Avian Flu Detected in California Elephant Seals
Outbreak marks first cases of HPAI H5N1 in northern elephant seals
Surfers Rescue Family from Capsized Boat in Santa Cruz
Deadly Bird Flu Outbreak Hits California Elephant Seals
Politics
Santa Clara County Limits Flock Safety Surveillance Cameras
Supervisors amend policies to restrict license plate reader technology in three South Bay cities

Santa Cruz County ICE Watchdog Sees Surge in Volunteer Interest
Rapid response group experiences spike in training registrations amid growing community concern over federal immigration enforcement tactics.
Santa Cruz Residents Debate Housing, Climate, and Rail Plans
Letters to the editor address growth, environmental responsibility, and the future of transportation in the county.
Weather
Downed Tree Closes Thurber Lane in Santa Cruz County
Power lines affected as crews work to clear the area

Skateboarder uses umbrella to stay dry during Santa Cruz rain
Wet weather expected to continue through the weekend with possible thunderstorms on Tuesday.
Santa Cruz County state parks to close due to heavy rain and wind
Several parks will be shuttered on Tuesday as weather conditions worsen
Entertainment
Ambrosia Brings Diverse Crowd to Felton Music Hall Anniversary Show
Veteran soft rock band Ambrosia celebrates 45 years with concert in Santa Cruz mountains

Cuban Jazz Artists Omar Sosa and Yilian Cañizares Bring 'Aguas' to Kuumbwa Jazz
The duo's spiritually grounded jazz project combines Cuban, African, and global influences.
Lol Tolhurst Launches 2026 Legends Live & Local in Santa Cruz
Founding member of The Cure joins local bands for the launch of new music mentorship series
Automotive
Car Fire Closes Highway 1 near Aptos
Incident prompts traffic delays on Friday night

Hyundai Discontinues Innovative Santa Cruz Compact Pickup
The automaker shifts focus to a larger mid-size truck model, raising questions about the future of the compact truck segment.
Caltrans to Reduce Speed Limits on Highway 9 from Santa Cruz to Boulder Creek
The statewide transportation agency cites safety and traffic flow concerns for the speed limit adjustments along the winding, mountainous corridor.
Science
Fungi Enthusiasts Seek to Protect Rare and Overlooked Species
Citizen scientists play a key role in documenting fungal diversity and conservation efforts in the U.S.

Fungi Enthusiasts Uncover Rare Species, Highlighting Need for Conservation
Citizen scientists play key role in documenting fungal diversity and threats
Curious Santa Cruz Sea Otter Becomes Local Celebrity
Otter 841 helps educate residents on coastal conservation efforts.