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🌱 Patch AM: How close is Felton’s new pump track to becoming reality?

Happening soon: Illusive Comics' Free Comic Book Day on the Santa Cruz Patch calendar

Saturday May 2nd Patch AM (Patch graphic)

Hello Santa Cruz! Stay connected with the latest updates from around town. Let's dive in! ☀️

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In today's newsletter:

  • How close is Felton’s new pump track to becoming reality?
  • How will Santa Cruz County’s new $1.29 billion budget affect you?
  • Could a strike be coming to Santa Cruz’s top‑ranked charter school?

Also on today's calendar: Illusive Comics' Free Comic Book Day and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: What dries when it gets wet? 🤔 (Answer below!)


From our Partner Today's Santa Cruz Patch AM is brought to you in part by T-Mobile. After investing billions to light up their network from big cities to small towns, T-Mobile is America's best mobile network in the US, according to Ookla Speedtest. We thank T-Mobile for their support in helping to keep communities like ours connected and for making today's Santa Cruz Patch AM possible. Find a T-Mobile store near Santa Cruz.


Weather forecast:

  • Saturday: Low clouds breaking, with a high of 67 and low of 51 degrees.
  • Sunday: Cool with low clouds breaking, temps: high: 62, low: 50.
  • Monday: Cool with periods of sun, with a high of 63 and low of 52 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Felton pump track project breaks ground after years of joint effort - Press Banner (pressbanner.com) — A new pump track is finally under construction at Felton Covered Bridge Park, backed by Santa Cruz County Parks and Santa Cruz Mountains Trail Stewardship, with opening expected later this summer. Organizers still need about $50,000 and are inviting Santa Cruz County residents to help fund and later celebrate this kid-focused outdoor space, similar in size to the Harvey West pump track in Santa Cruz.    

2. Santa Cruz County unveils $1.29 billion proposed budget for coming fiscal year (santacruzsentinel.com) — Santa Cruz County is proposing a $1.29 billion budget that plugs a $23 million deficit with reserves, vacant-position cuts, and a hiring freeze while warning of deeper gaps ahead. Health and human services face the biggest strain from federal H.R. 1 cuts, and officials are urging state help plus new local revenue ideas. Residents can weigh in at Tuesday’s 9 a.m. Board of Supervisors budget hearing at 701 Ocean St. or via Zoom.    

3. Pacific Collegiate School teachers rally for higher wages, better staff support (santacruzsentinel.com) — Teachers at Pacific Collegiate School on Santa Cruz’s Westside rallied on May Day as union negotiations over pay and workload hit a standstill, warning a strike is possible if mediation fails. United PCS is seeking higher raises, fewer work days, and better staffing support, arguing low salaries are driving teacher turnover in one of the county’s most expensive housing markets.    

4. Cabrillo falls to Cosumnes River in NorCal playoff series opener (santacruzsentinel.com) — Cabrillo College’s softball team dropped Friday’s NorCal Regional opener 10-7 to Cosumnes River in Aptos, meaning the Seahawks must win two games today to keep their season alive. First pitch for Game 2 is at noon, with a decisive Game 3 at 2 p.m. if needed, all at Cabrillo’s home field.    

5. Buyers now need $1M+ salaries for homes in Peninsula's priciest cities (paloaltoonline.com) — Santa Cruz-area homebuyers now face one of the nation’s steepest income hurdles, with the metro area ranked just behind San Francisco for the salary needed to afford a typical home. A new analysis shows California dominating the least-affordable list, underscoring how far local incomes lag behind what’s required to buy in nearby markets like San Jose and the Midpeninsula.    


📸 Around Santa Cruz

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Hello,
    We have four small kittens that we are trying to nurse and are looking for someone who can help feed them during the day while we are at work. They… (Nextdoor Live Oak)
  • Yesterday I had a package blow out f my truck between gross rd and rodeo gulch.
    I went back and could not find it. My shipping address was on the package. When I got home later the package was in my front yard (unopened). Thank… (Nextdoor Mid East Side)
  • University of California Santa Cruz posted a job opening for Music Department: Music Theory & Composition Lecturer Pool in Santa Cruz. Apply here.
  • Santa Cruz Nutritionals posted a job opening for Quality Assurance Manager in Santa Cruz. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Santa Cruz here.

Ok Santa Cruz! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: A towel (Thank you Christy H. for sending it in!)Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!


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