Good morning! It’s July 17 — here’s what’s going on in your community today…
Low clouds, then sunshine in Aptos
Today will be cool with low clouds giving way to sunshine. The high will be 70 with a low of 54. Cloudy now, changing to mostly sunny at 2 p.m.
Aptos news
The Pajaro Valley Unified School District board renewed school resource officer contracts, sparking debate over safety and racial issues, with supporters citing safety and opponents highlighting racial disparities, underscoring community division.
Heated Pajaro Valley school board meeting exposes deep divide over renewing contract to put police officers in schools
By Hillary Ojeda
Jul 17, 2025
In waters off Pleasure Point, a family’s maritime dream goes up in flames
By Max Chun and Kevin Painchaud
Jul 16, 2025
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What’s new around you
▼︎ police incidents ▼︎ real estate ▼︎ events
Read on to see the details about each item…
Things to do in Aptos
Resistance Training for Peri/Post Menopause
Led by Dr. Michelle Bean, Chiropractor and Functional Medicine Specialist: This session incorporates functional movements, weight-bearing exercises, a…
At SoulCare Studios on July 17
Repeats 9 more times until August 19
Tai Chi in the Library
Are you ready to experience the ancient art of Tai Chi amidst the serene ambiance of your local library? What is Tai Chi? Tai Chi is a gentle, flowing…
At Aptos Branch Library on July 17
Repeats 16 more times until November 6
Women in Business Lunch
Topic: Pivoting Business Model in Face of Change Change is inevitable—but transformation is a choice. In this candid and empowering Women in Business …
At Seascape Golf Club on July 17
Property development
- The Santa Cruz County Planning Department has received a zoning application for a new vacation rental at 123 Marina Ave., Aptos 95003. The proposal aims to convert an existing single-family home into a short-term rental property, allowing stays of less than thirty days. Located just north of the intersection of Marina Ave. and Aptos Beach Drive, the project requires a vacation rental permit and is currently under review. Residents are encouraged to submit public comments on the proposal until August 6, with a decision expected on or after August 7. Should the decision be contested, appeals must be filed in writing within two weeks following the decision date. Any concerns regarding the vacation rental should be directed to Bailey Property Management, the designated emergency contact, whose information can be found on the Planning Department’s website. The application is being processed in accordance with Santa Cruz County Code section 13.10.694. (view application)
Roadwork is affecting traffic in the region
- A hit and run happened at the intersection of Struve Rd and Highway 1 in Watsonville/Pajaro. A driver on Struve Rd was about to turn left when another vehicle hit them. The driver then pulled over to the right side of Struve Rd. No one was injured. The incident was reported today.
- A motorcycle collision involving two males happened at the on-ramp of State Route 129 and Highway 1 North in Watsonville/Pajaro. Emergency services responded, and the road was reopened later that night. The incident was reported on July 16.
- South Highway 1 in Capitola/Soquel is facing closures for road excavation work. The closure will last until 6:30 a.m. on August 29.
Community crime report
- A person was arrested for battery, being drunk in public, vandalism, and cruelty to an elder or dependent adult. This happened near Seacliff State Beach in Santa Cruz County at 10 p.m. on July 13. (source)
- A person was found with a dangerous device near a restricted area. This happened near Court Or in Santa Cruz County at 11 a.m. on July 11. (source)
- A person was arrested for causing physical harm to a spouse or cohabitant, damaging a communication device, and driving without a license. This happened near the 700 block of Bonita Drive in Santa Cruz County at 8 p.m. on July 10. (source)
- There was a DUI incident involving alcohol on July 9 at 1 p.m. near northbound State Route 1 just south of Soquel Drive in Santa Cruz County. (source)
- There was a domestic violence incident involving a spouse or ex-spouse at 10 p.m. on July 7 near Rio Del Mar and Spanish Bay Drive in Santa Cruz County. (source)
- There was an incident involving domestic violence and driving under the influence of alcohol. It happened near Rio Del Mar at Spanish Bay in Santa Cruz County at 10 p.m. on July 7. (source)
- A DUI incident causing bodily injury and involving child endangerment occurred near Sumner Ave. at Clubhouse Dr in Santa Cruz County at midnight on July 5. (source)
Disclosure: Traffic incidents, property development updates and police incidents 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.