In an effort to be more alert to violence in downtown, the Santa Cruz Police Department has extended their contract initial one-month trial with the First Alarm private security firm.

The Penny Ice Creamery opened in downtown this summer to much intrigue and has been attracting students and residents from all over Santa Cruz County ever since who come for the freshly made and unique flavors that the business boasts.

UC Santa Cruz Literature professor Karen Tei Yamashita is nominated for the 2010 National Book Award for her fifth novel I Hotel. Experiences of her life around the Yellow Power Movement inspired her novel.

Californians are preparing to vote on Prop 19, the historic legislation that would legalize marijuana. Yet one question remains unanswered: how will the business of marijuana change with the new legislation and how will that new business change Humboldt county?

Hitchhiking is something is common in Santa Cruz, especially on campus. Is it all just about convenience, or does it say something more about us? And is it safe?

This week’s question: How do you vote? How do you decide who to vote for?

This week’s question: Describe your current campus crush.

It started with what looked like the settling in of fall. The rain was heavy and constant, providing freshmen a wonderful opportunity to open their textbooks for the first time. Students in raincoats and umbrellas scurried along the walkways of campus. And buses became packed fast. But less than 24 hours later, the sun returned. [...]