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Aptos
March 21, 2026

Finding beauty within

Work is underway on putting a new face on two of the famed Six Sisters homes on the Esplanade in Capitola Village.

Accused child molester found dead

SANTA CRUZ — The former Santa Cruz neurosurgeon who allegedly molested numerous children in crimes caught on videotape was found dead Sunday morning. The Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s office believes he committed suicide. James Kohut, 59, was in custody since May 2017 in lieu of $7.5...

County surpasses $20 million in road repairs

With March 16 marking the one-year anniversary of a federal disaster declaration for January 2017 storms, the County of Santa Cruz announced the completion of more than $20 million in debris removal and road repairs, including several priority projects.

Junior Lifeguards hit the beach

The Capitola Junior Lifeguards program got underway June 18. The annual program, geared for youths ages 6 to 17, is an active, physically challenging, competitive program, which provides instruction in the basic fundamentals of ocean water safety, first aid, lifesaving, fitness and good sportsmanship.

Santa Cruz County art show enters final week

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY — This weekend will mark the third and final phase of the annual Open Studios Art Tour, a free self-guided tour of area art studios.  While the public was invited to view artists’ work in North Santa Cruz County Oct. 5 and...

Shooting suspect arrested after car chase

A San Jose man is in custody after he shot a man in front of a Soquel business March 7 and then tried to outrun police in his vehicle, police said. Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Sgt. Stefan Fish said the victim was shot three times in the Safeway parking lot on 41st Avenue at 4:45 p.m. He reportedly had an infant child in the car with him but the child was not hurt, Sgt. Brian Cleveland said.

Santa Cruz County Fair

There were several events special for the fair’s opening day. As per tradition, the Santa Cruz County Farm Bureau and the Watsonville Firefighters Association hosted the Opening Day Barbecue in Paddy Smith Park. People enjoyed a lunch of tri-tip, salad and garlic bread while South Bay Swing Band performed nearby on the Amphitheater Stage.

Cabrillo College approaches six decades

Cabrillo College in Aptos is shown in an aerial photo. The first classes were actually held in temporary quarters within the partially abandoned old Watsonville High School in 1959. Freshman enrollment was about 700 students at what was then known as Cabrillo Junior College, according to historian Sandy Lydon.

Hit and run suspect facing manslaughter charges

A Watsonville man is facing felony vehicular manslaughter charges after a woman he allegedly struck with his vehicle on June 5 died from her injuries.

Drug lab discovered in Aptos vacation home

Multiple Santa Cruz County law enforcement agencies responded Friday afternoon to the discovery of a butane honey oil (BHO) lab at 120 Sea Terrace Way in Aptos. Homeowners of the large vacation rental home were checking on the residence and noticed doors kicked in and a strong chemical smell coming from somewhere inside, Sgt. Brian Cleveland of the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office said.