With parade nixed, Aptos celebrates Fourth of July from afar
Since 1961, the World’s Shortest Parade has packed Soquel Drive in Aptos with floats, decorated cars, bands and other community displays of patriotism in celebration of Independence Day.
That will not be the case this year.
With the novel coronavirus still spreading and stay-at-home orders in...
County unveils budget
Santa Cruz County officials on Tuesday opened public hearings on a proposed $1.29 billion budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year, warning that federal funding cuts, rising labor costs and growing structural deficits are forcing difficult financial decisions in the years ahead.
The recommended budget includes...
WATCH: Memorial service for Sheriff’s deputy Damon Gutzwiller
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=If1_8sX1Enk
Sexual assault allegations surface against César Chávez
The nation’s oldest farmworker union announced Tuesday that it has canceled all events celebrating labor organizer César Chávez after allegations surfaced that he sexually assaulted several women and girls.
“As a women-led organization that exists to empower communities, the allegations about abusive behavior by César...
County park will honor late Sheriff’s deputy
APTOS—Plans were announced Thursday of a major renovation of Willowbrook County Park to honor the late Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Sgt. Damon Gutzwiller, who was gunned down in the line of duty in 2020.
The project of “reimagining” the park was announced in a brief...
‘Keep smiling:’ Longtime Aptos High custodian dies
Robert “Bobby” Salazar, the unofficial mayor of Aptos who served as security guard and maintenance man for Aptos High School for more than four decades, and who was known for his ever-present smile and exhortations for everyone he met to “keep smiling,” died March 17 after a battle with cancer. He was 62.
New dashboard details school-based Covid-19 testing results
SANTA CRUZ COUNTY—The Santa Cruz County Office of Education (COE) has launched a dashboard that summarizes Covid-19 testing results across schools countywide.
The dashboard is a partnership with school districts, Inspire Diagnostics and the Santa Cruz County Department of Public Health, COE spokesman Nick Ibarra...
Capitola Mall redesign to house hundreds
CAPITOLA—Too many housing units. Not in line with Capitola’s “unique” feel and community. A fiscal “wash.”
These critiques and concerns—and several others—came to light at the Capitola City Council’s Nov. 14 meeting concerning the planned redevelopment of the hollowed Capitola Mall.
The council took no action...
County supervisors allow outdoor dining, shopping
SANTA CRUZ COUNTY—The Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday unanimously approved a proposal to allow restaurants and businesses in the unincorporated areas of the county to use their parking lots for outdoor eating and shopping areas.
The plan was designed to help ease...
County officials open new Aptos Public Safety Center
APTOS — The sprawling Aptos Village Project got its newest neighbor on May 20 when Santa Cruz County officials officially opened the Aptos Public Safety Center.
