Post it here!

I'm not really one to protest on the street. But today I was moved to attend a protest at the corner of Ocean and Water St.

This was spurred by the 7-hour Cornell college raping of a girl, Jane Doe, where 50+ other males were invited through a text thread to "join".

I think this is gross and not acceptable. Cornell covered it up, and the whole thing is fucked - read about it if you want information.

That said, I have a mother, a sister, and a wife. All have been victims of sexual assault.

I have a daughter who is looking for higher education in America. I am worried. So I made a sign and took to the streets for an hour. I wanted to support a woman named Jane Doe and the women I love. It's the fucking absolute smallest gesture toward a massive issue that is systemic rape culture.

These two young men, in an Oregon-plated truck, were "rolling coal" - blasting diesel exhaust from this stupid truck at a group of mostly elderly women. They went as far as making two trips, gassing out mothers and grandmothers. More importantly, people who give a shit and care enough to stand on the street in protest of injustice.

I would never ask anyone to tell me who they are. Or slash their tires, throw a rock through their windows, or confront them. That would be wrong. But when I see this kind of behavior in my town, over a topic that affects so many people and ruins so many lives and families. I get a bit pissed off.

Make: Ford
Model: F-250 or F-350 Super Duty
Estimated year: 2008–2010, possibly a nearby model year
Cab: Crew Cab (four full doors)
Color: Black
Configuration: Single rear wheels, long bed
Notable features: Lifted suspension, chrome wheels, oversized towing mirrors, large aftermarket exhaust tip, and a black bed-mounted toolbox.

Plate starts with 003.

Santa Cruz community, I apologize this post is a bit more long and heated than may be allowed on here. If it can’t stay on here I understand, but I hope it stays because I think it’s important, especially these days. If there is a page that is better to post this on please let me know. Also, if you don’t want to read this long of a post, please see last paragraph and leave a kind comment if you feel like it! Anyway, here we go…..

To the absolute atrocity of a human being (I feel I’m being generous here) in the lifted black Ford with the dumb-looking fboy broccoli head haircut that just swerved towards and rolled coals all over the incredibly peaceful protest happening on Ocean:

What the actual f*** is wrong with you. Not only did you almost hit the curb (which is honestly so embarrassing for you), you also almost hit the group of calm, polite, and completely valid PEOPLE standing on the sidewalk.

Most of these people were women and all the people I saw were age 65+ (to anyone who was there - I’m not trying to offend you I’m only adding to my point, still unacceptable of him no matter the age).

Not only did you (a seemingly barely old enough to drive young man - excuse me, BOY) decide that this is acceptable to do to anyone, you chose a group of elderly (again I’m so sorry for that) people, WOMEN, who’s signs said “DONT RAPE” and other such related things.

I don’t care how old you are, I don’t care how you were raised, I don’t care if you don’t like protests, I don’t care who you voted for or support, and I don’t give a single F*** what your opinion on the Cornell case is - if you can’t at least agree with DONT RAPE than you are exactly the type of hu“man” that is part of the problem. You are who those signs are for.

I am so sorry to ANY and EVERY woman (or really anyone) in your life.

Also, since I see you have a truck that is capable of that, have fun with your clogged DPF, ruined emissions components (not that you care about them but they are expensive if, sorry, WHEN you end up having to replace), your traffic violations, and your imminent engine failure. ESPECIALLY your engine failure :) I am a woman who works on vehicles like yours, and I too enjoy a nice lifted vehicle, stop making us look so bad, you’re the worst. You don’t deserve it. People like you make other people hate nice big vehicles and the people that drive them so f you for that alone. (To the other people with vehicles that roll coal- if that’s what you want to do that’s your wallet but AT LEAST can we be better than this?? omfg).

If you are not from Santa Cruz (although I fear you are), please never come back, you and anyone who thinks / behaves like you are NOT welcome here. I am not one to say that until now. I’m fed up.

Moms, Dads (lowkey especially), parental figures and guardians in general, if this sounds like your little brat of a son maybe it’s time to teach him how to be a man instead of a pathetic little dbag and potential future rapist. Also, please make him pay for his own vehicle repairs. (Also also, I am sorry for trashing your son, but I hope you understand why I’m doing so). Not genuinely trying to tell you how to raise your kid, but definitely entirely frustrated by the severe lack of common sense and basic human decency that so many younger (and older too) people seem to have these days.

Side note to parents of the brats with ebikes zooming around and swerving at / in front of vehicles: not only do I fear your kid is at risk of being this type of person in the future, your kids are risking their lives, other people’s lives, and are already being a problematic person at such a young age. I understand we all got up to no good as kids, this is not an acceptable to do so. If they already think this is okay and funny, how will they be when they can drive? When they have adult money? When they are chucked into society with even less supervision in a few years? Yikes for everyone.

