Shark Attacks Are Down in CA and Other Facts, Tips You May Have Missed

Shark Week is winding down and Patch has the top shark stories from across California, including recent sightings and useful tips.

Dietary Supplement Marketers Settle With Santa Cruz County Over Deceptive Marketing

Victims of the false advertising should contact the Santa Cruz County District Attorney’s Office Consumer Protection Unit.

Candidate Filing for November Election Begins Monday

Five special districts in Santa Cruz County are holding their elections for board members this November.

Sunday Smiles: Man Walks 645 Miles To Comic-Con in Honor of Late Wife; Amazing Beach Cleanup; Awesome 4th of July Photos

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

2015 San Diego Comic-Con Is Here!

Fans of comic book and pop culture have once again converged to pay homage to their favorite movie and TV characters.

Do Minions Happy Meal Toys Curse?

WTF? Some parents say they clearly hear F-bombs coming from the little potty mouths.

Kids With Fireworks Possibly To Blame For Another Area Fire

This one was Thursday night near Twin Lakes State Beach.

TRAGEDY: Teen, 17, Shot, Killed By Santa Cruz Deputy Allegedly Beat Grandpa, Killed Kitten

The boy was shot after emerging from the Boulder Creek home with a rifle and shotgun, officials said.

EDD Launches New Service to Manage Unemployment Claims

UI Online will be available 24 hours and on also on smartphones and tablets.

MORE On Thursday's Officer-Involved Fatal Shooting In Boulder Creek

The victim reportedly emerged from the home carrying a rifle and a shotgun, law enforcement said.

JUST IN: Man Fatally Shot By Officer In Boulder Creek

The incident began with a disturbance call.

Saturday Is Free Slurpee Day At 7-Eleven Stores In Santa Cruz County

Customers can enjoy a free small Slurpee on July 11.

West Nile Virus On Rise In Bay Area, Throughout California

The state is reporting more cases this year, and the drought could partially be to blame.

Naked Man Arrested In Suspected DUI Hit-and-Run in Santa Cruz

The 51 year old suffered injuries in the crash and is in Dominican Hospital.

Towels In Dryer Set Live Oak Laundromat On Fire

No injuries reported in the Tuesday incident.

How Far Does $100 Go In California?

A new study confirms what many Californians already know.

No Need For A Bigger Boat: Shark Attacks Are Down In California

The truth is the "hazard" on our coasts has dropped by 91 percent since 1950, says a Stanford study. Unless you surf in the fall ...

New Scam Circulating In Santa Cruz County: Don't Fall For It!

Your electric service will NOT be cut off in two hours ...

Suspected Bank Robber Caught Hiding Under Bridge Near San Lorenzo River

The Wells Fargo on River Street in Santa Cruz was held up on Wednesday afternoon, police said.

Hello, Me! Is It Me You're Looking For?

If your own phone number appears on caller ID, Capitola-Soquel, do not pick up! It's a scam.

DMV Makes It A Little Easier To Find Best Appointments In Your Area

The appointment screens now show all nearby offices. (Hey! Anything helps!)

Man Rescued From Surf After Falling From Santa Cruz Cliff Over Holiday Weekend

Rescue crews used night-vision goggle to locate the individual early Sunday morning.

Overloaded With Zucchini, Capitola-Soquel? Here's A Great Recipe For Fritters

It's zucchini season. Need I say more?

New 'Cruz511' Travel Site Launches In Santa Cruz County

The free service provides up-to-the minute traffic, transit, bicycle and pedestrian information for the region.

E-Cigarette Bill Heads To State Capitol Today

SB 140 seeks to have e-cigs regulated as tobacco products and subject to California's smoke-free laws.

Prices Up At Starbucks

Prices were raised Tuesday with increases for coffee items up 5 to 20 cents, according to reports.

4 Teens Arrested For Allegedly Stealing Cars In Santa Cruz County

One led police on a chase to Gilroy early Tuesday morning.

Fireworks Possibly Sparked Three Fires In Santa Cruz County

Fireworks were found in one of the three spots where the fire broke out at Twin Lakes State Beach, officials said.

Santa Cruz Co. Animal Shelter Offers Adoption Specials On All Animals

The shelter currently is brimming with adoptable pets needing homes, particularly since the holiday weekend.

Put On Your Party Hat, Capitola-Soquel: Celebrating 50 Years of Medicare and Medicaid

It’s easy to forget that before 1966, roughly half of all American seniors were uninsured.

Isla de Cedros: Island of Fog. Flora of N.W. Baja California

Photographic tour of flora of a desert island in N.W. Baja California, Mexico

Get Your Capitola-Soquel Kids Cooking This Summer

A beautiful picture book that follows the evolution of one dessert over four centuries.

Post-July 4th Beach Cleanup Nets Nearly 2,000 Pounds Of Trash

The dirtiest sites were near the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.

57th Anniversary For IHOP; 57-Cent Short Stack For You!

The offer is good today from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Pedestrian Killed July 4th In Santa Cruz County

The victim was crossing Main Street in Watsonville when hit by a vehicle.

New Vaccination Snag: Federal Program For Vaccine-Injured Kids Is Failing, Study Says

The Vaccine Injury Compensation Program has not lived up to providing "simple justice" to children injured by vaccines: Stanford professor.

Bay Area Ocean Temperatures Above Historical Average

This could mean bad news for native coastal plants and also increase the likelihood of wildfires.

Sign-Ups Underway For Beautiful 'Race Thru The Redwoods' In Santa Cruz Mountains

Participants limited to 700, so don't delay!

How To Keep Costs Low When Taking Out Conventional Loan.

Mortgage shopping, Capitola-Soquel? Here are the factors that can make a conventional loan much more pricey.

Interested In CHP Patrol Job, Capitola-Soquel? Application Period Opens Today

You have to be fast -- the application period is only open trough Thursday.