names in the sand, head over to the delicious Betty’s Burger on Seabright Avenue, where you can get such romantic ground beef as the “Big Betty.” This half-pound patty and Betty’s secret lube, or “The Duke,” a half-pound island-style burger with grilled pineapple, bacon, cheddar and sweet teriyaki lube will tantalize the taste buds.

If you’re feeling daring, head east of the wharf for some surfing at Cowell’s Beach. Unlike in ice skating, however, your partner will not think it’s cute if he or she falls down and gets obliterated, so keep it safe.

Got sand in your pants after your beach date? Just one more reason to head back to your place and shower.

Photo by Nita-Rose Evans.

Motiv
Where: 1209 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz (map)
When: 2 p.m. to midnight

Looking for the after-party? Go no further than the super-chic Motiv, which offers an opportunity to get down after the game. DJs and leather chairs will provide a hip atmosphere for those looking for a good time during and after the match-up. A huge sound system, two 55-inch HD screens and a 99-inch HD projector will surround the dance floor, which is sure to be crowded with all sorts of partygoers and football fans.

Photo by Nita-Rose Evans.

99 Bottles
Where: 110 Walnut Ave., Santa Cruz (map)
When: 11 a.m. to 12:30 a.m.

99 Bottles is a downtown Santa Cruz restaurant where you can find alcoholic beverages for those of age, but without the bar atmosphere. On Super Bowl Sunday they will be offering food that corresponds to the regions from which the Colts and Saints hail (Indianapolis and New Orleans, respectively). It doesn’t just stop with the food — the establishment will also have beers that correspond to the teams. With this special menu and a big-screen TV on the upper floor, 99 Bottles is sure to be a winner for local football fans this Sunday.

Photo by Nita-Rose Evans.

Rush Inn
Where: 113 Knight St., Santa Cruz (map)
When: 8 a.m. to 2 a.m.

This is the quintessential “dive bar” in Santa Cruz — simple with no frills. However, for the Super Bowl they will be spicing things up with their Salsa Cook-off. First-prize winner gets $25, second place wins $15, and third place gets $10.  It’s sure to be a heated competition, much like the game. The Rush Inn will also offer great bar food, cheap beer prices and a pool table for some good old-fashioned bar fun.

Photo by Nita-Rose Evans.

Crown Fireside Lounge
Where: Crown College
When: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

If you’re down to walk up those killer stairs and appreciate a wondrous spread of Costco food, Crown’s Fireside Lounge will play host to a handful of rowdy kids watching the Saints vs. Colts game on Sunday. Tabitha Chirrick, a second-year student associated with the college, explained it would be just a casual gathering. “We’re going to get together, buy some food and watch the Super Bowl,” she said. “Come have fun, eat food and watch football. It’s open to everybody, but I expect mostly Crown kids.”

Photo by Nita-Rose Evans.

Stevenson Event Center
Where: Stevenson College
When: 3 to 7 p.m.

Stevenson residents are welcome to head over to the Stevenson Event Center to watch the big game in an event sponsored by the Stevenson Student Council. The spacious room and oversized projection screen make for the perfect location to gather and watch the Super Bowl. A large viewing space allows for a sizeable crowd, but the audience is intimately related through college affiliation — thereby giving students a family atmosphere that feels like a home away from home.

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Santa Cruz AIDS Project

Although food drives are not specific to the holidays at SCAP, food donations are more than welcome year-round. Volunteers keep a well-stocked food bank on site and available to all clients. Toilet paper, shampoo and other personal items are also appreciated.  SCAP will be hosting a food drive outside the downtown Santa Cruz Trader Joe’s on Saturday, November 21. Shoppers will be given SCAP’s wish list of items needed for the food bank. SCAP is located at 313 Front St., Santa Cruz, CA, 95060 and can be reached by phone at (831) 427-3900.

Second Harvest Holiday Food Drive

In light of the 20 to 30 percent increase in requests for food aid, food drive organizers at Second Harvest are hoping to collect 2 million pounds of food for this year’s annual Holiday Food Drive. Companies, organizations and groups are encouraged to pick up a barrel provided by Second Harvest and collect as much food as possible. Solo participants are welcome to make monetary donations online, where $1 can provide $9 worth of food, or a square meal for a family of five. The drive will benefit low-income families, seniors and disabled people all over Santa Cruz county, and will continue until mid-December. To apply for a barrel or for more information, contact Bly Morales at (831) 722-7110 x 226 or to make a donation, visit Second Harvest’s website at http://www.thefoodbank.org.

Alliance for Children: Give a Kid a Coat

A non-profit organization based in Santa Cruz, Alliance for Children focuses its generosity on keeping local kids warm. The group, which provides coats for low-income families and children who cannot afford warm outerwear, is hoping to exceed the 800 coats collected in last year’s drive. The drive calls for both cash and gently used coat donations for Santa Cruz children between the ages of 1 and 18, and will run until the end of the month. To donate a coat, contact Eileen Donnelly at leeniebug@hotmail.com or send check donations to Coats for Kids, 515 Broadway, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060.

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Donation Centers in Santa Cruz

Click for larger image. Illustration by Maggie McManus.

There are many other donation sites around the city to remember as we embark on our holiday giving endeavors. These organizations accept food, coats and other goods all year long.  Happy donating!

New Life Center
707 Fair St. Santa Cruz, CA 95060
831-427-1007

River St. Shelter
733 River St. Santa Cruz, CA 95060
831-459-6645

St. Francis
205 Mora St. Santa Cruz, CA 95060
831-459-6712

Homeless Community Resource Center and Page Smith Community House
115 Coral St. Santa Cruz, CA 95060
831-458-6020

Santa Cruz Community Counseling Center
195 Harvey West Blvd., CA 95060
831-459-1700

Photo by Phil Carter.

Photo by Phil Carter.

Among the many life lessons gained during the college years, few are as rude an awakening as leaving the warmth of mom’s kitchen and the convenience of the dining halls behind. As demonstrated by our uncanny ability to gain the freshmen fifteen or the ease with which we cast ourselves in the role of starving college student, learning to adequately and properly nourish ourselves is clearly no easy food feat.

As another year of our esteemed higher education begins, perhaps it’s time to treat our bodies to a new way of eating. The collegiate culinary cycle of ramen, frozen pizza, forget to rinse the dishes, repeat, can in fact be broken and forgotten – and probably much more easily than you’d assume.

If you’re thinking that this is just going to be another Santa Cruzan rant that heralds the magic wonders of farmers markets and natural food stores while conveniently overlooking the fact that college students have neither the time nor the funds to pursue the epicurean high-life, think again.

