Should All Companies Offer Longer Paid Leave for New Parents

Los Gatos-based Netflix set off a nationwide conversation Tuesday when it announced generous paid leave for new moms and dads.

$1.7 Million Illegal Marijuana Grow Raided In Santa Cruz Mountains: Police

Deputies said confiscated, along with the plants, were ammunition and cash.

Cotoni-Coast Dairies in Santa Cruz Co. Could Fall Under Coastal Monument Proposal

The California Coastal National Monument Expansion Act was introduced by U.S. Senators Barbara Boxer and Dianne Feinstein.

Legal Experts Weigh in on College Campus Handling of Sexual Violence Complaints

There are about three times the complaints in comparison to the 1980s, yet roughly half the staff to handle the complaints.

Fire Crews From Southern States Enroute To CA Help Battle Our Blazes

And support via Twitter from France to our brave firefighters!

Homemade Guns a Growing Threat in Northern California

The so-called 'ghost guns' have no serial numbers and can be assembled using parts ordered online, with instructional videos on YouTube.

Choking Hazard Prompts Recall Of Kraft Cheese Singles

The plastic could stick to the cheese slice and cause choking.

Startups Can Compete For $300K In Award Money With 'primeUC'

Got an idea for technology related to therapeutics, consumer health, medical devices or diagnostics? Money is available.

Palo Alto Festival of the Arts

Open air gallery takes over University Avenue

CA Health Officials Warn Of Potentially Fatal 'Valley Fever'

Several cases reported in nearby Monterey County.

Voting Rights To Be Restored For Low-Level Offenders in CA

Participation in elections can be important factor in helping former offenders reintegrate into civil society, Secretary of State said.

Suspect Sought For Snapping Photos Of Girl, 7, Showering In Santa Cruz

The child was rinsing off at a public shower near the SC Wharf, police said.

'Beatles' Coming To Santa Cruz Stage

The Marina High School string quartet will join the cast on stage for five songs.

Dear Parents: Middle- And High-Schoolers' Stress Is Very Real

For many, the pressure to do it all -- and do it all well -- is taking its toll. Simple changes can be key, researchers report.

A Book for Your Daughter (Keep 'Em Reading This Summer!)

A story with a fearless heroine, based on the first female detective at the Pinkerton Detective Agency!

Celebrate 50th Anniversary Of Voting Rights Act In Santa Cruz County

The 1965 VRA ensured voting rights of African-Americans and all citizens. Many Santa Cruz Co. residents risked their lives for the cause.

What Should We Know About Alzheimer's Disease?

Stanford expert explains the causes, onset, progression and treatment of the disease that affects more women than men.

For Those Interested: Cold-Water Survival Class Coming Up

Eighteen-hour workshop is set for October. Very useful for boaters and commercial fisherman.

Booze By Mail? It Could Happen

A Bay Area congresswoman is proposing the repeal of a Prohibition-era ban shipping alcohol through the mail.

Captured on Camera: Dramatic Moments from California's Wildfires

Photos from residents, firefighters and local photographers document the devastation caused by our most recent wildfires.

Thousands Of Job Openings Posted In California Over The Past Week

Need a new job? Check out the Patch Jobs Board in your town for the newest listings.

Don't Be The One Who Asks For A Fork! Here's How To Use Chopsticks

The only tutorial you will ever need.

Sunday Smiles: Garlic Champ; Porchfest; Nation's First Vegetarian Drive-Thru

Need a break from bad news? Here are a few of our favorite uplifting headlines and photos from Northern California Patch sites.

How To Post Your Event or Announcement on Capitola-Soquel Patch

And how to stay on top of what's happening in your town with our free newsletter and breaking news alerts.

Governor Declares State Of Emergency In Response To Wildfires

Resources are strained as 8,000 firefighters are battling nearly two dozen fires around the state.

How Do California Schools Rank Compare to the Rest of the Nation?

A new study by a financial advice company may surprise you.

VIDEO REVIEW: Is "Rogue Nation" Tom Cruise's Last 'Mission: Impossible'?

Tom Cruise’s superspy Ethan Hunt is back in “Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation.”

Need A Job? Caltrans is Hiring

Most are permanent, full-time positions, with openings throughout the state. See the list!

Citizen Science

Beneath the Waves

Learn To Pack A Healthy, Easy School Lunch At Local Market

Whole Foods is hosting free family events in August and September.

Richest Bay Area Households Earn 31.5 Times More Than Poorest

Income Inequality in Bay Area Exceeds National Levels, Research Institute Finds.

Blue Moon 2015: When To See The First Since 2012

The next one will be an even bigger milestone.

15-Year-Old Murder Suspect Makes First Court Appearance

Adrian Jerry Gonzalez did not enter a plea to death, kidnapping and sexual assault of "Maddy" Middleton, 8, in Santa Cruz.

Hydrogen Refueling Stations Coming To Peninsula, South Bay

Air quality district approved $2.2M for 12 additional stations throughout Bay Area. Currently there are three.

Scotts Valley Art, Wine, Beer Festival Is Almost Here

And the Watsonville Strawberry Festival is this weekend!

Funny Ladies

Musings & Memoirs from Hilarious Women

Permission to Grieve When Your Children Go Away to College

When our children leave the nest, it is okay to grieve!

14 Wildfires Now Raging Throughout California: SEE LIST, PHOTOS

#RockyFire began Wednesday in Lake Co. and already at 8,000 acres. Triple-digit temps making things worse.

Adrian Gonzalez: Photos, Details On Maddy Middleton's Accused Killer From 'Heavy'

The 15 year old faces adult charges of suspected murder, kidnap and sexual assault.

U.S. Attorney Melinda Haag To Leave Northern CA Post

Her successor must be appointed by President Obama and confirmed by the Senate. Her investigations and litigations included Santa Cruz Co.