Cool weather helps firefighters notch ‘best day yet’
SCOTTS VALLEY—Cool, moist weather throughout the day continued to help firefighters battle the CZU August Lightning Complex fires, which have now scorched 78,684 acres, and as of Monday night was 13% contained, firefighters told reporters during a press conference.
During the conference, Santa Cruz County...
Experts: be on the lookout for wildlife fleeing fires
WATSONVILLE—Tens of thousands of residents have already been displaced due to the CZU August Lightning Complex fires—and those are just the humans.
Wildlife experts are calling for people to be on the lookout for animals fleeing from the fires, which are currently 13% contained. As...
Suspect nabbed for alleged drug sales
SANTA CRUZ—A Santa Cruz man was arrested Aug. 21 on suspicion of possession of a controlled substance for sale at a home on the 500 block of Park Way.
George Rivera, commander of the Santa Cruz County Anti-Crime Team, said Elijah Phoenix Francis, 21, was...
Most Santa Cruz County schools close for the week
SANTA CRUZ COUNTY—Cabrillo College on Monday joined most school districts across Santa Cruz County when officials announced that classes will be canceled through Aug. 28. The move came after the CZU August Lightning Complex fires forced the evacuation of teachers and staff.
In making the...
County distributing thousands of N-95 masks to farmworkers
WATSONVILLE—The County of Santa Cruz announced Saturday that it has distributed thousands of N-95 masks—and plans to hand out thousands more—to farms across the Pajaro Valley to help protect farmworkers from hazardous smoke currently polluting the air.
Several fires across the Central Coast and greater...
Sheriff’s Office announces 1st death; fire now 13% contained
Update (Aug. 24, 7am):
The CZU Lightning Complex fire has burned 78,000 acres, or approximately 122 square miles, as of this morning, according to an update from Cal Fire. The fire is now 13% contained.Â
There were good opportunities to attack the fire yesterday, Cal Fire Operations...
Sheriff, DA warn looters and trespassers: stay away
SCOTTS VALLEY—Santa Cruz County’s chief law enforcement official, and its District Attorney, had a message for anyone thinking about burglarizing homes in evacuated communities: if you are caught, you will be arrested and prosecuted.
Law enforcement officials have increased their numbers by almost tenfold since...
Outdoor campers urged to relocate
SANTA CRUZ COUNTY—With a Red Flag warning in place through Monday, possibly bringing erratic winds and dry lightning, the Santa Cruz County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is urging all evacuees of the CZU Lightning Complex fires currently staying outdoors in tents to seek refuge...
Donation center opens in South County; volunteers needed
Update (3pm, Aug. 24)
South Santa Cruz County residents seeking to make donations for those impacted by the CZU August Lightning Complex fires can now drop off items at a warehouse at 114 Walker St. in Watsonville.
The City of Watsonville is no longer accepting donations...
Weather gives firefighters a break; CZU Complex fires 5% contained
SANTA CRUZ MOUNTAINS—Mother Nature is lending a hand in the fight against the CZU August Lightning Complex fires in the Santa Cruz mountains.
Cal Fire Operations Section Chief Mark Brunton said a much welcomed marine layer wandered into the Central Coast as the weekend got...
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...