While Santa Cruz may be occasionally lacking in a few areas – hygiene and Republicans come to mind – sources for healthy and affordable food are not on the list. As college students, and semi-permanent residents of the health-food Mecca that is Santa Cruz, it would be a great personal disservice not to utilize the abundant resources available to us (see attached guide on the right). If you keep a few simple tips in mind, you too can be on your way to healthful culinary success sans blown budget.

Buying food in the most whole and unprocessed state is beneficial both for your diet and wallet for a couple of reasons. As food is processed, packaged, frozen, canned and freeze-dried, it begins to cost the consumer more while packing a generally lower nutritional punch. Although packaged and ready-made meals may seem cheap at the checkout, the actual nutritional value often ends up being significantly less per dollar than it is in foods you could prepare yourself.

As an alternative to these over-packaged and processed foods, students can stock up from bulk food bins (which can be found at every health food store, including the on-campus Kresge co-op). The bins offer everything from hearty grains, lentils, beans, and oats, to healthy snack foods like trail mix, dried fruit, and popcorn kernels. Without packaging and processing, these foods are inexpensive compared to their canned and frozen counterparts and can be prepared in large quantities at once, saving you time.

Consider this comparison: 1 pound (16 ounces) of dried black beans bought in bulk costs just over $1 and yields over 6 cups of cooked beans while 1 can of black beans (14-15 ounces) costs the same amount of money but contains no more than about 2 cups of beans.

In addition to buying dried foods, bulk food aisles offer you the opportunity to buy unusual and tasty spices and herbs by the ounce. This means that if you’re not so sure about adding spicy curry powder to your tofu, you can buy just a pinch to experiment with. Using new spices and herbs in your cooking can make things more interesting and tasty without driving up the price.

When it comes to fruits and vegetables, try diverting just ten dollars of your food budget every couple of weeks towards fresh and seasonal produce from a local farmers market; you’ll be surprised how far that relatively small investment will take you. Try to invest in ingredients that can be used for multiple dishes (i.e. spinach, which can be used in a salad, sautéed with pasta, or simmered in a sauce). Cooking staples such as onions, garlic, and potatoes also provide limitless meal options and can be stored for long periods of time without spoiling.

If you would prefer to buy organic produce but are worried about the cost, don’t be afraid to talk directly to vendors or growers and ask them about their growing practices – that’s the beauty of the farmers market. You may notice that an apple or tomato from a ‘certified organic’ grower costs more than the same food from an uncertified grower. Because of the high cost of the organic certification process, many farms can’t bear the certified organic label but still offer produce that’s grown free from chemical pesticides and herbicides (and often at a lower price).

Once you’ve got your fresh produce and bulk food, a few store-bought ingredients can stretch your food purchases even further. Things like canned tomatoes and vegetable broths create great bases for many dishes and are affordable enough to always have on hand. Try cooking rice in vegetable broth or stewing potatoes and veggies in canned tomatoes for a quick and easy vegetable medley.

It’s important to note that no matter what creative and seemingly time-saving methods you use, cooking your own food is always going to take a little bit longer than opening and closing the microwave. But once you get your culinary juices flowing, it’s likely that you (and your taste buds) will find the value in abandoning nutritionally bankrupt microwaveable meals and instead investing in some tasty, real ingredients.

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The following guide to Santa Cruz’s best natural food stores and farmers markets should serve as a helpful tool as you trade in the microwave for the market this school year.

Local Natural Food Markets

New Leaf (Three Santa Cruz locations: Swift St, Pacific Ave, 41st Ave) A local chain with six stores total, including a newly expanded branch close to campus, New Leaf community markets offer a great selection of produce, as well as sustainable meat and seafood options. Look out for frequent coupons in local publications to save a little cash.

Whole Foods (Two locations: Soquel Ave, 41st Ave) The health food mega-chain has two new branches in Santa Cruz and boasts an expansive prepared food section.

Staff of Life (Soquel Ave) A smaller local operation, Staff of Life has an impressive bulk section and a separate store devoted to vitamins and natural cosmetics.

Food Bin (corner of Mission and Laurel) A small store close to campus, the food bin is open late, so you can satisfy your after hours cravings without going to Taco Bell.

Kresge Natural Foods Co-op (Located in Kresge College) A not-for-profit student-run operation, the Kresge co-op offers bulk foods, produce, coffee and tea among many other selections. You can cut down costs by ordering in bulk in advance and they accept flexi dollars for those living on campus.

Local Farmers Markets

Downtown Wednesdays (2:30-6:30pm) The parking lot at Lincoln and Cedar St. is weekly transformed into a ritual Santa Cruz happening. It’s largest local market with the most variety and vendors and is open year-round, rain or shine.

Westside Saturdays (9am-1pm) Located on Mission street, the Westside market can be easily reached from campus by a quick ride down Western Street. A mellow and friendly atmosphere make this market a perfect Saturday morning excursion.

Live Oak Sundays (9am-1pm) For those that live on the East side of Santa Cruz, the Live Oak market is located in the Eastcliff shopping center and operates May through November.

Base of Campus Tuesday and Friday (12pm-6pm) If you’re counting food miles, this one hands down has the fewest. Fruits, veggies and herbs grown at the UCSC Farm travel less than a few hundred yards to a canopy tent at the base of campus. Operates Fall and Spring quarter only.

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Natural Bridges Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary

The Santa Cruz coastline is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful in the world, but few realize that tucked behind Natural Bridges State Park’s rugged shoreline, enveloped by shady eucalypti, a mesmerizing phenomenon takes place every fall and creates a most surreal scene in which to study. Monarch butterflies, a rather durable species within the delicate breed, stop off for the winter at the state park to rest and lay eggs before continuing on their continental migration. Studiers looking for a rejuvenating sea breeze can meander down the sanctuary’s paths and post up on the numerous oversized wooden benches located deep within the eucalyptus grove. Bring a picnic lunch and a jacket to fold beneath your cranium, cradling it while you read and catch glimpses of orange and black in the drizzling sunlight. Butterflies will flit around you. Tranquility will settle your pre-midterm jitters. And you can gloat to your friends, as they bemoan the previous day’s six-hour stint in the library, that you brushed up for finals in a fairy forest.

Natural Bridges is located at 2531 West Cliff Drive. You can bike into the park from Delaware Ave., or drive in and park by the visitor’s center. Parking is $8 for the day. The park is open every day from sunrise to sunset. Monarch migration typically occurs mid-October thru December. Call 831.423.4609 for up-to-date information on butterfly patterns and park hours.

