Sumit Rai, the father of Nathaniel Rai, the 10-year-old boy from Texas who nearly drowned this weekend at Seabright Beach amongst rough ocean conditions, said he’s been trying to reach out to Ryder Williams, the lifeguard who saved his son, so he can thank him personally. Rai said Williams should get every honor and medal possible for his bravery.
Latest News
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Immigration advocates offer insight, impact of U.S. ruling on TPS
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in late June that the Department of Homeland Security has more authority to end temporary protected status for certain countries without facing interference from lower federal courts. Local immigration advocates say the ruling has led to more fear among immigrants under TPS.
Posted inArts & Entertainment
Here’s everything you need to know about this weekend’s Watsonville Strawberry Festival
The annual Strawberry Festival returns to the streets of downtown Watsonville this weekend; here’s everything you need to know.
Posted inLatest News
Viral Seabright beach rescue: Trump invites 16-year-old Santa Cruz lifeguard to White House
A Santa Cruz teen lifeguard saved a 10-year-old boy from rough waters this past weekend at Seabright State Beach, and a video of the rescue went viral. President Donald Trump has since invited the teen and his family to the White House to receive what he called a “high civilian honor” via Truth Social.
Posted inLatest News
Hurricane Fausto pushing dangerous conditions this weekend to Pacific Coast, including rip currents and sneaker waves
A beach hazards statement will be in effect from Saturday morning through Tuesday afternoon for beaches along the Pacific Coast, including Santa Cruz County, warning that Hurricane Fausto could generate dangerous ocean conditions that could sweep people off their feet and pull them into the water.
Posted inLatest News
Police identify victim, suspect in fatal Capitola Mall stabbing
Capitola police and the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office identified the victim in Monday’s fatal stabbing outside the Capitola Mall as Rachell Summers, 73, of Capitola. On Tuesday, the law enforcement agencies also identified the suspect as Tyler Leibelt, 19, of Santa Cruz, who remains in custody.
Posted inEducation
Pajaro Valley Unified school board renews school resource officer contracts
Pajaro Valley Unified School District renewed contracts this week with local law enforcement agencies to provide on-campus officers at Aptos High, Watsonville High and Pajaro Valley High.
Posted inFood & Drink
Homeless Garden Project clears final roadblock to owning Natural Bridges Farm
Homeless Garden Project cleared the final major regulatory hurdle to purchasing the 4-acre Natural Bridges Farm it has leased on Santa Cruz’s Westside for three decades, paving the way for the nonprofit to establish the first permanent home in its 36-year history.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
In wake of national ICE traffic stop deaths, Santa Cruzans gather in grief and protest on Ocean Street
Driven by a rise in national ICE-involved deaths, Santa Cruz community members gathered Monday evening to honor two men killed during separate traffic stops over the past week. Organizers said the vigil is part of an ongoing effort to stand in solidarity with those targeted by aggressive immigration enforcement.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
‘Where are we supposed to go?’: Watsonville’s new camping ban deepens anxiety for unhoused residents
For eight years, 58-year-old farmworker Alejandro Garcia has struggled to find a safe place to sleep in Watsonville. His anxiety is now compounding as the city implements new rules that ban camping along rivers and sloughs, allowing crews to clear encampments without warning.
