Local News

An 18-year-old man who participated in the 2019 kidnapping, robbery and murder of tech executive and cannabis entrepreneur Tushar Atre was convicted Wednesday for his role in the crime. Prosecutors say Kaleb Charters dropped three accomplices off in the Pleasure Point neighborhood of Santa Cruz,...

As the holiday season approaches, the Scotts Valley Police Department is offering essential safety tips to help residents enjoy a secure and worry-free festive period. “Here are a few tips to help you avoid becoming a victim of a crime,” stated the department. “Please take...

Mosquito and Vector Control assessment ballots show support Ballot results from the Santa Cruz County Mosquito and Vector Control District’s proposed benefit assessment shows more than 61% in support. The results were scheduled to be considered by the Board of Supervisors at its Nov. 18...

When Kaila Dettman was growing up beneath the redwoods of Ben Lomond, she spent her childhood racing through the ferns of Quail Hollow Ranch, watching baby quail skitter through the brush, and camping across the Santa Cruz Mountains with her family. She didn’t know...

County hosts forums to shape future behavioral health services Santa Cruz County Behavioral Health Services is hosting community forums to help shape the County’s First Behavioral Health Integrated Plan for 2026-29. Funded by the Behavioral Health Services Act, these forums aim to gather community input on...

County Park Friends, the nonprofit partner of Santa Cruz County Parks, has announced the launch of its All Kids Play 2025 campaign, an ambitious initiative aiming to raise $100,000 by December 2025. The campaign is dedicated to funding scholarships and park improvements that enable local...

Holiday Art & Craft Fair returns this Saturday Spring Lakes Park’s third annual Holiday Art & Craft Fair is set for Saturday, Nov. 8, from 10am-2pm, at its Clubhouse, 225 Mt. Hermon Road, in Scotts Valley. Get a head start on holiday shopping with a selection...

Santa Cruz County Supervisor Monica Martinez will host the District 5 State of the Roads Town Hall on Thursday, Nov. 13, at 6pm at Highlands Park Senior and Community Center in Ben Lomond. The event will feature updates on major road projects, storm preparation efforts...

In an extraordinary show of regional collaboration, local governments and community partners across Santa Cruz County are joining forces to keep food on the table and address increasing food insecurity for residents affected by the federal government shutdown. The County of Santa Cruz, the Santa...

Community Bridges WIC remains open during government shutdown  Community Bridges Women, Infants & Children (WIC) Program remains fully funded and operational ensuring continued support for local families despite the ongoing federal government shutdown. While some federal nutrition programs—such as SNAP (CalFresh in California)—may experience delays or...