Santa Cruz, CA
Music connected to Santa Cruz
About Santa Cruz
- • Natasha Watley, Olympic softball medalist, hails from Santa Cruz.
- • O'Neill Wetsuits, a global surf brand, was founded here in 1952.
- • Mission Santa Cruz established the area as a Spanish outpost in 1791.
- • A mysterious "sea serpent" was reportedly sighted off the coast in 1925.
- • The Loma Prieta earthquake in 1989 devastated downtown, reshaping its architecture.
- • Named 'Holy Cross' by the Spanish, it was incorporated in 1866.
- • With a population of about 63,000, it's smaller than nearby Monterey.
- • Sitting at 39 feet, downtown is barely above sea level.
- • Tourism and tech are major sectors, with many working in hospitality or startups.
- • The vibe is laid-back, earthy, and creative, with a hint of rebellion.
- • The Golden State Warriors' G League affiliate, the Santa Cruz Warriors, play here.
- • Santa Cruz High's football team won the CIF Central Coast Section Championship in 2022.