The Abbey

On crisp fall evenings and foggy Santa Cruz mornings, there’s nothing better than the feeling you get when you open the doors of The Abbey, a quaint, cozy coffee shop located at Vintage Faith Church on Mission Street. Setting The Abbey apart from the innumerable other coffeehouses in Santa Cruz is its intimately intricate décor, divine fair-trade coffee selections and the feeling of warmth and laidback luxury it evokes. The interior is rich and moody with unique pieces of art hanging on the walls, a stage and piano at the back of the spacious main room and beautiful pieces of well-worn furniture beckoning all who enter to let their creative and academic juices start flowing. This is an ideal oasis for churning out papers, reading or doing research of any kind since they offer free wireless internet and desktop computer access and are quipped with tons of tables, big and small, and ample places to plug-in. The Abbey also offers up delicious locally-made baked goods, like doughy spiced scones and big flaky croissants, and features a new outdoor patio with the same ambience as inside plus an added level of study-time serenity under the Santa Cruz sky.

The Abbey is located at 350 Mission Street and is open Mon.-Thurs. 7am-8pm, Fri. 7am-9pm, and Sat.-Sun. 8:30am-10:30 pm.

The Owl’s Nest

The newest edition to the list of cafes and food-stops located on the UCSC campus, the Owl’s Nest, located at Kresge College, is a great place to grab a bite to eat and people watch — and it makes an equally decent spot to cram in a quick study session or crank out a few paragraphs of an essay between classes due to its convenient location and ample seating. Since renovations began on the Porter/Kresge dining hall (with construction expected to continue into the winter 2010 quarter), students housed in the nearby dorms or taking classes on the west side of campus have flowed steadily in and out of The Owl’s Nest to pick up brain food on the fly. For students who want to re-fuel while utilizing an hour or two between classes, The Owl’s Nest is equipped with lots of seating and tables to spread out on, as well as tasty tummy-fillers for every time of day. Think breakfast burritos, heaping made-to-order sandwiches, salad “nests” and steaming rice bowls. And if you wait out the rush that sometimes ensues immediately after classes get out, you’ll be able to sit back, put up your feet and enjoy a few moments of reading and relaxation in the middle of a hectic school day.

The Owl’s Nest serves breakfast, lunch and dinner and is open from Mon.-Thurs. 7:30am-8:30pm and Fri. 7:30am-5pm. It is located next to the Kresge town hall building and accepts cash, credit, debit and flexi-dollars.

Swanton Berry Farm

Do you ever get the sensation, whether highlighting your way through a reader or solving equation after equation, that you’ve looked over the same material over and over without really retaining any of it? Instead of turning to study-buddy medications, maybe all you need is a change of scenery. If you’re willing to make the drive, Swanton Berry Farm could be just the thing to de-fuddle your brain and send you soaring towards that coveted “A+”. Study munchies? The Farm Stand at Swanton, found just off Highway 1, is full of sweet and savory digestible fuels, not to mention plenty of coffee. Comfy couches invite you to curl up and get working, and the Farm’s free wi-fi keeps you connected to the greater world, though you’ll feel like you’ve escaped to a perfect, private study sanctuary.

To get to Swanton Berry Farm, drive north on Highway 1 for about 12.5 miles and turn right when you see the farm stand and signs. If you get lost, you can call the farm at 831.469.8804. Swanton Berry Farm is open every day from 8am-6pm.

Cleverly nestled away on the quiet end of Front Street, the Firefly boasts back-country charm and a sleepy, old-town kind of feel. This place is a favorite of folks living on Beach Hill, and is mostly run by students from UC Santa Cruz and Cabrillo. There’s a rustic wood-post fence that lines a front porch where you can sit and enjoy your drink while the sea breeze blows through the windchimes. The ambience is very down-to-earth; my coffee came in a unique, Zodiac-designed mug and the barista was busy making savory bacon and cheese scones. There are also two large bookcases and WiFi if you feel like zoning out for a while. This is the perfect place to “get away from it all.”

If you ever get one elaborate drink here, make sure to get the Menehune Mocha on the rocks. It’s a blended raspberry mocha and will absolutely knock your socks off. Bad Ass is a bright and friendly place and is known for its tropical, Hawaiian-themed drinks and décor. There are a couple of computers for customer use and a big-screen TV in the lounge area. Bad Ass offers free computer use for their customers and all you need is a receipt of your purchase to surf the net. This place is also kid-friendly, verified by a play area for toddlers near the front.

Make sure you know what you want before you get to the register; these guys take their coffee seriously. “Perg’s” is located on Cedar Street right in the heart of downtown. It’s a beautiful Victorian-era house that’s been converted into one of the best-known coffee shops in Santa Cruz. There’s plenty of room to relax on plush sofas or at one of their many tables; or if the mood so strikes, you can sit and enjoy the sun on the charming outdoor porch and garden. Perg’s also serves beer and locally made wine from the Bonny Doon vineyard. There’s free WiFi and it’s not unusual to see other students congregating here to study or socialize.

Closer to campus and accessible by any bus that runs by Bay and Mission, Coffeetopia is an ideal place to go when you’re over on the West Side. The shop is on the small side so there isn’t much desk space if you’re looking to study, but the baristas are friendly and very helpful. I asked one to make me his favorite drink and was pleasantly surprised when he proudly handed me a delicious, run-of-the-mill cappuccino. This is a great, traditional coffee shop that will give you the best of the basic espresso varieties. Flares of beach culture add to the laid-back atmosphere. Colorful oil paintings by local artists are hung on the walls and there is a weather and surf channel to keep you up-to-date on the present conditions. Complete with WiFi and two computers in back for customer use, this is a student-friendly, albeit small, place to go and get some work done while enjoying a good ol’ cuppa joe.

Little Shanghai has been around for just over twenty years in the heart of downtown serving locals and tourists various stir-frys along with noodle bowls. The weekday lunchtime special runs just under $7 and is great for a quick lunch. During the night, dinner is a little more formal with a “sit-down and order from the menu style” but still has that casual feeling.

This is a great place to go for lunch or breakfast. I loved the healthy sandwich choices and the menu was catered toward vegetarian tastes. There is a large outdoor seating area with lots of room to spread out and enjoy the sun. Its locations are a bit removed from the bustle of downtown — one in the River Street shopping center and one in the homey Seabright neighborhood. These guys pride themselves on their mochas; try out the Crème Brulee or the German Chocolate Mocha for a treat. The only bummer is that they close up shop at 7 p.m. on weekdays, so it’s not a prime place for a late-night study session.

As far as I’m concerned, Fin’s is the friendliest of all the coffee shops. The baristas will remember your face and favorite drink and there is a great feeling of community here. This is a wonderful place to go if you want to meet some of the non-downtown denizens, yet still feel part of the Santa Cruz scene. There is live music every Friday night and I was lucky enough to hear an outstanding bluegrass group perform. The atmosphere and superb espresso are what makes Fin’s a great spot to chill out and meet some locals.

This is a nice place to go if you’re craving something sweet. The Buttery has lots of tasty and reasonably-priced pastries. You can get anything from an espresso cookie (similar to a Russian teacake) to a custom-made birthday cake. It’s a little crowded here and there is more emphasis on the bakery and lunch items than the coffee. I wouldn’t suggest this as a study spot, but if you’ve got a hankering for something flaky, buttery, chocolaty, you name it — definitely come here and indulge your sweet tooth.

Where to start with Lulu’s? Excellent cappuccinos, excellent service, excellent ambience, not to mention excellent hours! Lulu’s is open every night of the week until midnight, which makes it a prime and popular place to study and socialize. On the downside, Lulu’s can be a little crowded, especially around finals week. But the espresso drinks are first-rate, there’s a wide assortment of snacks to choose from if you’re feeling peckish, and the front patio is great to sit and people-watch.

Located in downtown’s historic Octagon building, this smaller branch of Lulu’s is a bit pricier and more polished than its sister shop on Pacific. The coffee is vacuum-pressed, which ups the price by a few cents but makes for a fresher taste. The layout of the shop is posh and simple; small mahogany tables are set up around the inside perimeter, which makes for a great place for a relaxed, solo study session. The outside patio is nestled up next to the Museum of Art and History and although the seating is limited (be prepared to have to jump on the first open deck chair available), it’s a quiet place to go to enjoy a classy cup of coffee.

I love this place because of the abundant selection of brewed coffee. There are almost two dozen different drip flavors to choose from at any time, so you don’t have to settle for any set menu of pre-brewed java. They proudly serve Fair Trade Organic coffee, so for the globally conscious, this is the place for you. There is live music on Friday and Saturday nights, and some performers make use of the upright piano. This isn’t the ideal place to study as there is limited seating and it can get a bit noisy, but it’s a great place to go when you’re strolling down Pacific and need a pick-me-up.

The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
400 Beach St.

The Boardwalk is a magnet for out-of-towners and kiddie parties, but don’t think you can’t have a good time here with your college buddies, too. Starting in September, the Boardwalk is open weekends only from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and will have significantly fewer tourists. Relive your childhood in the arcade, challenge your friends to laser tag (spoiler alert: they don’t allow running), and if you are feeling bold, go for a spin on the Fireball, a ride that is sure to rock your world.

The Boardwalk Bowl
115 Cliff St.

The local bowling alley has something to keep you busy almost every night of the week. Bowl without breaking the bank on Mondays and Tuesdays, when games are half-price. Bring your glow sticks for atomic bowling on Thursdays and Sundays, when the lights go down and the party begins. Saturday is Rock and Bowl day, while karaoke can be enjoyed five days of the week. Check their website for a schedule of live music, too.

Midnight Movies at the Del Mar
1124 Pacific Ave.

You aren’t a true Slug until you’ve participated in a midnight movie at the Del Mar — yes, participated. Don’t think you can sneak away to a quiet, empty midnight showing of your favorite cult classic; and why would you want to? These movies are often packed, rowdy and guaranteed fun. Not to mention admission is cheap and there are raffles and prizes. Fridays and Saturdays only. The tradition returns Sept. 19 with “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.”

Santa Cruz Roller Palladium
1606 Seabright Ave.

How many towns these days can boast an old-school indoor roller rink? Santa Cruz may be one of the few. Open year-round, bring your skates — or rent a pair — and take advantage of this fun treasure. The Palladium is open for public skating sessions, but can also be rented out for parties (just imagine the possibilities for a theme … Saturday Night Fever anyone?).

Hookah

You young‘uns are lucky when it comes to under-21 nightlife. Whereas only a few years ago there were none, there are now two poppin’ hookah bars in town. Giza Hookah Lounge is located conveniently close to campus, at 1515 Mission St., and open until 1 a.m. on the weekends. If you find yourself downtown and in the mood for some relaxing shisha, check out Madani Hookah Lounge at 2017 N. Pacific Ave. Madani’s is open until 3 a.m., and the dim light, mystical music and plush couches allow you to imagine you’ve been teleported into a genie’s bottle.

Farmers Market
On Cedar and Lincoln St.

It would be a shame to wait until you’ve lived off campus for a while before discovering the magic that is the Santa Cruz Farmers Market. If you don’t have class on Wednesday afternoons, head downtown to roam the aisles of locally grown, organic and delicious veggies, fruits, artisan bread and pastries, fair-trade coffee, colorful flowers, fresh seafood and more. The market is also a good place to stop by for lunch or dinner, with tasty options like Mexican and Indian. Join in the drum circle that pounds away beside the food aisles, or just sit and listen while chowing down. The Farmers Market runs from 2:30 to 6:30 p.m. every Wednesday. For a closer-to-campus, equally treasured version, visit the West Side Farmers Market on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 2801 Mission St.

The Mystery Spot
465 Mystery Spot Road

The Mystery Spot may be a tourist trap, but it is also something you can’t go four years at UC Santa Cruz without checking out once (and once is definitely enough). Trek out there on a lazy Saturday, pay the five bucks, let yourself be amazed by the tilts and illusions, take some pictures and voila — you’ve participated in a Santa Cruz rite of passage. Located at 465 Mystery Spot Road, the attraction is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Jack’s Hamburgers
202 Lincoln St

My favorite thing about Jack’s is the window decorations. They are adorable and seasonal to a fault, but the windows may be all you see of Jack’s – the hours are sub-optimal. But when Jack’s is open, you can expect to get the best burger in the Pacific Avenue neighborhood, plus fries and a drink, for under 10 dollars.

Like the charming Italian deli that I’ve always imagined exists in the burroughs of New York City, Zoccoli’s has the same man at the register every day. Despite his lack of an Italian (or any) accent, this is my favorite sandwich place in Santa Cruz. Available seating right on Pacific and a tasty, warm tri-tip sandwich make Zoccoli’s the perfect lunch choice.

Planet Fresh puts carrots in their burritos, and I find that indicative of the philosophy behind their food. Everything is fresh (like the name implies), homemade, and inexpensive. The chicken crispy taco is amazing, enormous and runs for about $4.

At some point in my time at UCSC, I had a boyfriend with an expendable income. He took me to the Red Room, a very cushy restaurant that makes up the back area of the popular bar. The Red Room has swanky food and serves it until almost midnight, but don’t scoff at the bill – I warned you.

