CZU Complex fires have destroyed more than 300 structures; now 17% contained
SCOTTS VALLEY—The level of containment in the CZU August Lightning Complex fires continues to increase, but so does the number of confirmed destroyed and damaged structures.
Cal Fire officials at a Tuesday morning press conference said the blaze in the Santa Cruz Mountains is now...
United Way accepting applications for Emergency Food and Shelter Program
The United Way of Santa Cruz County is accepting applications from agencies that provide food and shelter services looking for financial assistance.
The local United Way branch will have $340,041 to distribute to qualifying nonprofit, faith-based and local government agencies through its Emergency Food and...
Fire breaks out at hotel
Fire swept through at least one room at the Surf City Inn and Suites early Saturday in the Beach Flats area of Santa Cruz.
CalFresh benefits expand to serve seniors, people with disabilities
The County of Santa Cruz recently announced the expansion of the CalFresh food assistance program to serve people who receive Supplemental Security Income/Supplemental Payment (SSI/SSP) benefits began June 1.
A welcome relief
After months of taking a circuitous route to take their children to and from school and to run everyday errands, residents of a small Aptos neighborhood on Aug. 7 for the first time walked across a new bridge that connects them to their community.
Historic Aptos building faces uncertain future after Sunday night fire
RIO DEL MAR—A fire that apparently started in a pile of rubble in an alleyway behind the SeaBreeze Tavern late Sunday night has destroyed the building, bringing to a close a story that began when it was built 92 years ago in what was...
Transportation commission approves corridor study
By a narrow 7-4 margin, the commissioners also approved a contract with Minnesota-based Progressive Rail to provide the passenger service. The company currently runs freight rail operations in South County.
Aptos High School presents ‘Cinderella’
The Aptos High Theater Department is presenting Rodgers & Hammerstein’s “Cinderella,” opening Friday. The school is putting its own spin on the classic tale by re-imagining it in the 1980s.
In this production directed by teacher Stacy Aronovici and senior Quinn Youngs, the audience will experience the lives of the young housemaid, Cinderella (Ella), played by senior Kaylee Leal, and Prince Christopher (Topher), played by senior Ryan Yeaman. Ella lives with her stepmother, Madame (senior Desiree Hardin), and her two daughters Gabrielle (senior Sara Pedro) and Charlotte (junior Grace Romeu).
Soquel water rates to rise
SOQUEL — The Soquel Creek Water District Board of Directors on Tuesday approved a five-year rate hike for its customers, which district officials say was created to help the district better maintain its aquifer supplies, fund ongoing operations and prevent saltwater intrusion caused by groundwater overdraft.
New foundation formed to support county animal shelter
The Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter (SCCAS) has taken a new step in its mission to support the county’s neediest animals.
Earlier this year, the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter Foundation was formed, with the goal of raising charitable dollars for the shelter’s expenses, including everything from spay/neuter procedures to its various educational programs.
