A Santa Cruz court heard testimony this week from law enforcement officials who investigated the December disappearance of Capitola resident Alice “Alyx” Herrmann, with detectives from the East Bay and Capitola describing their interactions with Theobald “Theo” Lengyel, her former boyfriend who will now stand trial on charges of murder, burglary and auto theft.
Today’s Top Story
A significant story with interest across the county
Posted inLatest News
2024 point-in-time count: Seniors and behavioral health still big concerns amid improvements among families and vets
This year’s point-in-time count showed similar levels of homelessness across Santa Cruz County compared to 2023. While the situation improved among families, youth and veterans, homelessness rose among older adults. Those currently unhoused reported more mental illness and substance use disorders as well.
Posted inLatest News
Grand jury blasts mental health care at county jail; sheriff calls report ‘most factually inaccurate’ he’s seen
The Santa Cruz County Civil Grand Jury’s latest report takes aim at the county jails’ mental health crisis. County Sheriff Jim Hart sharply criticized the report and denied his office violated state law in connection with the watchdog body’s request to speak to inmates.
Posted inHousing & Development
Insurance concerns loom large in Santa Cruz County, even in a hot housing market
The Santa Cruz County housing market stayed hot in May, as expected as summer rolls around. However, insurance concerns remain at the forefront of buyers’ minds, and both real estate agents and mortgage lenders have begun discussing insurance options right away, rather than leaving it as a secondary matter.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Roads are squeezed as Santa Cruz County passes a ‘survival budget’
Santa Cruz County will put more than $83 million into its road network this year, including tens of millions dedicated to lingering storm repairs. However, a new report from the county’s civil grand jury says that number is a fraction of what is needed.
Posted inFood & Drink
This Boulder Creek hot dog stand serves the only true Chicago dog in Santa Cruz County
The owners of River Dogs of Boulder Creek had to attend Vienna Beef’s Hot Dog University before the famed Chicago company would allow them to sell its all-beef hot dogs. But it was worth it, say Paul Faraone and Chris McCann, who now sell the only “real deal” Chicago dog in Central California. Last week, River Dogs established a satellite location for the summer at Humble Sea Brewing’s beer garden on the Santa Cruz Wharf.
Posted inHousing & Development
Clocktower developer: ‘It’s not possible’ for politics to stop housing project that could rise to nearly 200 feet
Local developer Workbench formally introduced its ambitious proposal for the Clocktower Center to the community in a virtual meeting Wednesday. The 16-story, 260-unit vision for the project would reset the potential development intensity in Santa Cruz County.
Posted inEducation
Facing backlash, UCSC chancellor defends police raid on protesters as ‘necessary decision’
UC Santa Cruz Chancellor Cynthia Larive defended her decision to call in police to clear a pro-Palestine encampment, saying it was necessary to maintain campus safety even as she faces a backlash from some of the school’s faculty and students.
Posted inRecreation & Sports
Where graduating Santa Cruz County student-athletes will play sports in college
In his final roundup of the 2023-24 academic year, Thomas Frey looks at where Santa Cruz County stars across the high school sports landscape will be continuing their careers at the next level.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
The man standing between Santa Cruz County and $10 million in new sales tax funds
Santa Cruz County’s Measure K was meant to bring in millions of new sales tax revenue, a bright spot in a looming budget crisis. However, a new lawsuit from Boulder Creek resident Bruce Holloway has thrown that money into limbo.