Matt Burrough News Today

When one thinks of bands that blend pop melodicism with punk aggression and a dose of humor, Blink 182 or pre-millennium Green Day would come to mind for most. Both owe a lot to The Dickies, the San Fernando Valley band that has been mixing all three elements since the late '70s and will be playing at the Catalyst Club Friday.

Laurie King will be marking the 30th anniversary of her novel, "The Beekeeper's Apprentice," with events at Bookshop Santa Cruz and the Museum of Art & History.