Renegade Theater brings ‘Rocky Horror Show’ to Santa Cruz
Renegade Theater Company will celebrate the 50th anniversary of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” with a live production of “The Rocky Horror Show” July 31 through Aug. 22 at the Santa Cruz Veterans Hall.
The four-weekend production will feature a live band, costume contests, raffle prizes and audience participation, including the traditional interactive elements that have made the show a cult classic for decades.
Audiences can expect the iconic characters of Brad, Janet and Dr. Frank-n-Furter in the musical known for its over-the-top humor, costumes and crowd interaction. Interactive goodie bags also will be available for purchase and include props, such as a squirt gun, newspaper, rice and other themed items.
The production is directed and choreographed by Izzy Pedego, with music direction by Jorge Torrez, and features local performers including Alex Cook as Dr. Frank-n-Furter.
General admission and student tickets are available, with a community night planned for Aug. 13. The show is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals. For tickets and more information, visit renegadetheaterco.org.
North County Dems host transportation speaker
Democratic Club of North Santa Cruz County will host Brianna Goodman, a transportation planner with the Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission, as its guest speaker on Tuesday, Aug. 4.
Goodman will discuss how Measure D transportation sales tax funds, approved by voters in November 2016, are being used to improve transportation options along Highway 9 in the San Lorenzo Valley.
A recently completed Rural Highways Safety Plan identified several sections of Highway 9 as among the highest-risk rural highway segments in Santa Cruz County. Projects underway or in the planning stages include sidewalk construction, enhanced crosswalks, upgraded transit stops in Felton and Boulder Creek, and efforts to reduce pedestrian fatalities and vehicle speeding.
The meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. at the Scotts Valley Water District Santa Margarita Community Room, 2 Civic Center Drive. Members of the public are welcome to attend.
County assessment roll reaches record $67.75B
Santa Cruz County Assessor-Recorder Sheri Thomas has announced completion of the 2026-27 assessment roll, which reached a record $67.75 billion in net assessed value, a 4.66% increase over the previous year.
The assessment roll reflects the value of all taxable real, business and personal property in the county as of Jan. 1, 2026. According to the Assessor’s Office, assessed value growth ranged from 3.37% in Scotts Valley to 5.86% in Santa Cruz, driven primarily by property ownership changes and new construction.
Despite the countywide increase, most property owners will see only a 2% increase in assessed value because of annual limits under Proposition 13.
Property tax revenue generated from the assessment roll helps fund public schools and community colleges, fire protection and emergency response, libraries, parks and other county services.
The Assessor’s Office also reported progress in reducing processing backlogs after reaching full staffing and recently launched a redesigned website with online access to annual assessment notices, simplified assessment information and an updated parcel search tool.
“This roll reflects more than a number — it reflects the strength of our communities and a staff committed to getting every assessment right,” Thomas said. “We aim to be accurate and timely, but just as important, transparent and respectful — whether we’re answering a question, helping someone claim an exemption, or guiding a property owner through new rules under Proposition 19.”
For more information, call 831-454-2270, email as******@***************ca.gov or visit the Santa Cruz County Assessor’s Office website assessor.santacruzcountyca.gov.
