Good Times | Santa Cruz California's Leading Free Weekly

Failure to File

May 12, 2026

Santa Cruz County Supervisor Felipe Hernandez has filed multiple campaign finance reports late as he seeks reelection in the 4th District race against Tony Nuñez and Elias Gonzales.

Santa Cruz world music band AZA poses with instruments.

Music to Save Humanities

May 12, 2026

Santa Cruz band AZA brings its hypnotic blend of North African rhythms, Tamazight vocals and global influences to Woodhouse Blending & Brewing for a free concert supporting UCSC language studies.

Felipe Hernandez, Tony Nuñez and Elias Gonzales are candidates for the Santa Cruz County 4th District supervisor seat.

Failure to File

May 12, 2026

Santa Cruz County Supervisor Felipe Hernandez has filed multiple campaign finance reports late as he seeks reelection in the 4th District race against Tony Nuñez and Elias Gonzales.

Music to Save Humanities

May 12, 2026

Santa Cruz band AZA brings its hypnotic blend of North African rhythms, Tamazight vocals and global influences to Woodhouse Blending & Brewing for a free concert supporting UCSC language studies.

Cuban-born musician Cimafunk poses in sunglasses and a black jacket.

Things to do in Santa Cruz

May 13, 2026

Cimafunk brings his Afro-Cuban funk, Afro-rock energy and Havana band La Tribu to Moe’s Alley on Sunday, May 17, for a dance-driven Santa Cruz show built for movement.

A bartender tops a Bloody Mary at Bruno’s Bar & Grill with a pork slider.

This week’s Santa Cruz dining column spotlights Switch Bakery & Bistro’s gluten-free comfort food, Bruno’s Bar & Grill’s towering Bloody Marys and bargain specials, plus beer industry insights and local food news.

Gran Gelato Caffe owner Luciana Costanza serves homemade gelato in downtown Santa Cruz.

Italian I Scream

May 12, 2026

Gran Gelato Caffe brings Italian-trained gelato craft to downtown Santa Cruz, with rotating flavors, espresso drinks, cannoli, tiramisu and a lunch menu featuring handmade focaccia panini.

Going Big

May 12, 2026

Italian I Scream

May 12, 2026

Gran Gelato Caffe brings Italian-trained gelato craft to downtown Santa Cruz, with rotating flavors, espresso drinks, cannoli, tiramisu and a lunch menu featuring handmade focaccia panini.

The Del Mar Theatre marquee lights up downtown Santa Cruz at night with a message for upcoming films.

Secret Projections

May 13, 2026

The Del Mar’s annual Secret Film Festival invites Santa Cruz movie lovers to spend the night watching mystery films, fueled by coffee, snacks and the shared thrill of discovering something unexpected.

Letters

May 12, 2026

This week’s letters include praise for the return of Street Talk, criticism of Felipe Hernandez, thanks for coverage of The Cruz Room and news of Capitola’s renovated Community Center and accessible Treasure Cove playground.

Ginger Shulick Porcella smiles with friends at the MAH Roller Ball celebration.

The Editor’s Desk

May 12, 2026

This week’s Editor’s Desk celebrates Santa Cruz as a home for creative misfits, highlights MAH Director Ginger Shulick Porcella, looks at mental health, language studies, Staff of Life’s anniversary and Watsonville Community Hospital’s safety grade.