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Police arrest two suspects in October Beach Flats Park shooting
The Santa Cruz Police Department has arrested two suspects in connection with an October shooting near Beach Flats Park in Santa Cruz.

Weekender: World Cup fans welcome, literary happenings, a John Prine Christmas and dueling Nutcrackers
Around Santa Cruz County arts & entertainment, including recommendations for things to do this weekend and beyond, with Lookout’s man about town, Wallace Baine. Continue reading…
California Supreme Court decision maintains public access to Aptos beachfront walkway, county says
The California Supreme Court has declined to review a challenge by a Rio Del Mar homeowners association, effectively upholding lower-court rulings that an 800-foot walkway along Seacliff State Beach in Aptos is public property. Santa Cruz County officials say the decision leaves no further avenue for appeal and moves the case closer to resolution, including the removal of fences that currently block public access.
Current, former residents file lawsuit against UC-owned Hilltop apartments
Nineteen current and former residents have filed a lawsuit against Hilltop apartments and property manager Greystar, alleging negligence, substandard repairs and habitability violations after sewage flooding, mold and unresolved maintenance issues in the University of California-owned complex.
Wind, more rain coming to Santa Cruz County; stronger storm could be brewing next week
The National Weather Service is forecasting more rain for Santa Cruz County this week as an atmospheric river that had pounded the Pacific Northwest shifts south. There’s uncertainty in next week’s forecast, but a system could bring up to 6 inches of rain Sunday through Tuesday.
Santa Cruz planning commission to consider dropping public hearings for fully affordable housing projects
The City of Santa Cruz Planning Commission will consider getting rid of public hearings for 100% affordable housing projects at its meeting on Thursday evening.

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Best of Santa Cruz County events, December 19-21
Here are some events you may be interested in this weekend:
Friday, Dec. 19
- Toy Trains 2025 | 12 a.m. @ Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History
- Mindful Movement with Horses | 9 a.m. @ BEYOND liberty | $25 (This class included with membership)
- Guided Tour | 1 p.m. @ Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History
- Tropa Magica & Curve Sharpens at Run Club Winter Ball | 7 p.m. @ The Grove | $12.51 (Tickets are $12.51 online. $15 at the door.)
- Free Photo With Santa | 3 p.m. @ Capitola Mall
- The Cherry Orchard | 7 p.m. @ Broadway Playhouse | $15 (General Admission)
Repeats once more on December 19
- Hold and the Helpers | 8 p.m. @ The Crepe Place | $20
- Free Holiday Gift Wrapping | 12 p.m. @ Downtown Santa Cruz | Free
Saturday, Dec. 20
- Cars and Coffee | 9 a.m. @ East Lake Village Shopping Center | Free
- Aptos Farmers Market | 8 a.m. @ Cabrillo College | Free
- A Very Shut-Ins Christmas | 7 p.m. @ The Crepe Place | $10
- Christmas Market Watsonville | 4 p.m. @ City Plaza Park | Free
- Santa Clara Broncos Mens Basketball vs Loyola University Chicago | 2 p.m. @ Kaiser Permanente Arena
- Snail | 8 p.m. @ Felton Music Hall | $38 to $43 (Flat fee $50.93 per ticket www.feltonmusichall.com TIXR)
- Aptos Santa Con Pub Stroll | 2 p.m. @ Aptos Vineyard | Free
- Holiday Mega-Market | 11 a.m. @ Logos Books & Records | Free
Repeats once more on December 20
Sunday, Dec. 21
- Open Mic Comedy at Shanty Shack | 7 p.m. @ Shanty Shack | Free
- Redwood Loop Tour – Henry Cowell Redwoods | 12 p.m. @ Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park | Free
Repeats once more on December 21
- Winter Solstice Community Sing & Song Bath | 3 p.m. @ The German Cultural Center | $20 to $25
- Grief Tending with SoulCollage® | Winter Solstice Workshop | 2 p.m. @ Tumbleweed Found | $55
- Drag Bingo! | 4 p.m. @ Bruno’s Bar and Grill | Free
- Holiday Gift Making (Ages 7-12) | 10 a.m. @ Santa Cruz Maker Studios | $50 to $100
- George Kahumoku Hawaiian Christmas, with special guest, Santa | 2 p.m. @ Pono Hawaiian Grill Downtown Santa Cruz | Children 8 and under are free
- Meet Santa Claus | 4 p.m. @ Pono Hawaiian Grill Downtown Santa Cruz | Free





