Animal shelters deal with influx of rabbits, ‘pocket pets’
SANTA CRUZ COUNTY—Animal shelters across California are currently seeing an influx of rabbits and other “pocket pets” being surrendered and put up for adoption.
Erika Smart, program and development manager at Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter (SCCAS), says that the increase in rabbits, guinea pigs,...
County Fair begins search for 2022 theme
WATSONVILLE—The Santa Cruz County Fair is on the search for a theme for the 2022 edition of the Fair.
Manager Dave Kegebein recently announced the return of the annual contest. Kegebein said anyone can submit theme ideas that should reflect the spirit of the County...
PV Water’s plans, storage boosted during wet winter
SOUTH COUNTY—The first rainstorms of winter brought more than just moisture. With them came a chance to raise local water levels in alarmingly low aquifers and reservoirs. They also allowed water agencies across the county to put new sustainability projects—like injecting stormwater into underground...
Greenway measure likely set for June election
SANTA CRUZ COUNTY—In June, Santa Cruz County voters might be able to state their preference on what has become one of the region’s most contentious issues in the past decade: the future of the county’s 32-mile rail line.
On the ballot, voters will be asked...
Covid testing site moves from Ramsay to new County building Wednesday
SANTA CRUZ COUNTY—The OptumServe Covid-19 testing site at Ramsay Park will be moving to the county facility at 500 Westridge Drive in Watsonville on Wednesday.
“I’d like to thank the City of Watsonville Parks and Rec for their partnership the last 21 months, allowing us...
Change to single-use cup fee, hotel tax increase heads to voters in June
SANTA CRUZ COUNTY—The Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday approved two items for the June ballot which, if approved by voters, will increase taxes on hotels and vacation rentals, and change the way fees on single-use disposable cups are used.
The supervisors also...
Deputy Sheriffs’ Association makes record donation for memorial park
SOQUEL—The Santa Cruz County Deputy Sheriffs' Association (DSA) has offered a $100,000 “challenge” grant to help fund a memorial for Sheriff’s Sgt. Damon Gutzwiller, who was killed on duty on June 6, 2020.
The grant is the largest donation in the organization’s history.
The DSA now...
Supervisors mull post-employment lobbying rule
SANTA CRUZ COUNTY—The Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday approved a new ordinance which, if given final approval on March 8, will impose a one-year “cooling off” period during which former County employees would be prohibited from engaging in lobbying activities for...
Names released in Rodeway Inn deaths
WATSONVILLE—The man and woman who were found dead inside a van parked in the parking lot of the Rodeway Inn in Watsonville on March 8 have been identified as Nicholas Reagan, 29, and Barbara Reid, 64.
According to Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office spokeswoman...
Photo: Dinosaurs stomp into Capitola Mall parking lot
Giant dinosaurs take over the parking lot of the former Sears store at the Capitola Mall on 41st Avenue Tuesday.
The creatures are part of a traveling Jurassic Empire drive-thru event. According to their website, the Jurassic Empire features sights and sounds of "moving,...
MVC boys’ cross country runs away with PCAL Gabilan Division title
Monte Vista Christian wrapped up the Gabilan Division boys cross country title after putting on a fantastic performance at last week’s Pacific Coast Athletic...
