UC Santa Cruz welcomes about 6,300 new undergraduate and graduate students this week as the university begins another academic year with total enrollment expected to remain around 20,000. The new school year also brings expanding student housing, including a new two-year housing guarantee for incoming undergraduates.
Today’s Top Story
A significant story with interest across the county
Posted inEducation
Live Oak’s new superintendent has a plan — and it starts with 15 minutes with every teacher
Newly appointed Live Oak School District Superintendent Jennifer Baldwin is launching a major community outreach effort to rebuild stability and craft a five-year strategic plan following years of financial turmoil and leadership turnover.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Watsonville City Council to revisit Flock Safety contract one year after renewal, amid growing community concerns
The Watsonville City Council on Tuesday is scheduled to revisit its contract with Atlanta-based tech company Flock Safety. Councilmember Ari Parker suggested bringing the issue back for a public discussion after hearing concerns from community members.
Posted inEducation
‘I felt like I reset my life’: More Santa Cruz County adults returning to school for a second chance
The Santa Cruz County Office of Education’s free Career Advancement Charter has seen enrollment grow 332% since 2021 as more adults return to school to earn high school diplomas and pursue new career goals. For graduates like Yumi Mondragon and Rebeca Reyes, the program’s flexibility and support have helped them overcome past barriers and continue their education.
Posted inLatest News
Fire reignites at Moss Landing battery plant; Monterey County officials issue shelter-in-place order
Residents near the Moss Landing battery plant were under a shelter-in-place order after a fire erupted at the facility early Friday morning.
Posted inBusiness & Technology
County housing market remains steady as Federal Reserve hikes interest rates
Santa Cruz County’s housing market stayed the course in August, with more homes coming on the market and sales dipping only slightly. Real estate agents expect plenty of sales through the fall, but mortgage advisors and real estate experts alike are keeping a close eye on the Federal Reserve, which hiked interest rates by a quarter-percent on Wednesday.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Walk on the wild side at the fair? CHP’s ‘beer goggles’ mimic the effects of drinking and driving
Amid the hubbub of the Santa Cruz County Fair, the California Highway Patrol is using impairment simulation goggles to show fairgoers the potentially deadly effects of driving under the influence.
Posted inArts & Entertainment
‘Music is in my blood’: Santana singer Andy Vargas returns to Watsonville for Santa Cruz County Fair performance with his dad
Santana’s lead singer, Andy Vargas, will return to his hometown of Watsonville to perform at the Santa Cruz County Fair on Friday night. His father, celebrated mariachi musician Javier Vargas, will join him onstage.
Posted inBusiness & Technology
This week in Santa Cruz County business: New executive director of Volunteer Center sets out his goals; Joby embarks on national tour
In her weekly look at local business, Jessica M. Pasko reports on Shawn Peterson’s focus as he takes over the Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County from Karen Delaney, Joby Aviation’s electric aircraft taking to the skies in Texas and more.
Posted inFood & Drink
The martini is having a moment. Here’s where to drink one in Santa Cruz County
The martini is having a national resurgence, and Santa Cruz County bartenders are embracing the classic cocktail with riffs featuring olive oil, tomato brine, bonito flakes and wine-based spirits. This guide highlights six standout local martinis, each paired with a complementary dish, and offers a look at how bartenders are using the drink’s simple formula to create new expressions.
