Officials provide ‘rough’ timeline for lifting CZU fire evacuations
By Jake Pierce, Good Times News Editor
SCOTTS VALLEY—The number of acres burned by the CZU Lightning Complex fire is up to 81,137, local Cal Fire Deputy Chief Jonathan Cox told reporters Wednesday night.
So far, investigators have found that the fire has destroyed 579 structures...
Sail away | About Town
Smoke from the CZU August Lightning Complex fires has been really bad most of the day. We got something of a break Monday and Tuesday, with blue sky dominating the weather picture. Maybe the wind shifted? I spoke with several people in Watsonville and...
Covid-19 economic restrictions expected to remain in place
SANTA CRUZ COUNTY—The economic restrictions imposed on various Santa Cruz County businesses are not expected to be loosened this week, according to Santa Cruz County Health Services Agency spokeswoman Corinne Hyland.
That’s despite the fact that the county will have spent its 14th day off...
Local author releases third book in trilogy
WATSONVILLE—For the past eight years, Nikki Lewen has been writing and releasing a trilogy of novels—all the while being a full-time teacher and coach at Watsonville High School.
This year, all that hard work has paid off as Lewen celebrates not only the release of...
City approves moratorium on Covid-19 evictions
WATSONVILLE—In a surprise end-of-meeting redux, the Watsonville City Council approved a moratorium on Covid-19 related evictions, reversing a decision it made just hours prior during Tuesday night’s meeting.
The council was preparing to wrap up the virtual session when Councilman Aurelio Gonzalez made a motion...
Hundreds of evacuated animals held at Fairgrounds; room still available
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...
County clears out | About Town
A few days ago I rode my bike through downtown Santa Cruz and out by the wharf and the Beach Boardwalk. It was empty. Almost lifeless.
Our mostly blue sky was sure a welcome sight Monday. So was the cooler air that drifted in from...
1,611 personnel battling the CZU fires
SCOTTS VALLEY—As the acreage continues to grow in the CZU August Lightning Complex fires, the number of people fighting the blaze on the ground and from the air is also growing.
According to Cal Fire, there are 1,611 firefighters fighting the 78,000-acre blaze out of...
CZU Complex fires have destroyed more than 500 structures; still 19% contained
Update (6am, Aug. 26)
The CZU August Lightning Complex fires have now stretched to 80,137 acres and destroyed 538 structures, nearly all of them in Santa Cruz County.
The Count of Santa Cruz on Tuesday established a damage assessment map that shows where structures have been...
Darryl and Glenda Welty celebrate 70th anniversary
The children of Darryl and Glenda Welty are pleased to announce the 70th wedding anniversary of their parents.
Darryl and Glenda were married Aug. 24, 1950 at Glad Tidings Church in Hanford. Both attended Hanford High School where they met and fell in love. Darryl...
Queer Youth Leadership Awards set for Saturday
It has been almost three decades since local organizers launched the Queer Youth Leadership Awards, an event created to highlight young people whose work...