Little Shanghai has been around for just over twenty years in the heart of downtown serving locals and tourists various stir-frys along with noodle bowls. The weekday lunchtime special runs just under $7 and is great for a quick lunch. During the night, dinner is a little more formal with a “sit-down and order from the menu style” but still has that casual feeling.

Another famed local establishment, Saturn Café is open until 3 a.m. and serves vegan/vegetarian food. I’m a girl that loves her meat, so it took a while for me to figure out what to eat at Saturn Café. For my fellow carnivores, I offer this advice – don’t get anything “meat”-like. It doesn’t taste like meat, and does not satisfy my meat cravings. Instead, stick to their fries (which are crispy and delicious, the ultimate late-night snack) and a chocolate shake (vegan or not, both varieties hit the spot after a night at the bars).

I love “I Love Sushi” for the name. Every time I walked or drove by the restaurant, I had to smile, because they’re right – I really do love sushi. The only thing I love more than sushi, though, is a great lunch special, and I love I Love Sushi’s lunch special. Complimentary appetizers, variety and large portions for about $10. Care for Karaoke? They offer it in a back room.

Zachary’s is only open until 2 p.m. and stays consistently busy. I’m a huge fan of breakfast, but not always ready to face the outside world by 2 p.m. so I rarely paid visit to Zachary’s. But on the days I did, it was never a decision I regretted. Order the Mike’s Mess – nothing could turn me into a morning person, but that dish got pretty damn close.

Vasili’s Greek Restaurant
1501 Mission St # A

Walking into Vasili’s made me want to drive the two blocks down Mission Street to Blockbuster and rent “My Big Fat Greek Wedding.” With walls covered in yellowed photographs depicting large Greek parties, this place screams “Opa!” I have yet to walk in and witness an actual Greek dance party going on, but I keep coming back with that hope. Until then, I’ll be satisfied with their lunch special (gyros, fries and a soda for $10).

Around week three (or two) of any given quarter, I’d need a day off. While playing hooky, I would find myself returning to Sabieng for its great lunch special (quality Thai food for under $10!). Sabieng is a great place for dinner with friends or a casual non-date, and is, in my opinion, by far the best Thai food in Santa Cruz.

Almost every guy I met in Santa Cruz loves the carne asada burrito at Taqueria Santa Cruz. Not enough meat for you? Not a problem, they offer an all-meat burrito for the extreme carnivore. All in all, Taqueria Santa Cruz is one among many in the Santa Cruz area for cheap, quality Mexican food.

This small and colorful restaurant is one of the most popular breakfast joints in town, and for good reason. Once your wait is over and you finally get a table, take your pick from an extensive menu of delicious Brazilian fare- from breakfast scrambles to tasty sandwiches. Perhaps most notable is their smoothie menu, which boasts the best Acai Bowl around.

Santa Cruz Diner
909 Ocean St

I came to Santa Cruz Diner many times, and can count only on one hand the times I was sober or not hungover. With that said, I came to love their chicken fried steak. For extra artery-clogging goodness, I suggest a side of curly fries. The Diner also has a good burger. Open 24 hours a day, with breakfast served all day and night, it’s likely you’ll find yourself at the diner for a 2 a.m. stack of pancakes at some point. Another suggestion – leave the Asian foods alone; that’s what Asian restaurants are for.

Hindquarter Bar & Grille
303 Soquel Ave

All you can eat ribs on Monday nights, so it’s best to let the vegan friends sit this one out. It’s a family place, a slight walk from Pacific Avenue, and the meal will run about $25 (with a soda, tax and tip). Let me just repeat something: all you can eat ribs on Monday nights.

I’m a lunch special gal, and Charlie Hong Kong (or just “Charlie’s”) was my go-to dinner place. It’s open until 11 p.m. seven days a week, almost everything is under $10, the portions are huge, they offer tons of vegan/vegetarian options and this is one of the only places that has Pho (Vietnamese noodle soup) in the Santa Cruz area.

Adam, owner and manager of the Crepe Place, bought it from its original owners a few years ago. Before that, he worked as the restaurant’s general manager so this is a place that’s not likely to change in the coming years. The Crepe Place is a local favorite and for good reason. They have live shows, great crepes and the restaurant has an adorable back terrace. Prices are a little steep, but the food is scrumptious and portions are sizeable.

When I first moved to Santa Cruz, all I heard from friends and co-workers was how great the Buttery was. It’s a local powerhouse – serving breakfast, brunch and lunch, staying open until 7 p.m. and having a full-service bakery on-site. The crowd is mainly middle-aged yuppies, but it’s worth the trip for their cupcakes – the bottom half is devil’s food cake and the top is cheesecake.

Seabright Brewery
519 Seabright Ave # 107

After hours spent poring through the two-page menu at “the Brewery,” all I ever found was decent sandwiches/burgers, killer garlic fries and appetizers. And beer.

Located across the street from Seabright Brewery, Betty Burgers is probably my favorite burger place of all time. I fell in love with both the crispy fries and sweet potato fries, and the burger. Just thinking about them makes me want one. The prices are about the same as it would cost for a burger at a sit-down restaurant, but it’s definitely worth it for the size and tastiness of pretty much everything on the menu.

Harbor Café is difficult to access without a car, but it’s a reasonably-priced, friendly breakfast place with a beautiful outdoor dining area. And on Fridays, they have all-you-can-drink mimosas.

Contrary to popular belief, UCSC is home to a number of sports teams as well as many talented athletes who have helped lead some of those teams to great success over the years. Whether it’s sitting on the sidelines watching the soccer team score the winning goal in overtime or getting in the stands of a volleyball game and feeling the roar of the crowd fill the air in the gym, it’s pretty much guaranteed that you won’t leave a Slug athletics event feeling unsatisfied. With free admission to those with student IDs and only $5 for other spectators, the price is definitely right.

Athletic Director and former collegiate athlete Linda Spradley knows that “the home court advantage here at UCSC is unbelievable.” So don’t underestimate how good it feels to get in the stands clad in Slugwear and take part in the cheers that will push Slug athletes to perform their best and give students a reason to take pride in the university. Go Slugs!

Here’s what students can look forward to cheering for in the fall.

Men’s and Women’s Soccer

Both of these teams have a history of excellence. In the past few years, the men have taken the regional championship title, sent a few top-notch players to the MLS, and made five consecutive NCAA Playoff appearances after posting a 15-5 overall record and a 10-3 record in Division III last year.

