April in Santa Cruz showcases music without the audience
Roy Malan’s formal composure broke as he picked up his sleek brown violin. His eyes grew wide, and his demeanor became animated. Malan leaned against his violin, securing the dark wood under his chin and began plucking the taut strings with his nails, producing sharp…
The Temporary Outdoor Living Ordinance Offers No Solutions
Accessible and affordable housing has been a major problem in Santa Cruz for almost a decade. Yet, City Council has failed to create any policy that provides real solutions for the houseless community. The city has repeatedly torn down and swept housing encampments, which has…
“Untouched” Creates a Dreamscape of the Human and Nature Relationship
In one snapshot, power lines run against the background of an empty desert. In another, a tree stands in the middle of the frame. Superimposing the two on a double exposure film depicts Joshua Tree, California, in a dreamlike state. This image is displayed alongside…
One-Stop SHOP for Virtual Student Health and Wellness at UCSC
In response to the pandemic, 62.9 percent of young adults reported peak anxiety and depression levels according to the New York Times, coinciding with 24.7 percent reporting an increase or start in coping with substances. Sex, drugs, and alcohol did not disappear with the pandemic,…
Summer Fun Looms as Boardwalk Reopens
It’s just before noon on a sunny Tuesday in Santa Cruz, and while most folks were in their virtual classes or at their Zoom office job, the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk had hundreds of people ready to ride the Giant Dipper for the first time…
UCSC hosts first sexual assault and violence research symposium
Content Warning: Contains references to sexual violence and harassment. Before the pandemic, 13 percent of all undergraduate and graduate students were likely to experienced rape or sexual assault, according to the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network. With that, the Department of Education is planning…
Take-Aways: Art To Go Preview
Last spring, when the gallery “Take Aways: Art to Go!” temporarily closed due to the pandemic, Pajaro Valley Arts (PVA) was unsure what the future held. But this year, at the eighth annual gallery exhibition, PVA has been able to reopen its doors and reunite…
Ruling on Temporary Restraining Order in San Lorenzo Leaves Houseless in Limbo
Along the San Lorenzo Riverwalk, houseless residents can be seen biking, gardening, napping, and even lifting weights under the warmth of the spring sun. This is as close to idyllic as the park has been in recent months. But this relative quiet is deceptive. The…
The So-so Market Brings Life To Small Businesses
An array of colors flashes in front of shoppers’ eyes as they peer at the vintage wear and vibrant jewelry made with meticulous designs. Stonewashed denim and ‘90s inspired baggy sweatshirts hang in vendors’ tents, with handcrafted earrings and plant holders laid out in the…
Santa Cruz County eases COVID-19 restrictions heading into spring
As of April 4, there are 15,363 cases of COVID-19 in Santa Cruz County, including 200 deaths and 14,975 recovered. For updated information on vaccine eligibility, please check the Santa Cruz County Health Services Agency (HSA) website. As of April 4, UC Santa Cruz has…