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🌱 Patch AM: Which Santa Cruz teams are surging after a packed sports weekend?

You won't want to miss DRC Sensory Regulation Drop In on the Santa Cruz Patch calendar

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Monday September 21st Patch AM
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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:

  • Which Santa Cruz teams are surging after a packed sports weekend?
  • What the new Boardwalk gift card law means for your wallet
  • How did Davenport, Scott Creek and Scotts Valley really get their names?

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!)

Weather forecast:

  • Monday: Partly sunny and cool, with a high of 70 and low of 55 degrees.
  • Tuesday: Areas of low clouds, then sun, temps: high: 69, low: 54.
  • Wednesday: Pleasant, with a high of 77 and low of 55 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

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.
   

📸 Around Santa Cruz

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • While awaiting a delayed package, I wrote a poem about it/ I share it here;
    Ode to the Mustard Upon the internet I try, Where scams are fat and truth is thinner. There upon my eyes do spy. Three bottles of mustard, to help… (Nextdoor Santa Cruz Gardens)
  • In the past few weeks I've been riding my bike with my husband from our home down the levy to the boardwalk trestle and back.
    I haven't done this in years due to the increasing feelings of fear and risk related to individuals who took over these spaces. I've been enjoying… (Nextdoor Grant Park)
  • Pyramid Global Hospitality posted a job opening for Housekeeping Houseman, Chaminade Resort & Spa in Santa Cruz. Apply here.
  • Santa Cruz Regional 911 posted a job opening for Public Safety Dispatcher II - Lateral in Santa Cruz. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Santa Cruz here.

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!

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