The women have made it to the postseason for the past two years and finished last season with a 12-3-2 overall record and 8-3-1 in DIII.

Slug soccer games bring out the biggest crowds of any other UCSC sport with more than 300 fans showing up for weekend games. Word to the wise – be sure to bring a towel or something to sit on to avoid a wet, grassy seat. The men’s first home game of the school year is on Friday, Sept. 26 at 4 p.m. against Chapman University at the Lower East Field, where home matches for both men’s and women’s soccer take place.

The women play their first home game of the school year against Biola University on Sept. 29 at 4 p.m. On Friday, Oct. 23 at 4 p.m., UCSC will take on DIII rivals CSU East Bay in what will undoubtedly be a rousing, can’t-miss game.

Men’s and Women’s Basketball

The quick pace of these games makes them some of the most exciting to come out and watch, and many people definitely do. Both teams play their home games in the West Field House Gym, which was under construction last year, leaving basketball and other teams without proper practice facilities. Having no home games last year was an undeniable disadvantage. But now with a newly remodeled and up-to-date gym equipped with new scoreboards, shot clocks and more, the teams are excited to play at home with those rowdy crowds that truly give them the home court advantage. Basketball games will begin in November.

Men’s Water Polo

After getting the boot in the spring due to budget cuts within athletics, men’s and women’s varsity water polo were told they would have to turn into club teams under OPERS to save money. But over the summer, the decision was made to reinstate the program for one more year to allow players time to make a transfer to a different NCAA program if desired. Players and those in support of the team managed to raise over $40,000 to help keep the program running for the next year.

Despite the teams’ success over the years, with the men winning the DIII national championship in 2006 and the women finishing in third place last year with an impressive 10-2 record in DIII, both teams will turn club after this year. That means this is the last chance to go out to the pool and see these teams compete in NCAA DIII play.

If you haven’t had the chance to see a water polo match, then you’re missing out. The quick back-and-forth nature of the game, along with its tendency to be high-scoring, makes these matches exciting to watch.

Men’s matches start in September and usually run into November.

Women’s Volleyball

Also having suffered from lack of a gym last year, the team is now ready to take on the competition. After playing away matches all last year, the team ended the season with a 14-18 record overall and a 10-13 record in DIII. The older and more experienced players that make up most of this year’s team are looking to get some wins on their new home court.

Swimming/Diving

These teams start competition during the fall, but continue competing into the end of winter. Last year, the swim team sent a number of competitors to the DIII National Championships where the women finished with five All-Americans and the men finished with four.

Off-campus fall sports

Women’s Cross Country – this team has seen a lot of success in recent years, with sophomore and first-year runner Mikayla Murphy setting a school record in the 5-kilometer last year with a time of 18:36.

Women’s Golf – competes at courses around the country all the way through the spring. Last year, junior Jessica Lewis shot a 76, the best score in UCSC women’s golf history.

Winter and Spring Sports

Women’s Water Polo – will begin matches for its final season as NCAA DIII team in the beginning of February.

Men’s and Women’s Tennis – the men’s most recent successes include winning the NCAA DIII National Championship in 2005 and 2007 as well as making it into the playoffs last season. The women are on the rise, going 9-10 overall and 8-2 in DIII last season. Matches begin in January for both teams.

Men’s Volleyball – going 14-11 overall and 8-2 in DIII last year, this team gets better every year and brings out some of the rowdiest crowds that can pack into a tiny gym.

Hooray for Happy Hour!

Some of the best drink specials aren’t to be found on a wild night out; so if you feel like a post work cocktail, meeting friends for a drink over dinner, or maybe getting an early start on your night, try any number of Santa Cruz’s happy hours. Here are a few to get you started:

The Crow’s Nest
2218 E. Cliff Dr.

Happy Hour is Monday-Friday from 3:30 p.m. to 6 p.m., and from 3:30 to closing on Wednesdays where they are half off appetizers and well drinks. There’s live entertainment Wednesday through Saturday and comedy on Sundays.

Acapulco
1116 Pacific Ave.

Happy Hour is Monday-Friday 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. It’s half off selected appetizers and a variety of drink specials, including $2.50 Bud pints, $3 Sierra pints, $3.50 house margaritas and a Bandito Rum Punch (think Mexican Long Island Iced Tea) for $5.

El Palomar
1336 Pacific Ave.

Happy Hour is Monday-Thursday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. in the Cantina and 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Taco Bar. They offer half off house margaritas and appetizers and $2 select beers. From 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Tuesdays it’s Taco Tuesday, also called College Night, with $2 tacos and all-night Happy Hour.

We boozed. We schmoozed. And after all our long nights of research, we’ve come to realize that no two bars are the same, and no two people are, either. Lucky for you, although this town may be small, there’s a bar stool somewhere with your name on it. So if you haven’t already found it, we hope that our very own first annual Super-Duper Primer Bar Awards help give you a taste of what each one has to offer. Because, as our old friend Ben Franklin once said, “There can’t be good living where there is not good drinking.”
Our votes are in. Agree or disagree, love it or hate it – here is our take on the Santa Cruz bar scene. And the award goes to…

The Red
1003 Cedar St.

“The Place to See and be Seen”

Once you get into the bar after waiting in a long line down the stairwell, it’s likely you’ll just have to wait in another long line to get a drink. The mob scene can get a little frustrating, but the bar’s busy nature speaks to its popularity and reputation as the college bar to drink at if you like to mingle. Dimly lit with a color scheme true to its name and comfy couches (if you are spry enough to snag one), this bar is the go-to watering hole for young 20 somethings.

The Red Room
1003 Cedar St.

“The Smoker’s Award”

The Red Room is a lot like its sister bar upstairs, but with a somewhat smaller crowd, a better chance of getting a seat and a little bit of smoke in the air. It’s the best place for a college kid with a pack of Camels to socialize over a drink.

99 Bottles of Beer on the Wall
110 Walnut Ave.

“Best Place to Watch the Game”

If you fancy yourself a beer aficionado, then 99 is the place you want to go to give yourself a taste of the 99 different types of beer they serve. Upon your first visit, ask for a punch card so you can start checking off each type you try. Try all 99 and you’ll be immortalized on the wall with a tiny plaque – quite the honor. There’s also karaoke on Mondays, trivia night on Wednesdays, and often quite a few sports fans packing the bar on big game days throughout the week.

Moe’s Alley
1535 Commercial Way

“Best Place for Live Music”

Moe’s is a true Santa Cruz treasure. With great live music almost every night of the week, it’s the perfect place for those who like to groove to great reggae or see their favorite local band. A night at Moe’s isn’t unlike a friend-filled house party – cozy, cheery, dance-alicious, and with a backyard area for smokers and getting fresh air. Far from the buzz of Pacific Ave, this joint is an Eastside oasis of greatness.

