Damage to several of the “tiny homes” under construction at an outdoor shelter in Watsonville has delayed its opening. Monterey County officials say they still hope to move unhoused residents in this month.
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Independent study reveals heavy metals near Elkhorn Slough after Moss Landing fire
A study from researchers at San Jose State University’s Moss Landing Marine Laboratories estimates that nearly 55,000 pounds of heavy metals were dumped into soil near Elkhorn Slough following January’s Moss Landing battery fire. It’s the first independent study of the fire’s impacts published in a scientific journal.
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State Parks burning brush piles in mountain parks until April to reduce fire risk
About 400 piles are scheduled to be burned throughout Big Basin Redwoods State Park, Castle Rock State Park and Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, including the Fall Creek Unit, between now and April.
Posted inHealth & Wellness
Watsonville Community Hospital continues search for financial partners; CEO says decision is still months away
Watsonville Community Hospital CEO Stephen Gray says the search for a financial partner is ongoing, with the hospital still months away from a decision. He also told Lookout that the hospital is still recovering from the costs of a cyberattack last year.
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Watsonville chief of police arrests alleged gang member
Watsonville Interim Police Chief David Rodriguez stepped away from his usual administrative and managerial duties last week to arrest an alleged gang member carrying a backpack with a gun, drugs and ammunition inside, according to a police statement on social media.
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Beach hazards, coastal flood advisory in effect this week for Santa Cruz County
A beach hazards statement is in effect through 10 p.m. Wednesday due to an increased risk for strong sneaker waves and rip currents, and the National Weather Service also issued a coastal flood advisory from 6 a.m. Tuesday to 3 p.m. Sunday due to king tides, which are the highest tides of the year.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
ICE has visited Santa Cruz County at least 13 times since July, records show
In the past five months, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents have visited Santa Cruz County at least 13 times, according to documents from the county sheriff and Watsonville police.
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Trio of small earthquakes rattles Santa Cruz County
A trio of earthquakes centered just east of Gilroy was felt throughout the area at 6:16 a.m. on Wednesday morning, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.
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Encompass Community Services to stop Head Start child care program after over 40 years
Santa Cruz County nonprofit Encompass Community Services announced Tuesday that it was stopping the Head Start and Early Head Start programs, but did not rule out resuming operations in the future. The organization has run Head Start locally since 1983.
Posted inArts & Entertainment
Pianist Benny Green takes the stage alongside UC Santa Cruz Jazz Big Band on Dec. 7
The UC Santa Cruz Jazz Big Band is holding a concert on Dec. 7 at the Music Center Recital Hall, with guest artist Benny Green under the direction of UCSC music lecturer Charles Hamilton.