OPENING VIBES
By Brian Upton
If there’s one thing that connects us all, it’s movement — the way water pulls and pushes, shaping waves along our coastline. The way hands mold clay, turning earth into art. The way ideas spark, spread and bring people together. This issue of Santa Cruz Vibes is all about that: motion, change, and the people making things happen.
I recently spoke at Event Santa Cruz’s Small Business Camp, a gathering of local entrepreneurs, artists, and community leaders. I came ready to share, but left inspired. So many attendees were directly connected to the features in this issue. It reminded me why we tell these stories — to celebrate a tight-knit, passionate community that’s always moving forward. It’s not just about individual wins; it’s about a collective wave of creativity, activism, and drive that makes Santa Cruz special.
Take Patricio Guerrero of Swellcycle Surfboards. Surfing is often seen as a personal escape — a moment with the ocean — but the industry has long dealt with waste and pollution. Guerrero is flipping the script, using recycled materials and 3D printing to show sustainability and performance can coexist.
That same energy flows through Santa Cruz Clay, where artist Travis Adams breathes new life into tradition. His studio is more than a creative space — it’s a hub for learning, collaboration, and innovation, blending old techniques with fresh ideas.
Community shines in the Reggie Stephens Foundation’s first Central Coast Girls Flag Football All-Star Game. This wasn’t just about touchdowns — it was about visibility. Young women took the field and made it clear they belong. It’s a shift that’s been a long time coming — and now, it’s gaining momentum.
Movements also happen in hearts and minds. Rise Together is proof. With $1.2 million in grants for racial equity work in Santa Cruz County, they’re showing that systemic change is real — driven by people who know their communities inside and out.
Sometimes, change begins with something as small as a morning ritual. Shane Heath, founder of MUD/WTR, wasn’t trying to build a multimillion-dollar brand — he just wanted a healthier way to start the day. But his coffee alternative sparked a broader shift in how people think about energy, focus, and wellness.
Movement also means readiness when nature calls. The Mavericks Rescue Team is always on alert, protecting surfers who take on one of the world’s most dangerous waves. Their work reminds us that while movement can thrill, it also demands respect, preparation and courage.
The Strike Fund offers another kind of protection — a rapid-response tool for conservation. As development pressures grow, this initiative ensures conservationists can act fast to protect Santa Cruz’s wild spaces before it’s too late.
For Black Surf Santa Cruz, movement is more than catching waves — it’s about reclaiming joy, rewriting narratives and creating belonging for the next generation of Black surfers Surfing becomes a celebration, a statement, and a step toward something bigger.
Then there’s nature itself. Through Frans Lanting’s lens, Bay of Life captures the shifting tides and changing rhythms of Monterey Bay. Spring brings renewal — the winds change, the waves crash, the land hums with energy. Just like us, it’s always moving.
Every story in this issue reflects the pulse of Santa Cruz — the people, the businesses, the momentum that keeps us pushing forward. Whether you’re riding waves, shaping clay, breaking barriers, or figuring out your next move, this one’s for you.
That same energy was everywhere at Small Business Camp, where local doers and dreamers came together to share ideas and inspire each other. Progress isn’t a solo act — it’s a ripple effect. So read their stories, support their work and show up for the small businesses, artists, and nonprofits that keep Santa Cruz thriving.
Keep going. Keep flowing. Keep rising. Keep vibing.
See you this summer!
Brian