Café Mare
740 Front St.

“Best Dance Party”

Mare is only crackin’ on Thursday Nights when DJs spin reggae or old school hip-hop, but it is well worth the weekly wait. It can get really crowded, but if you feel like shakin’ it to some loud music and don’t mind getting the occasional beer sloshed on you, jump right in and let loose.

Rosie McCann’s Irish Pub
1220 Pacific Ave.

“Where You’ll Get Dragged if Your Friends Want to Grind”

It’s likely that if you have friends from out of town that like to get down, you’ll end up at Rosie’s where they can get a stiff drink and dance to painfully mainstream hip-hop. While it may not be our cup of tea- or pint of beer as it were- Rosie’s seems to attract a fair amount of people, judging by the crowds waiting outside to get in. So see for yourself, but if you do decide to give it a shot and end up throwing back a few while you’re at it, just be careful not to sprain your ankle coming down the steep flight of starts on your way out- trust us on this one.

The Asti
715 Pacific Ave.

“Best Place to Avoid Slugs”

If everything about you screams “UCSC,” you might find yourself feeling out of place at this lower Pacific dive. So if you’re planning on hitting the “Nasty Asti,” you might think about leaving your Sammy the Slug sweater at home. But if you feel up for brushing shoulders with locals and poolsharks, and don’t mind a bit of cigarette smoke, the Asti can provide for a great night of drinking.

Avenue Bar and Cigars
711 Pacific Ave.

“Where Men can be Men”

The Ave is undoubtedly a guy’s bar. There’s foosball, pool, and plenty of sports playing on the TVs. It’s smoker friendly, if you couldn’t already tell by the name, and also has an open outdoor patio and deck where you can sit and socialize. And with specials like $5 pitchers on Wednesdays and a good selection on the jukebox, there’s plenty to keep the ladies paying a visit to the Ave quite comfortable, too.

Cypress
120 Union St.

“Best Place You’ve Never Been”

Not many people know about Cypress, which was the Coastline Brewery not long ago, but it’s only a matter of time. With an all-day happy hour on Tuesdays ($2 pints, half off appetizers), a tasty beer selection and live music Thursday through Saturday, the bar and restaurant is sure to become a happening spot. Large, friendly and only one block up and to the left of the Red – Cypress is definitely worth checking out for a breath of fresh air from the “been there, done that” downtown bar scene.

The Poet and Patriot Irish Pub
320 Cedar St.

“Best Place to Unwind”

Ever wish you could go out on a Friday night in your flannel, drink a tall, frosty Guinness, sit back and play a nice game of Scrabble or Jenga? Your wish can come true at the Poet and the Patriot, where you’ll find people studying at the wooden tables over a pitcher, or shooting darts and discussing Wes Anderson movies. It has a real Irish feel and you’ll often hear the Pogues ringing out from the jukebox. It’s beer and wine only, making it a lot less rowdy and a great spot to go with a friend to have a chat over a pint.

The Blue Lagoon
923 Pacific Ave.

“Provider of the Best Drinking Stories”

Where do we even begin with this one? Don’t go to the Blue expecting to meet nice, respectable dating-material or for a calm, drama-free night of casual drinking. A night at the blue is sure to include cheap drinks ($2 well drinks on Tuesdays is just one of their many nightly specials), dodging the legions of creepers and several bizarre encounters with wastoids. Needless to say, we’ve committed some of our most outrageous partying here. The best way to hit the Blue is with a large group of friends, ready to break it down on the dance floor and prepared to ward of all patrons outside your group who will surely descend on you like hawks.

The Rush Inn
113 Knight St.

“Where Everybody Knows Your Name…”

“…And they’re always glad you came.” The Cheers theme song is definitely appropriate for the Rush. The people who go there really love it and for good reason. The bartenders are friendly, they give good service and yes, they just might remember your name if you make a point to go and enjoy a brew every so often. This smoker-friendly dive has free pool and $7.50 pitchers on Wednesdays, a hot dog and a beer for $5 while you watch football and baseball on one of the bar’s three TVs on Sundays, and even home cooked meals for $3-$5 for Monday Night Football. There’s a great jukebox that has just about anything you’d want to listen to, including the Flight of the Conchords, a favorite of yours truly. It’s a great place to kick back and shoot the shit while shooting a game of pool over a cold one.

Brady’s Yacht Club
413 Seabright Ave.

“Editor’s Pick”

Brady’s is a classic example of why you should give every bar a fair chance. It may a little sketchy looking from the outside- it is a true blue dive bar, after all- but get inside, and well, maybe it’s still a little sketch, but with specials that include PB&J’s (Pabst Blue Ribbon and a shot of Jameson) and even • gasp• “Cum Shots,” how could you not have fun at Brady’s? The pirate motif, pool, Pacman, and pinball, not to mention $2 Budweiser and $3 Coronas on Tuesdays made for an unexpectedly entertaining evening for these devoted researchers. But to be clear, it does turn into much more a dive bar for the rest of the week – Tuesday nights are more of an exception.

The 515
515 Cedar St.

“Classiest Cocktails”

The 515 isn’t the place to go if you’re looking to get hyphy, but if it’s a cucumber martini, candlelight and quiet conversation you’re after, this is your spot. They have an impressively inventive and fancy cocktail menu and upscale beers, all with the steep price to match.

The Parish Publick House
841 Almar Ave.

“Because There’s Nothing Else to do on the Westside”

Though it’s only been open a few months, this establishment has attracted some dedicated patrons with its authentic Irish meals and extensive collection of obscure beers. And of course, the pool table is always a plus.

One Double-O-Seven
1007 Soquel Ave.

“Where to Get Your Game On”

Definitely a guy’s bar and a gamer’s paradise, the Double-O, as most people call it, has pretty much everything you need to stay entertained for the evening. With old sports photos covering the walls, this smoker friendly bar is equipped with pool, foosball, arcade games, darts, and even shuffleboard – not to mention a server to bring you drinks if you happen to be in the middle of a tense foosball battle. And if there’s a big game on, it’s likely that it’ll be playing on the bar’s big screen TV.

Seabright Brewery
519 Seabright Ave.

“The Bro-ery”

The Brewery receives our extra special re-naming award, a rare honor that is only called upon in times of utmost appropriateness and unavoidable puns. And if there ever was such a time, this is it. On any given Tuesday night, also known as Seabright’s Neighborhood Night, The Bro-ery is a sea of backward baseball caps and too-tan girls in tank tops. During the school year, Neighborhood Night becomes a weekly get together for many Slugs who want to rub elbows with other totally-gnarly-dudes and like-way-hot-chicks while demolishing $7 pitchers of decent home-brewed beer. The big friendly bouncers are one the highlights of the place because they seem to know and remember everybody and are likely start up a nice friendly chat when they see you.

It’s exactly how it sounds: a great, small swimming hole with a fun rope swing and a little beach area where you can lie beneath the trees or bake in the sun. Sometimes you’ll even find a few nudists. So bring some friends and see who can do the best backflip off the swing. Park at Ox Trail turnout on Highway 9 and walk downhill to the train tracks. Head south following the tracks for about a half-mile, then follow the signs and proceed down Eden Trail.

U-Pick at Coastways Ranch

Drive up Highway 1 for about 20 minutes and you’ll find it nestled in, across the street from Año Nuevo. In the fall you can pick your own kiwis and in the spring you can pick your own Olallie berries (a cross between a blackberry, a loganberry and a youngberry). There’s nothing like the taste of fruit right off the vine. It’s all organic, and for a fraction of the price you would pay at Trader Joe’s or New Leaf.

Climb Tree Nine

Come on, man, it’s like tradition, right? Long considered a rite of passage for freshmen, Tree Nine has been testing students’ fear of heights for years. With perfect bare branches to step on, it’s a lot like climbing a ladder. If you make it to the top on a clear day, you get a spectacular view of the bay. You’ve got to do it at least once — even if you’re scared of heights.

Porter Caves

Descend down a ladder into a series of natural marble caverns. It’s not a huge underground network of caves, but there are three or four fun caves to get muddy in and to explore. Lots of people go and burn incense in the caves, leaving a pungent aroma that lingers for days afterwards. However, be aware that the caves are home to rare and sensitive species of critters and insects and that any romping you do may have negative impacts on them. For this reason the location hasn’t been disclosed.

First Rain

It’s been a tradition for as far back as anyone can remember — or at least for a really, really long time. When the first rain of the school year falls, go to Porter College, don’t bring your camera and don’t bring your clothes. No one likes the creepy guy with the video camera standing fully clothed on the sidelines. Get naked, run around and partake in one of UCSC’s finest — and coldest — traditions.

Find a Koi Pond at Pogonip

I’m not going to tell you where it is, because the search is half the fun. When you find it, the 6-by-6-foot concrete box that houses about three dozen fish will be that much better. Located somewhere off the hiking trails in Pogonip, the pond is a picture of serenity, equipped with a little Buddha statue and a quiet that is hard to find anywhere on campus.

Berry Creek Falls

Drive up Highway 1 until you reach Big Basin State Park, right across from Waddel Creek beach. Follow the Berry Creek Falls Trail for six miles underneath ancient redwoods and huge oak trees until you arrive at the first waterfall, pouring down for about 30 feet. Up the trail a little further and you’ll find three more waterfalls. Keep your eyes open for quail, hawks, bobcats, mountain lions and snakes. Be prepared for a four- to six-hour hike, depending on which trail you take.

Here’s a guide to the best views on campus, from breathtaking views near East Field to the highly visible Porter Squiggle. Most of these are obvious, and there are plenty of places not mentioned because some views are more difficult to get to. But while this guide is meant to simply remind you to look up and take in your daily surroundings on the way to class, be sure to take advantage of what UCSC has to offer and do your own exploring in order to find your own sacred spot.

Stevenson Knoll

Located on the east side of campus, behind the white Stevenson dorms (or casas, as they’re called) is Stevenson Knoll, a hillside hangout that overlooks the green, luscious East Field, the gym, the city of Santa Cruz, and the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Not only does this knoll boast one of the best views on campus, but it’s comfortable and peaceful with multiple benches (six, to be exact), including a picnic table, that make it enjoyable to sit with a friend or do some homework. There’s no excuse to read or do homework inside when there’s a nearby space like this. Further behind the cove of trees that surrounds these benches is a seventh bench, covered by a permanent canopy, so you can still enjoy the view during the wet Santa Cruz days.

Oakes Meadow

The east side doesn’t get all the fun, though. Oakes has some pretty spectacular views of its own. Oakes Meadow, located behind the West Remote parking lot, is a bed of dry grass, but one of the best places to lay out a blanket and hang out with friends, especially to watch the sunset. Separated by Empire Grade, across the street is a field that looks different every day, depending on the sun, clouds, and the weather. It may not be the best place to go to on hot days though, as there’s not much shade around to keep cool.

Oakes Lower Field

Directly to the left of the meadow is the Oakes Lower Field, a plush field of green grass that also overlooks the ocean. An alternative to the dry grassy meadow, the lower field is perfect for some sunbathing and a picnic. There’s a wooden deck that would be good for doing some outdoor yoga. On a clear night and a full moon, you can sit at the bench and watch the moon reflecting off the water. Breathtaking.

Porter Squiggle

The untitled red sculpture, lovingly nicknamed the Porter Squiggle, sits upon a hill that welcomes entrants from the west side of campus. Atop this metal sculpture (which I think resembles a woman’s curves) you can find people taking pictures for their Facebook profile (be sure to get your obligatory picture too!), or someone singing and strumming the guitar. From here, you can see and be seen by tennis players, College Eighters, and people hustling and bustling at this busy section of campus. Sunsets are beautiful here — the sky is streaked blue, red, orange, and pink and is sometimes complemented with a silver moon, not unlike a watercolor painting. Turn your head a quarter of a turn and you’ll see the Porter Meadow trees lining the horizon like something out of a Bob Ross painting. The Porter Squiggle is an iconic sculpture with epic scenery as well — a place to absorb the characters and essence of Santa Cruz. A sublime place to be.

ARCenter/Music Center

In the middle of campus, between the Media Theater and library, lies the ARCenter, a little-known spot home to many academic programs such as MSI, STARS, and Student Media. Reminiscent of a ski lodge, this is a great location for studying on the patio at any of the abundant white plastic tables and chairs or on a huge wooden bench, with some coffee from the independent, former-student-owned Back Perch Café. This is a serene terrace, which offers views of the Music Center, the ocean, and a wide open plain that is home to countless squirrels, rabbits and deer.

Just down the road is the Music Center, a series of tan block-like buildings that offer a refuge for musicians at Kretschmer Plaza. Elevated above classrooms, this area overlooks a triangular patch of green grass, rolling hills of amber grass, and windy bike trails with bicyclists whizzing by. Another skyline of trees lines the left side. This is a wonderful place to be, where the night feels open and the stars glimmer.