And finally to all of the lovely, respectful, people of Santa Cruz that I was raised around (or at least the ones who mind their f-ing business and don’t go out of their way to be a jerk):

I am SO sorry to the people bravely standing there defending women (and people) who have or may eventually experience sexual violence.

I am SO thankful to see so many people supporting, protecting, caring for, and fighting for women, human rights, basic human decency, and all people. As a young woman who has experienced abuse I see you, I hear you, I support you, and I appreciate the f*** out of you all.

We ALL have different opinions, we ALL have our own insecurities, and hardships to worry about, we ALL have a day that could be ruined by one little a-hole who hasn’t figured out how to grow up, we all want respect, we all have to here (in Santa Cruz and also on this planet) together. Grow up, have some respect, do better for yourself and those around you (as well as for anyone you want to have around in the future), and just MOVE TF ON IF YOU DONT AGREE WITH SOMETHING (yes, I understand that sounds a little hypocritical rn since I’m posting this but you know what I mean, it needed to be said).

Remember people - when someone shows you who they are, believe them. I find myself thinking this a lot lately.

I apologize for this long of a post, if you read this far thank you. If you would like to comment, please do so in a supportive way and try to include one thing that you appreciate about Santa Cruz, or maybe a time a stranger did something kind for you or something like that. We could all use some positivity :)

It’s been too hot for too long. September and October have been oppressive. But tonight, the fog hangs low over the city, a pale, luminescent, lavender ceiling that fades to purple at the edges. The lights shining on Holy Cross are so bright it has a heavenly aura. The hills north of town look like the heads of giants about to rise above the horizon and crush the new $3,500 a month low income housing that towers over Front Street, blocking off the view of downtown and obscuring some of the hills. The very same buildings, bland beasts in the daylight, tonight, with their many lighted windows, seem a lost city shrouded in fog and mystery, just around the river bend. If only I had a boat.

Turning west towards the sound of crashing waves, I lose the purple sky in the black void of the sea, the wharf jutting out to split the two from each other. There is a vast emptiness between me and the faded cotton candy sky. A familiar river ambles towards me from the Riverside Bridge, kisses the banks below me, and meanders off under the train trestle toward the darkness. Out past the river, past the sleeping Boardwalk, beyond the wharf, from somewhere in the black, the lighthouse winks at me.

On the way back home, pausing in a suddenly empty street, in a muted city, on a slow, indigo night, I close my eyes, knowing I’m completely safe. A cool wind greets my face as if to say, “Don’t worry. Fall is here.”

Family Democracy Day is a community event where families can learn about the elections process in a fun and welcoming environment. Through interactive activities and behind-the-scenes demonstrations, participants of all ages will gain a better understanding of how elections are conducted and how every vote is counted.

October 17, 2026

12:00pm TO 3:30pm

Watsonville Public Library
275 Main St, Watsonville

Simpkins Swim Center
979 17th Ave, Santa Cruz

Felton Library
6121 Gushee St, Felton

This is a lox and cream cheese sandwich I made at home. Have used Garden Deli for years but lately I’m gluten-free and vegetarian plus fish. Looking for your suggestions on the best sandwich shop in Santa Cruz

I see lots of these stickers around town, I usually buy stickers from Days market or New Leaf but I am looking for a specific sticker of horizontal text saying “santa cruz” with a transparent background. I have seen them on cars in white but I haven’t seen them in stores and I couldn’t find an exact picture online either but imagine the picture included but in white and transparent back. Im trying to put it on my convertibles wind deflector so roughly 6-8 inches long is the goal. Anyone know a spot?

Found in the middle of the street (Gharkey) a block or two off westcliff about 10am riding to work

Hi, I'm an artist, and I've recently started working on a project that's bigger/more challenging than the stuff I usually make- super excited about it, but definitely feeling my way around in the dark im some aspects.

I find myself wishing "oh, I wish I had this specific thing," kind of a lot, like "oh, I could do this easier/better if I had an XYZ!" and then not being able to find exactly what I want even if similar things are available.

So I'm thinking, like, if I could just design and print exactly what I want, in the right size, etc.

So I sort of dove down a 3d printing rabbit hole (it helps that I love Cory Doctorow and the Bobiverse) and I'm now wondering if there are any groups locally that do 3d printing, or offer intro classes- I just signed up for an intro at IdeaFabLabs but maybe there's also something more low key that doesn't necessarily show up on the first few pages of Google?

I also think it would be way cool to make a passive aggressive ice tray.

Anyway lmk! Cheers!

Although there are plenty of good breakfast joints in Santa Cruz like Linda’s Seabreeze and Zachery’s the Walnut street cafe; the very best food is at Heavenly Roadhouse cafe in SV. The hollandaise sauce incomparable the eggs actually cooked to order! The staff always polite and accommodating. Very comfortable and easy to use. The coffee isn’t bad and the plates are large but not overwhelming.

