News

Its Beach wins the readers' vote for Best Dog Park. Photo by Chip Scheuer.

Its Beach wins the readers' vote for Best Dog Park. Photo by Chip Scheuer.

Best Pro Tip

The Quaker Meeting House

Every Wednesday at around 6:30pm, unmarked trucks pull up to the Quakers’ parking lot. Students and community members loiter nearby like turkey vultures, quivering and eyeing each other as they help unpack a series of crates heavy with the gold mine called “produce on the edge of expiration dates,” assembled from the Farmer’s Market and groceries such as Staff of Life. Santa Cruz’s cup doth overflow into the arms of those in the know, who take their pick of free veggies and leave happier than a kid with an otter pop. (KJ)

225 Rooney St, Santa Cruz. 831.216.8153

 

Best Quiet Sunset Stroll

East Cliff Drive

West Cliff deserves all the love it gets from locals and visitors every evening. But its cross-town cousin is another beautiful place to witness the glorious things that happen around here at the end of every day. The stretch near the Museum of Natural History is short but sweet, and leads to Seabright Beach, its own little treasure. The stretch from 30th Street to 41st is another little piece of heaven. And there’s a bonus in both places: no crowds.(AG)

 

Best Leisurely Hike

Quail Hallow Ranch

Here’s a fine place to show off to friends or maybe bring that someone special. The ranch has a semi-secret entrance and some sandy parking spots uphill from the main gate on Quail Hollow Road. Go before dusk, when the sun is just starting to tease the mountains of Bonny Doon to the west, and chose one of the short, meandering cliffside trails to the north. When one of you gets tired, simply pick a scenic bench, take it easy and enjoy the view. (JP)

800 Quail Hollow Rd, Felton. 831.335.9348

 

Best New Law

Plastic Bag Ban

The rule that went into effect on March 20 banning single-use plastic bags in the unincorporated parts of Santa Cruz County paves the way for the cities to follow in kind. The result isn’t just cleaner rivers and beaches here at home, but a healthier marine ecosystem for everyone. Here’s to the county Board of Supes, Save Our Shores and all the eco-warriors who made it possible. (TH)

 

—Alex Gilrane, Traci Hukill, Kate Jacobson and Jacob Pierce