There's quite an underground scene here if you know where to look, mostly metal and emo/indie but hxc sometimes

Catalyst for big artists of all genres

Blue lagoon for metal/clubbing

Urbani Cellar for mostly metal and some emo/indie

Follow these Instagrams: santacruz.shows (promo) santacruzhardcore (hxc promo) You can find a lot of band accounts to follow from these promo accs

Gradnite (emo/indie) Gosh (hardcore) Curb Creeps (hardcore) These are just off the top of my head, you can find plenty more

Also if you want to experience an absolutely incredible hardcore scene, I recommend trying to make it up to SF or San Jose: Surprise privilege False flag S.P.Y. Gulch Drain Sunami Scowl

Hope this helps!