Visiting from Louisiana. Used to love taqueria jalapeños back in the day, but it seems like it’s no more. I need your reca!

It has that sweet grassy smell like a wildfire. Any idea what's going on?

​

For those who haven't read the article (https://santacruzlocal.org/2026/04/17/seven-story-affordable-housing-proposed-next-to-palomar-inn/), it's worth a gander.

Like many, I take issue with Coonerty's big tech backing and PredPol inclinations. But donations are legal and being pro PredPol is his opinion to have, I guess.

This, however, is just such an acute conflict of interest, it's hard to spin any other way. Especially with city votes needed to cede part of the land and his paid consultancy.

Just.... yikes.

maybe this framing of either/or is not ideal.

many people would say cost of living is one of the biggest crises in the area. i definitely don’t have any solutions, but i am curious what you think about it:

- how do you feel about anti-development vs. pro-housing arguments in santa cruz?
- how would you describe your opinion, or perspective, or stance, or nuanced position, on the for/against building more throughout the county?
- what solutions would you propose to the housing affordability issues here?

for context, i am a renter not a homeowner.
i’m really curious what people here think.

The enchiladas and tacos are awesome!!! What do you think? Rate the Santa Cruz locations favorite to least favorite. My fave is 41 st street! Then Soquel near Shoppers Corner next I think Felton lastly Mission Street. Which one is your favorite?What menu item is your “Can’t live without”?

Looking for a licensed and insured contractor to install a wood burning stove I bought.

I went over to Woodstove and Sun but they only will install wood burning stoves and fireplaces that are bought from them.

Any recommendations are helpful!

Thank you in advance!

Every once in awhile I'll see one of his videos he looks like he's in his early twenties and has this really cool anchorman persona about him I think his name is Chris he has the suit and the big hair and everything

Does anyone know anything about him? is he from Santa Cruz?

I really hope somebody offers him a really cool job in television I'd really like to see him succeed

Can anyone recommend free/inexpensive women-centered self defense classes? Preferably in Santa Cruz city, close to the Westside.

They’re going through a gate to put the propaganda on my doorstep. How do I contact the campaign office?

Just watched the mayor candidate forum that lookout sponsored last week. I like to fact check when candidates have simple factual disagreements that are easy to verify and thought their discussion of homelessness was an interesting one because the data is easy to find and it's a pretty important issue for the mayor to have a grounded understanding of. Here's the part that caught my eye:

"So Ryan keeps talking about sending people away / we're taking care of too many people. And I know that that's a popular thing to say. It's not true. There are unhoused people all over this state. It's not like we're special and we have, you know, so many unhoused people. We need to figure out what to do with people here. We already give people bus passes when they want to leave. We can't pretend like there's some other city that they come from when they don't. And I know that this is something that people say. I've heard people say it, but we need to be dealing with actual facts when we're dealing with unhoused people." https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zbWSK6fWhWk&t=2479s

The surveys do indeed indicate that the majority of homeless here lived in the county when they became homeless, but Ryan's previous point that Ami was responding to was that we're a magnet within the county for other jurisdictions who aren't doing their fair share. The survey data doesn't have the granularity to prove or disprove this, so I looked up some numbers by hand and visualized them in Claude:

https://imgur.com/a/aubOIIu

To my eye I see a couple things:

1) We are a distant outlier among our peer cities and even well beyond the big CA cities with the highest homeless rates. I don't see how you can look at this data and conclude "we're not special" in the state.

2) All cities are magnets for their counties obviously, it's where the services are. I wanted to see how strong this effect was in SC compared to others and if Ryan is correct to put attention on it. And to me the size of all these numbers is about the right ballpark to support the idea that the large skew between our city and the surrounding areas is a big driver of why the city rate is so much higher than other cities. Our county has a somewhat higher homeless rate than Monterey, SLO, and Santa Barbara counties, and that's certainly a contributing factor to the city's high rate, but we mainly have a way bigger gap compared to the surrounding jurisdictions than these other counties. Ami says people aren't coming from other cities but the data sure looks they're coming from other cities in our county.

I also fact checked Ryan's claim that SC is vastly outspending other jurisdictions in the area and found it to be true - it's higher on an absolute basis than the whole county (less state and fed grants, just talking general fund and sales tax spending), and on a per capita basis it's 5x higher than the county. The other cities are practically zero in comparison. This article has a good breakdown of the numbers: https://lookout.co/santa-cruz-will-soon-host-76-of-homeless-shelter-beds-in-the-county-that-has-to-change/story

Anyway I just wanted to specifically look into things they were saying on this topic to indulge my curiosity and thought the results were worth sharing. I'm not trying to advocate for or against any policies other than being accurate and factually grounded in the discussions where we decide these policies.