Car plunges off Santa Cruz cliff in high-speed chase
SANTA CRUZ—A man is in custody following a dramatic high-speed chase that began on the North Coast near Davenport Tuesday and ended when the suspect’s car sailed over a towering Santa Cruz cliff into the sea.
Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s deputies arrested 56-year-old John Kenyanjui...
Looking for a stable location: Pregnant Mare Rescue moves horses
Since Pregnant Mare Rescue was founded in 2006, the organization has saved hundreds of horses that were otherwise destined for slaughterhouses.
Arts Now working with districts to spark students’ creativity
WATSONVILLE—As lunchtime drew to a close Wednesday, fourth- and fifth-grade students at Starlight Elementary School began to gradually filter into the classroom of art teacher Meredith Branan Freeman.
They were there to learn about stop-motion animation and create their own movies. Some students worked individually,...
Body scanner bolsters safety at Main Jail
SANTA CRUZ—The Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office installed a new body scanner Tuesday at the intake area of the Main Jail to help snare contraband before it is brought in.
The Tek84 scanner, which is similar to those used at airports to screen travelers, provides...
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...
Local organizations celebrate Pride amidst crisis, unrest
On the morning of June 28, 1969, a group of police officers raided the Stonewall Inn, a gay club in Greenwich Village, New York City. As police dragged patrons and staff out of the bar, residents responded—leading to a week of protests and violent...
Bricks highlight Aptos community
APTOS—Lasting memories of loved ones, events, businesses and organizations might now last a little longer in Aptos thanks to the Celebration Brick Program and a festive ribbon-cutting ceremony that unfolded Saturday.
About 100 people gathered around one of eight tree wells at the Village Green,...
United Way gets new leader
ew United Way of Santa Cruz County Executive Director Keisha Frost was a fifth-grader when the local United Way brought in Boy and Girl Scout programs to her community.
The organization’s efforts proved to be a pivotal moment in her life.
“I had a safe space and caring adults every day of school,” she said.
When United Way helped establish a track-and-field program at Frost’s school, she found her passion. She was named the third-fastest hurdler in the state of California in high school, a career that peaked when she went to the 1996 Olympic Games.
‘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.
Santa Cruz METRO announces new CEO
SANTA CRUZ—The Santa Cruz Metropolitan Transit District (METRO) on Friday announced it has named Michael Tree its new CEO/General Manager.
Tree has nearly three decades of experience in the public transit industry and city management, most recently as Executive Director of the Livermore Amador Valley...




















