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October 20, 2025

About Town, Week of Jan. 21

Observations from around the Pajaro Valley.

Death toll reaches 85 in Mexico fuel pipeline fire horror

People in the town where a gasoline explosion killed at least 85 people say the section of pipeline that gushed fuel has been a habitual gathering site for thieves, repeatedly damaged and patched like a trusty pair of jeans.

Women’s March returns to Santa Cruz

Tens of thousands of people descended upon downtown Santa Cruz Saturday morning to march for the rights of women.

New mural graces Municipal Airport

A new mural is in town. The mammoth colorful piece, depicting all local youths and adults standing in front of a Cessna 172, hangs above a sign, “Kids Fly Free,” a program offered to young people ages 8-17, by the Experimental Aircraft Association.

County looking to spend $10 million on homelessness programs

Santa Cruz County homeless advocates on Friday released a request for proposals to help address the growing number of people living on the streets. At stake is $889,000 from the California Emergency Solutions and Housing program and nearly $9.7 million from the Homeless Emergency Aid Program.

Pajaro’s first marijuana dispensary opens

On Saturday, Santa Cruz Naturals will herald in its second location in Pajaro with a grand opening celebration that includes food, music and visits by elected officials.

Nonprofit veterans group receives grants


Vets 4 Vets, a Santa Cruz County nonprofit supporting local veterans, received two grants that will assist in providing services to veterans in need.

PV Arts welcomes new executive director

Linda Martin first person to hold position in decades.

Transportation commission approves corridor study

While likely still years in the future, passenger rail service in Santa Cruz County moved a step closer to reality Thursday when the Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission unanimously approved the Unified Corridor Investment Study (UCIS), an in-depth look at local transportation infrastructure and ways in which to bolster it.

Man arrested for setting fire inside gym

Santa Cruz Police arrested a man early Tuesday morning after he allegedly set a fire inside a gymnasium, and then struggled with police who came to arrest him.
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Lawmakers weigh in at State of the Region conference

Government, business and nonprofit leaders around Santa Cruz, Monterey, and San Benito counties staged the 2025 State of the Region Oct. 17 at CSU...