Santa Cruz County

82 contract COVID-19 at Capitola nursing facility

Pacific Coast Manor said Thursday that 48 residents and 34 staff members have tested positive for the coronavirus since the pandemic began in March.

5 days ago

Stolen Bigfoot statue found along road in Santa Cruz County

“He was a little banged up but will be returned to his rightful place at the Bigfoot Discovery Museum."

November 12

Nonprofit offers wildfire victims free photo shoots to create new memories

A nonprofit is helping survivors of Northern California fires by offering free family photo shoots.

November 11

Bigfoot missing: Sheriff's office reports statues stolen from museum

"Keep your eyes peeled for Bigfoot!" Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office warned on their Facebook page Wednesday.

November 11

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk could be 1st amusement park in California to reopen

They'll also have to restrict visitors to people who live in Santa Cruz County.

October 28

Santa Cruz County supervisors pass CZU Fire debris cleanup ordinance

County supervisors unanimously passed a debris cleanup ordinance that establishes government and private programs to help residents clear hazardous ash and soil before rebuilding their property.

October 21

Federal contractors dispose of toxic materials in CZU fire debris removal

Federal contractors are half way through the first phase of removing debris from areas in Santa Cruz and San Mateo counties scorched by the CZU Lightning Complex Fire.

October 20

COVID-19 outbreak kills 9 at Watsonville nursing facility

Skilled nursing facilities were hotspots of COVID-19 infection during the early months of the pandemic. Residents are usually elderly and have a variety of health problems that put them at greater risk of getting a serious case of the coronavirus.

October 8

Online map available for CZU Lighting Complex Fire debris removal

Residents with property losses or damage are advised to verify that their address is included in the map.

October 4

Santa Cruz County breweries collaborate on beer for a good cause

Sierra Nevada Brewing Company in Chico released a similar fundraiser beer after the 2018 Camp Fire.

September 24

CZU Lightning Complex Fire is 100% contained, but not controlled

After more than a month of burning, Cal Fire officials announced Tuesday evening that the CZU Lightning Complex incident is 100% contained. However, officials were quick to point out, that does not necessarily mean controlled.

September 22

Santa Cruz County correctional officer suspected of sexual relationship with inmate arrested

Correctional Officer Jessica Smith, 31, was arrested on suspicion of sexual activity with an inmate, assault by a public officer and unauthorized computer access, the sheriff's office said in a news release.

September 7

CZU Lighting Complex Fire 64 percent contained

As of Saturday night, the fire has destroyed 925 residences and 90 residences have sustained damage.

September 6

Santa Cruz County correctional officer arrested for having sex with inmate

Correctional Officer Jessica Smith was arrested and booked into the Main Jail.

September 5

CZU fire more destructive than 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake

At last check, the fire has destroyed more than 925 homes. Past and present Santa Cruz County Supervisors are not surprised the numbers rival that of the Loma Prieta earthquake and like the earthquake, rebuilding could take years.

September 3

National Guard arrives to help firefighters battle CZU Lightning Complex Fire

"We have a number of guard crews that have been on year-round and have been trained and divvied out to specific units of Cal Fire to do fuel mitigation work and reduce the fuels," Cal Fire Battalion Chief Mark Brunton said during a Monday morning update on Twitter.

August 31