More than 35,000 Santa Cruz County residents could lose access to federal food assistance in November as the ongoing government shutdown halts CalFresh payments, leaving families and students scrambling for support.
Today’s Top Story
A significant story with interest across the county
Posted inEducation
Watsonville High student was suspended previously for fighting, aggressive behavior before Oct. 23 attacks
A Watsonville High School student arrested in last week’s assault had previously been suspended for fighting and was already facing possible expulsion for aggressive behavior, according to district and union officials.
Posted inEducation
Tutus, swim caps and accountability: Inside Shoreline Middle School’s beloved principal duo
At Shoreline Middle School, Principal Colleen Martin and Assistant Principal Melissa Nix have built a rare, enduring partnership that blends accountability, empathy and humor — earning them a reputation as the school’s “dream team.”
Posted inLatest News
Carmageddon: Final train report, Capitola Ave. bridge nears reopening, next steps for Grand Ave. pathway
The Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission published its final passenger rail concept report, setting up a crucial December discussion; meanwhile, the Capitola Avenue bridge is set to reopen by year’s end, and an update on the crumbling Grand Avenue pathway on Depot Hill.
Posted inArts & Entertainment
Experimental music and avant-garde art finds a home at Indexical
At 10 years old, the arts nonprofit Indexical is not only drawing consistent audiences to adventurous and avant-garde music, it’s taking its place in Santa Cruz County’s long, honorable tradition of supporting cutting-edge experimental music.
Posted inLatest News
Three injured in two Watsonville High attacks Thursday morning
Three people — two students and a staff member — were injured in two related attacks, including a stabbing, at Watsonville High School on Thursday morning, authorities said. Four students, ages 14 to 16, were arrested and face multiple felony charges, while police continue investigating possible motives and any links to a recent on-campus gun arrest.
Posted inLatest News
As day center set to close, unhoused residents worry about a future without showers, mail and phone charging
Replacing the showers, mailroom, charging plugs and other services that Santa Cruz homelessness nonprofit Housing Matters plans to end in March will be a tall task, due to funding shortages and a lack of space for such an operation.
Posted inFood & Drink
In aging Santa Cruz County, a free seniors lunch draws a cross-generational crowd in search of affordable meals and social connection
In the past five years, Grey Bears’ free hot lunch program in Santa Cruz has grown from serving a few dozen volunteers to feeding up to 300 people a day, as more residents turn to the nonprofit for food and connection amid rising costs and isolation.
Posted inLatest News
Santa Cruz city workers to vote on strike authorization amid staffing concerns and claims of harassment
Santa Cruz city workers will vote Tuesday on whether to strike amid ongoing contract talks. They are asking for higher pay that matches other Bay Area cities and more workers to fill empty positions.
Posted inLatest News
After CZU destroyed their home, their insurance soared more than 600%. A new proposal could push it even higher
Santa Cruz Mountains residents still recovering from the CZU wildfires face a new looming crisis as the FAIR Plan — California’s fire insurer of last resort — proposes rate increases as high as 50% for homeowners in some fire-prone areas. That has left many residents fearing they can no longer afford to stay.