Sam Farr Uses Facebook to Support Nature Protection

The Pacific Crest Trail needs the protection of Congress.

Sam Farr's Seat Cost over $730K

Find out how much Rep. Sam Farr's campaign cost compared to the average.

New Community Development Director Will Earn $123K Salary

Richard Grunow has been hired as Capitola's new community development director.

New Law to Address Cancer Detection for Women with Dense Breast Tissue

Dense breast tissue makes cancer more difficult to detect on a mammogram, and it increases a woman's risk of cancer, according to cancer specialists.

Mark Stone: Register for Transitional Kindergarten Now

The assemblyman sent out a reminder for parents to get their kids signed up.

Paper Bag Fee Increases in Soquel and Aptos

Business in unincorporated Santa Cruz County have started charging 25¢ for paper bags.

Dominican ER Wait is Shorter than Watsonville

A federal Medicare database shows how two of the three major hospitals in Santa Cruz County compare for emergency care.

City Council Preview: Capitola's Reserve May Increase

Capitola City Council meets at 7 p.m. March 14.

Capitola's Assemblyman Stone to talk Massive California Poverty

A new census tool reveals that poverty in California is out of control.

Public Casket Viewing for Fallen Officers Scheduled Wednesday in Santa Cruz

The viewing walkthrough is planned from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. March 6 at Santa Cruz Memorial, 1927 Ocean St.

City Council Votes For a Review of Any New Gun Dealership

The Capitola City Council voted 4-1 for a regulation requiring a gun dealership council review and use permit process.

Capitola Sex Offenders Mapped Online: Local Details on Megan's Law Website

Visitors to a state-operated website site who acknowledge the disclaimer are able to search individual communities and click on specific locations to reveal names and addresses.

City Council Considering Ban on New Gun Dealers, Putting New Rules on Tobacco Sellers

The proposed gun control law would limit the number of public firearms dealers that can do business in Capitola and ban gun shows.

Santa Cruz County Will Lose $8.7 Million in Defense Spending

Sequestration seems inevitable and Santa Cruz County will feel some of the effect.

City Council Getting Good News on the Budget

The mid-year budget report shows promising income trends and some unexpected bills.

Capitola Police Chief Seeks To Ban Gun Shows, Start Gun-Buyback Program

At Wednesday's City Council meeting, Police Chief Rudy Escalante voiced the ways Capitola could be made safer.

City Council Will Consider Stiffer Tobacco Regulations and St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Council is also expected to ratify the completion of the Noble Gulch Pipeline Repair Project.

Assemblymember Stone To Chair Select Committee on Coastal Protection

Mark Stone, whose district includes Capitola and Soquel, will help lead the public conversation about coastal protection.

Lawmaker, Earthquake Scientists Call for Statewide Early-Warning System

The initial cost estimate of $80 million would help pay for ground sensors and relays that could provide text and mobile alerts in the event of a quake on the San Andreas Fault near Capitola and Soquel.

Speak Up: Would You Pay a Tax to Help Soquel Schools?

The school board is considering a special election for locals to vote on a parcel tax.

Capitola Earns ‘D’ for Its Tobacco Policies

The state of California also received failing grades from the American Lung Association.

City Council Will Talk Taller Village Buildings and Renewable Energy

City could receive higher percentage of energy from renewable resources under proposed new program.

Walgreens Settles Lawsuit Over Pricing Discrepancies, Will Pay $1.4 Million

The retailer agreed to terms after being sued by district attorneys in four Northern California counties.

Postage Rates Increase This Month

But a new stamp will allow customers to mail letters anywhere in the world for one set price of $1.10.

PG&E To Charge Ratepayers For More Than Half of $2.2 Billion Pipeline Project

The approval angered officials from San Bruno, where a pipeline explosion killed eight people in 2010.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement Seek Suspected Child Porn Producer

The unidentified woman's photos have been posted online, to Facebook and Twitter by investigators who hope the images go viral, according to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Capitola City Council Bans Plastic Bags

The ordinance will become law 90 days after a second reading by the city council.

Capitola Plastic Bag Ban Sees Major Support

The list of organizations behind the plastic bag ban in Capitola is extensive. The ban will be discussed at Thursday's meeting of the Capitola City Council.

Ellen Pirie Steps Down as County Supervisor Tuesday

Pirie, who will be succeeded by Zach Friend, leaves her positions after 12 years.

VIDEO: Ed Bottorff Sworn into Capitola City Council

Bottorff officially won one of two council spots on Dec. 5, when all late results were counted.

Riverview Drive Parking Now Free, No Permits Required

All but the 300 block of Riverview Drive in Capitola is free and unlimited.

Ag Rakes in Most State Subsidies in Santa Cruz County

Five cents of every dollar in the state budget goes to incentive programs in California, a new study by the New York Times shows.

Report: Youth Crime Drops in Santa Cruz County

Youth crime is at an all-time low at the statewide level, according to a new study.

City Council Shake-up Set for Dec. 5

The council will appoint new members, say goodbye to at least one and name a new mayor.

Calling Capitola Citizens: City Committees Need You

There are openings on eight different Capitola committees and commissions that need to be filled.

McDonald's Drive-thru On City Council Menu

Two local residents opposed the proposal citing increased traffic and noise especially late at night.

Capitola-Soquel Elections Uncertain with Uncounted Ballots

Over 30,000 ballots are left to be counted, leaving local races like the Capitola City Council and Measure O too close to call. The Soquel Elementary School Board appears set, though.

Over 30,000 Uncounted Ballots Remain in Santa Cruz County

Many races are still too close to call with so many ballots not yet accounted for.

Where Do I Vote in Capitola, Soquel and Aptos?

Don't forget to vote! Find your poll location and ballot summary in Santa Cruz County.

Survey: Biologists Say 'No' on GMO Labels Proposition 37

Patch contacted eight biologists at California universities to get their opinion on Proposition 37. Seven of the eight urged a 'no' vote on the measure.