Santa Cruz County ~ Uniquely beautiful and rich in character, like no where else there is
Santa Cruz, California
Joined April 2009
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There was a massive feeding frenzy off of the Main Beach in front of the Boardwalk this afternoon. Video was captured from the Santa Cruz Wharf
10/04/2026
Sooty Shearwaters feasting off of the Santa Cruz Wharf.
They’ve been around for a few days now and this may be the most I’ve seen gathered for a massive feeding frenzy. Sooty Shearwaters have one of the longest migrations of any animal, traveling about 40,000 miles a year!
We’re so fortunate to live in such a spectacular and magical place with the Monterey Bay Marine Sanctuary as our front yard. I’d recommend getting down to the wharf for a close up look at them. On Tuesday, I was lucky enough to catch a glimpse of a whale at one of the bait balls, so keep your eyes peeled!
Captured 08/26/2026 at 8:05pm – at Santa Cruz, CA
Last evening’s insane sunset over Santa Cruz’s Main Beach captured in wide angle – at Santa Cruz, CA
The ring of fire has been very active. Are we next?
Monday's 7.4-magnitude earthquake in Colombia marks the 10th quake worldwide this year to register at least magnitude 7.0 on the Richter scale.
Earlier this month, a new study suggested the risk of "The Big One" in California could be greater than previously believed. The new study found that stress levels along parts of Southern California's fault system may be higher than previously understood. abc7news.com/story/big-earth…
‼️Attention my many news media friends, I’m actively pushing this important story of a Santa Cruz woman, with a national connection to an important story who continually donates blood even as she has difficulties with donating.
Please read the below and consider donating, the Red Cross is in crisis mode for only the second time in its history. There’s a YouTube link at the bottom with Annalise’s story while she was donating.
The Heart Behind the Donation
One woman’s story on her struggles with donating blood and why she continues donating in spite of those struggles and her personal discomfort. The below are Annalise’s own words
“On July 1st, Native Santa Cruz and I, Annalise Bryant documented my experience donating blood during the Parks and Recreation Month's Hearts in the Parks Blood Drive because we think it's important to show the reality—not just the highlight reel.
The truth is, donating isn't easy for me. I can and will experience the sweats, feeling lightheaded, and sometimes even feel like I might throw up or pass out. But with the right preparation each donation seems to be getting easier and even if it wasn't I also know those uncomfortable 15 minutes will pass... and the impact of that donation could last a lifetime for someone else.
In just over two years, I've donated 8 pints—1 full gallon of blood. ❤️
As a Parks & Recreation professional, my job is to connect people, strengthen community, and serve others. Donating blood has become an extension of that same mission. I may never know whose child, parent, partner, friend, or neighbor receives my donation, and honestly, I don't need to. Knowing it has the potential to save a life is enough.
Every 56 days (as close as I can with available drives), I choose to show up—even when I know it's going to be uncomfortable—because someone else's hardest day could depend on it.
If sharing my experience encourages even one person to donate, then it's worth it. Community isn't just built in our parks, programs, and events—it's built through small acts of kindness that remind us we're all connected.
Here's to the next donation.🩸❤️”
youtube.com/shorts/R-JPuX5qZ…
Reflections on the Water
Looking up the San Lorenzo River from the walkway alongside the trestle at 8pm this evening – at Santa Cruz, CA
Of course we have! Were known as the sunny side of the Monterey Bay. Sorry @MontereyBay_Fog, you’re not welcome here after 10am 😃
Good afternoon! Santa Cruz County has once again exercised its sunshine privileges.
The rest of the coast remains on the waiting list. Good luck! #CAwx 🌤️
I love this photo of the Giant Dipper Wooden Roller Coaster at @beachboardwalk during last nights amazing sunset! – at Santa Cruz, CA
The last 2 sunsets were amazing and this morning’s sunrise was didn’t disappoint – at Santa Cruz, CA
Last night’s incredible sunset as seen from the upper boating area at Seacliff State Beach.
This may be the greatest summer sunset I’ve seen, it was more like an intense winter sunset – at Aptos, CA
Happy 4th of July from Santa Cruz, California!
🇺🇸
One day every 7 years, this Classic Chicago song, Saturday in the Park, becomes super relevant and today’s that day!
🇺🇸 – at Santa Cruz, CA
Happy 4th of July!!!
These fireworks are from the last time they were set off from Santa Cruz’s Main Beach, May 18th, 2024, part of a kick off to summer celebration by the Santa Cruz @beachboardwalk.
The last time Santa Cruz had 4th of July fireworks on the beach was many decades ago when heavy fog led to the fireworks being cancelled timed with a widespread power outage resulted in near riots in the beach area with fights and stabbings.
While I’ve always loved fireworks, for many reasons I’m glad Santa Cruz is no longer shooting them off along the shores of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary.