Good day Santa Cruz! We're here again with what you need to know today. Grab a cup of coffee and read on. ☀️
In today's newsletter:
Also on today's calendar: Ranch Kid Field Trip Day at Wilder Ranch and 9 more events.
Today's riddle: What do you call advice from a cow ? 🤔 (Answer below!)
1. Soquel girls water polo comes up short in battle of national powers (santacruzsentinel.com) — Santa Cruz athletes had a busy weekend, with Santa Cruz High's water polo teams and UCSC squads turning in strong performances across tournaments and invitationals. Local standouts like Naima Rubin and Xavier Hunter led Cardinals teams to multiple wins, while UCSC volleyball swept four matches at the Cal Lu Fornia Invitational. Several Santa Cruz and Cabrillo teams now head into important midweek games nearby that fans can attend.
2. Governor Signs Laird Bill Addressing Gift Card Issue for Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk (ca.gov) — A new state law just signed by Governor Newsom lets the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk keep using about a million already-printed gift cards, while still guaranteeing you can redeem any card under $15 for cash. Through 2028, businesses must clearly notify customers of this right and prove cards were printed before April 2026. The fix saves local companies money and waste without weakening consumer protections.
3. Origins of Santa Cruz County place names (santacruzsentinel.com) — Longtime local columnist explores how familiar Santa Cruz County place names like Davenport, Scott Creek, and Scotts Valley came to be, drawing heavily on the late UC Santa Cruz librarian Donald Clark's definitive reference. You'll learn the colorful stories of early whalers, ranchers, and Native American connections that shaped the coast and inland valleys residents know today.
4. 'The Last Five Years' at Santa Cruz Shakespeare (goodtimes.sc) — A new production of "The Last Five Years" from Santa Cruz Shakespeare is drawing praise for its intimate staging, powerhouse vocals, and emotionally sharp storytelling at DeLaveaga Grove. The two-actor musical tracks a relationship's rise and fall in intersecting timelines, with standout performances and live piano and cello. Local theatergoers have until October 3 to catch this limited run.
5. Santa Cruz actor Clayton Conroy reflects on recovery process after car crash (santacruzsentinel.com) — Santa Cruz native and Santa Cruz High alum Clayton Conroy is rebuilding his life and acting career after a devastating April car crash in Los Angeles left him with a traumatic brain injury and multiple fractures. Months of therapy have helped him relearn basic tasks and walk again, supported by a tight-knit circle of Santa Cruz friends and family. His story highlights both the town's enduring bonds and his determination to return to performing.
Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
Want to see your event featured? Click here!
Other local events
Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!
Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.
Thank you 👏👏👏 to these businesses for making Santa Cruz PatchAM possible:
Click here to show your appreciation! 💚
Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
Ok Santa Cruz! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: Beef Tips (Thank you Gary M. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
We use a combination of real people and machines to tell you what's happening around town. Learn more about Patch AM.
Sign up for free local newsletters and alerts for the
Santa Cruz Patch
Patch.com is the nationwide leader in hyperlocal news.
Visit Patch.com to find your town today.