State Supreme Court to decide on juvenile justice law
SAN FRANCISCO—The family of an 8-year-old girl who was allegedly raped, tortured and murdered by a 15-year-old suspect is urging the California Supreme court to overturn a law that could allow him to walk free when he is 25.
A.J. Gonzalez, now 21, is facing...
Volunteers spruce up fairgrounds park
A large group of volunteers showed up to the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds on Aug. 9 to help bring the Paddy Smith Park back to life.
Tucked between the JJ Crosetti and the Fire Arts buildings, the sprawling garden space once featured a majestic river...
Local animal shelters adapt to COVID-19 changes
SANTA CRUZ COUNTY—In the first few weeks of the countywide shelter-in-place order, the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter (SCCAS) saw an unprecedented amount of adoptions.
About 126 dogs, cats and rabbits were adopted, including many animals who had been at the shelter for months.
“People said...
Framing the coast
Forty-eight paintings by artist Erika Perloff depicting a string of northern Santa Cruz beaches are on display at Hotel Paradox in Santa Cruz.
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...
Watsonville Elks Lodge marks St. Patrick’s Day, gears up for upcoming event
WATSONVILLE—The Watsonville Elks Lodge celebrated St. Patrick’s Day with a dinner of corned beef and cabbage, live music by Martin the Hit Man and dancing.
Profits from the event went to the Elks National Foundation and Purple Pig Program.
The Elks will hold their next event...
Watsonville man pleads no contest in 2021 fatal crash
A 48-year-old Watsonville man pleaded no contest Wednesday to charges he was intoxicated when he caused a crash in 2021 that killed another man, prosecutors said.
Israel Cruz pled no contest to one count of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and one count of driving...
Cabrillo Ethics Bowl finishes strong
The Cabrillo College Ethics Bowl Team competed against 37 teams at the national Intercollegiate Ethics Bowl in Chicago
Local pastor attends global conference
On Feb. 26, the United Methodist Church (UMC) voted at a global conference in St. Louis, Mo. to further its restrictions on same-sex marriage and LGBT clergy.
PHOTO: Fashion of the past
A Christmas tree is dressed up with a Victorian-era dress at the Pajaro Valley Historical Association. A wealth of early day garb is part of the PVHA's exhibit where visitors are welcome to stop by and get a taste of earlier times in the...
Aptos duo awarded top honors for stellar play on the pitch...
Aptos High seniors Ivan Zavala and Daniel Lozano each were recognized as two of the top players in the Santa Cruz Coast Athletic League...




















