Good morning! It’s January 9 — here’s what’s going on in your community today…

Aptos news

Credit: Will McCahill / Lookout Santa Cruz

With Capitola Avenue bridge reopening in sight, Highway 1 to close overnight Sunday through Thursday

By Max Chun

January 8, 2026

Credit: Daniel DeLong via Midjourney

OPINION: Yes, artificial intelligence will probably end the human race. Just not in the way you think.

By Daniel DeLong

January 8, 2026

Property development

  • The Santa Cruz County Planning Department has formally approved a zoning application on August 14, for the renewal of a permit to operate a four-bedroom vacation rental at 779 Las Olas Drive in Aptos. The property, managed by a property management company, requires a Vacation Rental Permit under Santa Cruz County Code section 13.10.694. Public comments on the application were accepted until August 6, with a decision made on or after August 7. The renewal process included a review for any documented violations of the Vacation Rental Ordinance, which could have resulted in amendment or denial of the application. Residents wishing to appeal the decision must do so within two weeks of the approval date. Any issues related to the vacation rental should be reported to the emergency contact provided by the property management company. (view application)
     
  • A permit application has been filed for a significant remodel and expansion at 532 BAYVIEW Drive, Aptos, located approximately 430 feet southwest of the Cliff Drive and Bayview Drive intersection. The proposed project includes adding 811 square feet to the existing single-family home, converting an existing garage/workshop into 1,089 square feet of new living space, constructing a new 482 square-foot attached garage, and building a 727 square-foot Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) above the new garage. Once completed, the main house will feature five bedrooms and four bathrooms, while the ADU will provide an additional one-bedroom living space. The project requires both Coastal and Minor Site Development Permits. (view details)
     

New local businesses

  • A new business named JESSTHETICS was registered at 9019 Soquel Dr, Aptos CA 95003 on December 23. The business was registered by Jessica Laurie O’neill as an individual business.
     
  • A new business named FAWN PIZZA was registered at 783 Rio Del Mar Blvd. #45, Aptos CA 95003 on December 23. The business was registered by Tribe Called Mes LLC as a Limited Liability Company.
     
  • A new business named O’REILLY AUTO PARTS # 6999 was registered at 122 Rancho Del Mar #122, Aptos CA 95003 on December 23. The business was registered by O’reilly Auto Enterprises, LLC as a Limited Liability Company.
     
  • A new business named SAINT KAY MEDIA LLC was registered at 190 Bowen Avenue, Aptos CA 95003 on December 26. The business was registered by Saint Kay Media LLC as a Limited Liability Company.
     

Roadwork is affecting traffic in the region

  • There is a one-way traffic closure on South Highway 9 at Lorenzo Avenue in San Lorenzo Valley because of emergency work. The closure is expected to end at 3:59 p.m. on April 1.
     

No crimes to report today

We checked with local police and there were no new incidents to report.

Disclosure: Traffic incidents and property development updates are partially generated by artificial intelligence. We are constantly working to improve the accuracy and quality of our AI-generated content. However, there may still be errors or inaccuracies. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us.