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Two rounds of rain, wind headed to Santa Cruz County for Christmas week
Santa Cruz County will get plenty of rain this week, with two rounds of significant weather rolling through between Tuesday and Friday. A high wind watch is in effect for the county from Tuesday evening through early Wednesday morning. A flood watch is in effect for the Central Coast from Tuesday morning through Friday night.
Newsmakers 2025: Jackie Rogoff’s encounter with fleeting ‘Jeopardy!’ fame
Santa Cruz’s Jackie Rogoff embarked on a “Jeopardy!” journey, never expecting she might win. But she did.
Carmageddon: RTC seeking public input on long-term regional plan
The Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission is asking for public input on priorities for its draft 2050 regional transportation plan for the county before it heads to a public hearing at the commission’s January meeting. Meanwhile, county public health received state funding for a variety of traffic safety programs.
KAZU still experiencing on-air disruptions
KAZU (90.3FM) is still experiencing disruptions from a long-in-the-making move of its facilities to a new site owned by its parent institution, Cal State Monterey Bay. A spokesman said that the station is experiencing delays in the delivery of equipment to make the station fully functional.
Photo gallery: Flynn Creek Circus returns to Capitola with new show ‘The Bridge’
Lookout photojournalist Kevin Painchaud goes under the big top in the Capitola Mall parking lot as Mendocino’s Flynn Creek Circus presents its latest show.
New California law bans federal agents from wearing masks in showdown over immigration raids
The Trump administration is suing to block a new California that would ban federal law enforcement officers from wearing masks on duty. It was shaped by concerns over masked immigration agents in Los Angeles.

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Best of Santa Cruz County events, December 22-25
Here are some events you may be interested in this week:
Monday, Dec. 22
- Knitting at the Library @ Felton | 12 p.m. @ Felton Branch Library
- VOLUNTEER AT HOPES CLOSET / VOLUNTARIADO EN HOPES CLOSET | 10 a.m. @ Hopes Closet | Free
- Free Photo With Santa | 11 a.m. @ Capitola Mall
- Native American Art Exhibit Aptos Branch Library Until Dec. 31 | 10 a.m. @ Aptos Branch Library | Free
- Tea & Oracle, Insightful Oracle Readings & Relaxing Art Studio Tour | 2 p.m. @ Studio Hozuki | $55
- Reading Poems Together: The Spoken Experience: A Lunchtime Learning Series | 12 p.m. @ Capitola Branch Library | Free
- Surf Live Oak | 12 p.m. @ Simpkins Family Swim Center
- Princes of Surf 2025: Heʻe Nalu Santa Cruz | 11 a.m. @ Solari Gallery
Tuesday, Dec. 23
- Exhibition—”Weather and the Whale” | 12 p.m. @ Institute of the Arts and Sciences
- Karaoke with Moondog | 7 p.m. @ Bay Bar and Grille | Free
- Holiday Trivia! | 7 p.m. @ Bruno’s Bar and Grill | Free
- Salsa Social | 7 p.m. @ Abbott Square Market | Free
Repeats once more on December 23
- Santa Cruz Shakespeare’s A Christmas Carol | 2 p.m. @ Veterans Memorial Hall | $15 to $54
- Tacos and Trivia Tuesday! | 7 p.m. @ Bruno’s Bar and Grill | Free
Repeats once more on December 23
- New Parents’ Support Group | 12 p.m. @ Felton Branch Library
Repeats once more on December 23
- Kids Class: Te Hau Nui School of Hula and Tahitian Dance | 4 p.m. @ The 418 Project
Wednesday, Dec. 24
- Wig Out Wednesday | 4 p.m. @ Big Basin Vineyards Tasting Room and Wine Bar | Free
- Motion Pacific: Dance for PD | 1 p.m. @ The 418 Project
- Christmas Eve at Peace United Church of Christ | 8 p.m. @ Peace United Church of Christ | Free
- Christmas Eve Candlelight Service featuring Jazz on High | 5 p.m. @ Peace United Church of Christ | Free
- Pilates & Posture with Horses | 9 a.m. @ BEYOND liberty, Center for Learning, Wellness, Sanctuary and Horse Retirement | $25 (This class included with membership)
- Set Up | 6 p.m. @ The 418 Project
- Happy Hour at your favorite Wine Bar | 5 p.m. @ Capitola Wine Bar
- Summer Brazilian Nights at Pono | 12 a.m. @
Thursday, Dec. 25
- Sewing Lessons for Beginners | 10 a.m. @ Everything Home | $60 to $90 (Save 10% when you purchase 6 weeks up front.)
- Persephone Restaurant Thursday Night Pasta Special | 5 p.m. @ Persephone Restaurant | $40
- Christmas Community Dinner | 11 a.m. @ Santa Cruz Veterans Memorial Building | Free
- MYCOMIXER @ Far West Fungi | 2 p.m. @ Far West Fungi Store and Cafe | Free
- Gruesome Twosome Trivia at Steel Bonnet Brewery | 6 p.m. @ Steel Bonnet Brewing Company
- Motion Pacific: Adult Int. Hip Hop | 8 p.m. @ The 418 Project
- Free Open Mic/Jam Thursdays | 8 p.m. @ Healing Arts Community | Free
- Motion Pacific: Adult Int. Modern | 5 p.m. @ The 418 Project | $10 to $20 (Students: $10, Adults: $20)






