Adrian Gonzalez loses bid for parole
The man who kidnapped, raped and murdered an 8-year-old girl before placing her body in a recycling bin in 2015 will spend at least another two years in prison.
After less than a week of deliberations, a jury denied Adrian “A.J.” Gonzlaez’s bid for parole...
Honoring the homeless who died this year
About seven years ago, Marie Riggs was living in a homeless shelter and addicted to alcohol, wondering how she would survive this low point in her life.
“I was a hopeless mess,” she said. “I had no idea how to live, I didn’t know how...
PHOTOS: Santa Claus lands in Watsonville
Melissa Arana, 3, pays visit to Santa Monday at Ramsay Park in Watsonville after Santa and one of his helpers landed in a helicopter. More than 100 people lined up to watch the landing in a soccer field and then stepped up to greet...
Dutra keeps seat on Watsonville City Council
Watsonville City Councilman Jimmy Dutra has fended off a challenge from Trina Coffman-Gomez to hold onto his Sixth District seat, garnering a weighty 54% of the 2,321 votes in the race, results released Friday showed.
“I’m really excited,” he says. “The people have spoken, and...
Full house at Business Expo and Job Fair
Hundreds of people attended the 2024 Pajaro Valley Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture Business Expo Job Fair at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds April 25.
“What a wonderful time yesterday seeing everyone having fun while meeting new and old friends,” said Chamber CEO Shaz Roth. ...
Cannabis lounges get final approval
The Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday gave the final stamp of approval for lounges attached to marijuana dispensaries, where people can legally smoke what they buy.
The proposal passed 3-2, with supervisors Monica Martinez and Kim De Serpa dissenting.
Supporters predict that so-called...
Supervisors approve half-cent sales tax for March ballot
Santa Cruz County residents will consider a half-cent sales tax on the March 5 ballot which, if approved by a simple majority, will fund wildfire protection programs, as well as public safety, road and park improvements and other services.
The Santa Cruz County Board of...
Dick Peixoto named 2024 Grower of the Year
Lakeside Organic Gardens owner Dick Peixoto will receive the seventh annual Grower of the Year award at the Organic Grower Summit, which runs Dec. 4–5 in Monterey.
Organizers said Peixoto leads the largest family-owned and operated solely organic vegetable operation in the United States and...
Core funding process leaves nonprofits perplexed, officials frustrated
The Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday cast a split vote to allocate $3.79 million in Collective of Results and Evidence-based (CORE) funds to 28 nonprofits after a contentious discussion that prompted many to question the transparency of the process.
In all, more...
A community united: cleanup day draws hundreds
Hundreds of people gathered Saturday morning on beaches, in neighborhoods and along riverways to participate in the second-annual Pitch In All Santa Cruz Cleanup...
