The board of supervisors voted Tuesday to direct county administrators to oppose taking in sexually violent predators in Santa Cruz County until state law is amended to give local jurisdictions more power in the decision-making process. The move will have no impact on the case of Michael Cheek, a man diagnosed as a sexually violent predator, whose placement in Bonny Doon is facing opposition from residents.
Santa Cruz
‘Nothing has introduced more people to surfing than the Boogie Board’: Tom Morey opened the waves to the masses
A lifelong dreamer and tinkerer, Tom Morey created a stubby, lightweight bodyboard that changed beach culture forever. The Boogie Board delighted millions and enraged purists who suddenly found their favorite breaks as crowded as a freeway. Morey died last week at 86.
Seeking more stability, better pay, UCSC lecturers inch toward strike after UC offer: ‘It’s not an adequate proposal’
Lecturers across the University of California system, including at UC Santa Cruz, organized rallies last week following UC management’s latest contract proposal. After reaching a bargaining impasse and authorizing a strike in June, lecturers believe the UC has more to bring to the table.
Looking beyond Mills: Leaders, activists speak about what they want in next Santa Cruz police chief
After Santa Cruz Police Chief Andy Mills announced his resignation last week, discussions have kicked into high gear among politicians and activists about what qualities his successor should have.
WALLACE BAINE: On the anniversary of the ’89 quake, imagining a Santa Cruz where it never happened
While it would not be right to think of the 1989 Loma Prieta quake as a “blessing,” it’s worth considering the ways in which downtown Santa Cruz was re-envisioned — and whether that would’ve ever happened without the natural disaster.
The third rail of Santa Cruz County politics: Electric streetcar steps into the political transit fray
A demonstration of an electric streetcar in Watsonville on Saturday was decried by Supervisor Manu Koenig, who said the idea was not a viable transit option. Coast Futura representatives, who are running the multi-week event, said it is just a demonstration to gauge community interest, and not connected to proposals TIG/m, the manufacturer of the streetcar, has with the regional transit authority.
Halloween will return to downtown Santa Cruz, but not in full street party fashion
After being canceled in 2020, Halloween festivities are coming back downtown. Unlike previous years, roads will remain open to mitigate large gatherings, and facial coverings are recommended. Santa Cruz police will also bring back safety enhancement zones with triple fine penalties.
LILY BELLI: Eaters Digest checks in on Bread Boy’s return, 11th Hour’s expansion and Pana’s chowable arepas
Your weekly guide to news and events in the Santa Cruz County food and drink world, featuring news and reviews about S.C. Bread Boy, 11th Hour Coffee, Soif, Pana Food Truck and the Kitchen at Santa Adarius Santa Cruz Portal.
‘A costly mistake’ or still moving forward? After council rejection, future of 831 Water St. remains in flux
While the fate of Santa Cruz’s first SB 35 project could be legal entanglements for the city, there are signs that the developer might be working to satisfy the concerns raised by the city council on Tuesday.
BOLO Best Bets: Open Studios’ final weekend; local music and writing talent in the spotlight
Your place to go for things to do in Santa Cruz County.

