Westside / Downtown Neighborhood Newsletter for Wednesday, December 17

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Good morning! It’s December 17 — here’s what’s going on in your community today…

A morning shower in the area in Westside / Downtown

Today will be a shower in spots this morning with low clouds followed by clouds giving way to some sun. There is a 40% chance of rain. The high will be 67 with a low of 46. Showers now, changing to cloudy at 9 a.m.

Looking ahead: Expect rainy weather late Saturday night through Wednesday evening

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Westside / Downtown news

Santa Cruz bartenders competed in a holiday cocktail event at Venus Spirits. Santa Cruz County ranks in GoFundMe’s top 10 for donations, with new local businesses including restaurants, home care, therapy, and more.

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What’s new around you

▼︎ police incidents   ▼︎ events

Read on to see the details about each item…

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Things to do in Westside / Downtown

Add an event to our calendar

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Roadwork is affecting traffic in the region

• A hit and run happened on northbound Highway 17 at El Rancho in the Eastside / Live Oak area. No injuries were reported. The incident was reported today.
   
• A car hit a deer at 6:07 a.m. today on southbound Highway 1 at the Airport Blvd. offramp in Watsonville / Pajaro. Fluids were leaking from the car, and fire services were on the way. No injuries were reported. A tow truck was called and was expected to arrive within 25 minutes.
   
• 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 last until 3:59 p.m. on April 1, 2026.
   

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Community crime report

• A person was arrested for being drunk in public and causing a disturbance. This happened near the 1700 Block of Mission St., Santa Cruz at 1 a.m. on December 15. The person was taken to a recovery center. (source)
   
• A man was given a citation and released for two misdemeanor warrants related to having illegal drugs and drug paraphernalia. The incident happened near the 1400 Block of Ocean St., Santa Cruz at midnight on December 15. (source)
   
• A battery causing serious injury, vandalism under $400, and petty theft were reported near the 300 Block of Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz at 6 p.m. on December 14. (source)
   
• An arrest was made for failing to appear on a felony charge, receiving stolen property, and giving false identification to police. The incident happened near Cedar St. & Locust St. in Santa Cruz at noon on December 14 (source)
   
• A man was cited and arrested for trespassing and interfering with business operations. The incident happened near the 1000 Block of Center St., Santa Cruz, at noon on December 14. (source)
   
• Trespassing, possessing drug paraphernalia, and attempting to destroy or conceal evidence happened near the 1400 Block of Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz at 4 a.m. on December 14. (source)
   
• A person was arrested for an outstanding felony warrant near the 200 Block of Cathcart St., Santa Cruz at 1 a.m. on December 14. (source)
   
• A man was arrested for driving under the influence and not providing proof of insurance. The incident happened near the 1500 Block of Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, at midnight on December 14. (source)
   
• A woman was arrested for being drunk and causing a disturbance in public. The incident happened near the 200 Block of Front St., Santa Cruz at 11 p.m. on December 13. (source)
   
• A battery was reported near the 1000 Block of Pacific Avenue in Santa Cruz at 9 p.m. on December 13. There is limited information about the suspect. (source)
   
• A report of battery against a spouse or dating partner was made near the 200 Block of Button St., Santa Cruz, at 2 p.m. on December 13. (source)
   
• A felony theft was reported involving the grand theft of money, labor, or property near the 100 Block of Blaine St., Santa Cruz. The incident happened at noon on December 13. (source)
   
• A person was arrested for having illegal drug paraphernalia near the 100 Block of Locust St., Santa Cruz at 9 a.m. on December 13. (source)
   
• Grand theft and identity theft were reported near the 600 Block of Riverside Ave., Santa Cruz, at 4 a.m. on December 13. (source)
   
• A property was vandalized near the 200 Block of Button St., Santa Cruz. The incident happened at 3 a.m. on December 13. (source)
   
• A man was arrested for being drunk in public. The incident happened near Cathcart St. at Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, at 1 a.m. on December 13. (source)
   
• Police responded to a case involving possession of illegal paraphernalia and trespassing. The incident happened near the 200 Block of Laurel St., Santa Cruz, at 10 p.m. on December 12. A juvenile was involved. (source)
   
• A battery happened near the 2200 Block of Mission St., Santa Cruz on December 12 at 5 p.m. Police have limited information about the suspect. (source)
   
• A person was arrested for shoplifting and being drunk in public near the 700 Block of Front St., Santa Cruz at 4 p.m. on December 12. (source)
   
• A restraining order was violated near the 200 Block of Bay St., Santa Cruz around noon on December 12. (source)
   

Disclosure: Traffic incidents 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.