SFGATE reports that Santa Cruz will close all city beaches and the wharf from Friday night through Sunday as the National Weather Service forecasts dangerously large breaking waves of 25 to 35 feet, with occasional 50-foot waves, along the California coast. Closures extend to other state beaches, and officials urge the public to stay away from high surf, after a woman was swept out to sea at Panther State Beach and a fin whale washed ashore at Cowell Beach.