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.
Today’s Top Story
A significant story with interest across the county
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.
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.
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.
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.
Dozens arrested as police descend on pro-Palestine encampment at UCSC
By Friday morning, roughly 100 police officers from as far away as Modesto, Sacramento and San Francisco, along with officers from the Santa Cruz Police Department and California Highway Patrol, remained on campus Friday morning as about 200 protesters continued to block access to the school’s main entrance. UCSC said about 80 protesters had been arrested.
Santa Cruz County housing market takes another leap as summer draws closer
Santa Cruz County’s housing market saw another jump in activity in April, picking up where it left off following a March surge. Sales and prices rose in April compared to March, and homes were on the market for less time than they were a year ago. Local real estate agents say this time of the […]
Protesters blockade UCSC entrances as classes head back online through Thursday
Pro-Palestine protesters blocked both entrances to the UC Santa Cruz campus on Tuesday, continuing their monthslong push for UCSC to divest from weapons-manufacturing companies and cut ties with organizations associated with Israel. The university sent out a statement Tuesday evening, saying that instruction will be online through at least Thursday.
With few options under California’s new housing reality, Santa Cruz neighbors, city council gird for vote on Food Bin project
Neighbors disagree with the project, and city councilmembers have criticized developer Workbench’s approach to the five-story, 59-unit redevelopment of the Food Bin. But neither is likely to stand in the way of the project in California’s new era of state-mandated housing development.
One of Santa Cruz’s most recognizable Victorian houses hits the market on the Westside
A historic, unique painted lady Victorian house is for sale for the first time in nearly 50 years. George Ow Jr. and his wife, Gail Michaelis-Ow, have owned it since 1975, but the home has stood at its Highland Avenue location since the late 1800s, withstanding two massive earthquakes and many drastic changes within the Santa Cruz community.

