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Aptos
January 18, 2026

Man dies in Highway 17 crash

LOS GATOS—A 22-year-old man died early Tuesday morning in a two-vehicle crash on Highway 17 in Los Gatos.  The 2:55 a.m. crash, south of The Cats restaurant, forced the California Highway Patrol to close both southbound lanes for 45 minutes to allow for an investigation,...

Begonia Festival calls it quits, for now

The final Capitola Begonia Festival wrapped up Monday with the traditional Fishing Derby on the Capitola Wharf. The event, which peaks with the Nautical Parade on Sunday, has been a huge draw for crowds of all ages for the last 65 years.

Sheriff Hart: ‘We have the right people’ in Tushar Atre Murder case

tushar atre murder arrest
SANTA CRUZ—Dozens of law enforcement officials in two states arrested four men on Tuesday in connection with the Oct. 1 kidnapping and murder of tech executive and Pleasure Point resident Tushar Atre. Santa Cruz County Sheriff Jim Hart said during a Thursday press conference that...

New Capitola Library edges skyward

Construction work is marching ahead on the new Capitola Branch Library at the corner of Clares Street and Wharf Road. After the previous library was demolished at the start of the year, the new structure is moving skyward.

Santa Cruz County facing dire financial picture

Santa Cruz County
SANTA CRUZ COUNTY—Santa Cruz County will dip into its budgetary reserves to cover an estimated $20 million deficit in this year’s budget, which stems from revenue losses caused by the coronavirus pandemic. The Board of Supervisors unanimously approved the request by County Administrative Officer Carlos...

Aptos burglary suspects arrested

Arthur Carson, 31, was charged with burglary, vehicle theft and carrying a concealed knife. Tracy Blundell, 43, faces burglary charges. Additionally, both face charges for possession of drug paraphernalia.

Aptos farm wins Best of Show at regional olive oil competition

Patrick and Teresa Royan were living in Los Gatos when they first discovered Pleasant Valley, a rural area in Aptos permeated with rolling hills, orchards, vineyards and pastures. The couple had been looking for a place to settle relatively close to the beach yet...

Spring signals hope for struggling shops

Some merchants in the Capitola Village are keeping their doors open till 8 p.m. to cater to the local crowd. Photo by Tarmo Hannula

Rocks Ranch property sold to Land Trust

Rocks ranch
A stretch of road alongside Highway 101 could soon be home to a tunnel complex turned wildlife crossing under the busy highway. The Land Trust of Santa Cruz County announced Sept. 9 that it has agreed to purchase the 2,640-acre Rocks Ranch in Aromas at...

Hundreds of evacuated animals held at Fairgrounds; room still available

CZU Complex fires animals
WATSONVILLE—While the fire evacuation center at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds is reaching capacity for humans—only single cots and limited tent camping space are available—there is still room for pets and other animals. Hundreds of animals have been evacuated to the fairgrounds since the CZU...