On top of a parking garage in downtown Santa Cruz a new high-concept weapon is being tested. It’s not a gun or a chemical, but police believe that, paired with officer intelligence, it is powerful enough to stop a crime before it even occurs. Deputy Chief of Police Steve Clark demonstrates.

A visit from Lemony Snicket, a convocation with Nikki Giovanni, a snowboard film, a dance party, chamber music and some food for thought—all happening this week in Santa Cruz.

This Saturday Santa Cruz Next, the civic group for young movers and shakers, will dole out honors to Jacob Martinez of Watsonville Technologia-Educacion-Comunidad Program, Monica Martinez of the Homeless Services Center, Mark Davidson, founder of Trips for Kids Santa Cruz and NextSpace’s Jeremy Neuner.

Wellness coach Karsten Mueller maintains a vigorous exercise regimen, he attributes his glowing good health primarily to nutrition.

Mobile apps for runners, yogis, dieters and more.

Mini cupcakes for you inner child and a pinot for lovers.

A visit to MAH on the occasion of a Nutzle show, in which the author falls into a reverie.

Téa Obreht’s first novel had not even been published when she was named one of the 20 best writers under 40 by the New Yorker at the tender age of 24. Those squirrelly Manhattanites were on to something, though—upon its publication nearly a year later, The Tiger’s Wife scooped up the Orange Prize for Fiction and was named a finalist for the National Book Award.

The farthest galaxy yet, fish using tools and other earth-shattering discoveries of 2011, courtesy of UCSC scientists.