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Aptos
June 15, 2025

Community leaders push for Census 2020 participation

WATSONVILLE—A New Year has begun, and with it comes the start of Census 2020. The U.S Constitution mandates that every 10 years the country’s population should be counted. The information is then used to distribute federal funding and to determine political representation in each state. “The...

Artist raises $1,000 for Ukrainian children through Open Studios

APTOS—Local artist and Pajaro Valley Arts exhibit coordinator Hedwig Heerschop recently raised $1,000 during the Open Studios Art Tour for children in Ukraine. Heerschop, a fine art photographer and printmaker, raffled off one of her photograph etchings, depicting a blue and yellow sunflower. She sold...

PVUSD repairing multiple schools throughout summer

In all, the district is spending an estimated $28.5 million on a wide array of projects this summer, most of which are funded through Measure L, which was approved by voters in 2012.

St. John’s Helpful Shop finds a new home

When the women of the Episcopal Church of St. John the Baptist first opened their thrift shop, it was solely to raise money for a new carpet.

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.

County Fairgrounds sets up shelter for fire evacuees

CZU August Lightning Complex Fire
WATSONVILLE—Cal Fire on Tuesday night ordered more than 22,000 residents in Santa Cruz and San Mateo counties to evacuate as the CZU August Lightning Complex fires began to spread throughout the Santa Cruz Mountains. Temporary shelters have been set up across the region to house...

Shooting suspect pleads not guilty

The man accused of gunning down a woman and stabbing her ex-husband at their residence in the Aptos hills on Jan. 30 pleaded not guilty to the charges Wednesday during his second court appearance since his arrest.

Aptos High turns 50

APTOS — Aptos High School rang in its 50th anniversary on Sept. 20, with musical performances, a cheerleading demonstration and the christening of the new quad area. The celebration was attended by PVUSD Superintendent Michelle Rodriguez, Trustees Kim DeSerpa and Jennifer Holm, County Supervisor Zach Friend,...

Animal shelter offering free spay/neuter services for cats

The Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter (SCCAS) is offering free spay/neuter services for cats, as well as microchipping and vaccinations for $10.

Pier 1 to close all stores

pier 1 imports
CAPITOLA—Pier 1 Imports announced Tuesday that it will close all 540 of its stores nationwide, sell its inventory and liquidate its assets. The sales will begin at the Capitola store as soon as the Santa Cruz County Health Department allows it to open. The company’s website...