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🌱 Patch AM: Man Drives Off 500 Foot Cliff On Highway 1 In Santa Cruz County: Police

And check out Memorial Day Ceremony - America: Their Sacrifice, Our Freedom on the Santa Cruz Patch calendar

Wednesday May 20th Patch AM

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

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In today's newsletter:

  • Driver dies after SUV plunges 500 feet off Highway 1
  • Why a new device at Lighthouse Point could help save lives
  • Why Santa Cruz County’s food bank suddenly serves 10,000 more people monthly

Also on today's calendar: Memorial Day Ceremony - America: Their Sacrifice, Our Freedom and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: Whatz the difference between Dubai...and Abu Dhabi? 🤔 (Answer below!)


Weather forecast:

  • Wednesday: Mostly sunny and pleasant, with a high of 70 and low of 49 degrees.
  • Thursday: Mostly sunny and cool, temps: high: 67, low: 51.
  • Friday: Partly sunny and cool, with a high of 60 and low of 53 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Man Drives Off 500 Foot Cliff On Highway 1 In Santa Cruz County: Police (patch.com) — A 58-year-old Santa Rosa man died after his SUV went off Highway 1 and over a 500-foot cliff north of Scott Creek in Santa Cruz County on Sunday afternoon. Cal Fire and medical crews attempted life-saving measures but he was pronounced dead at the scene, and CHP investigators are still determining whether alcohol or drugs were involved, asking witnesses in the Santa Cruz area to come forward.    

2. Santa Cruz (CA) Celebrates Installation of AED at Lighthouse Point (jems.com) — A new 24/7 public defibrillator is now installed at Lighthouse Point, near the Santa Cruz Surf Museum, giving bystanders a powerful tool during cardiac emergencies. The Santa Cruz Fire Department and nonprofit Six Minutes to Live coordinated the project, with donors covering the AED and SaveStation. More units are planned for the Santa Cruz Harbor, Capitola Beach, and other busy local spots.    

3. Santa Cruz County food bank sees 25% increase in need as costs rise (ksbw.com) — Second Harvest Food Bank in Santa Cruz County is now serving about 10,000 more people a month than last year, as inflation and fuel costs strain its budget. To keep up, the food bank is adding school pantries, home deliveries for seniors, and a gleaning program, and it’s urging Santa Cruz County residents to support its May 28 Feeding Families Telethon.    

4. Santa Cruz County Office of Inspector General audit finds Sheriff's Office appropriately using Flock data (santacruzsentinel.com) — Santa Cruz County’s Inspector General found the Sheriff’s Office used Flock license plate data appropriately during a recent monthlong audit, while recommending tighter documentation and regular internal reviews. Supervisors also advanced broader immigrant-protection efforts, from limiting federal use of county sites to monitoring a proposed ICE detention center in Gilroy. Officials say federal deportation actions are already driving local families away from vital services.    

5. Santa Rosa man killed in crash on Highway 1 on North Coast of Santa Cruz County (pressdemocrat.com) — A 58-year-old Santa Rosa man died Monday afternoon after his SUV went off a cliff along Highway 1 just north of Scott Creek in Santa Cruz County, despite rescue efforts by Santa Cruz city lifeguards and multiple fire agencies. Authorities are still investigating what caused the crash and whether alcohol or drugs were involved, and CHP is asking anyone with information to call 831-796-2160.    


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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Grey missing cat 16 years old bent tail looks like pewter please call 408-218-6716.
    If you find her name is Hazel last scene May 18, 8 AM this morning (Nextdoor West Escalona)
  • If this is your dog, I saw it on 41st Ave yesterday by Big 5 and now this morning on Reposa and 38th.
    It is clearly lost and scared. I tried to get near it but it was not happy with me. (Nextdoor Extreme East Side)
  • Pyramid Global Hospitality posted a job opening for Landscaper, Chaminade Resort & Spa in Santa Cruz. Apply here.
  • Live Oak School District posted a job opening for Payroll Specialist 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: In Dubai, the people don't watch the 'Flintstone's'. But people in Abu Dhabi Do! (Thank you Jerri E. for sending it in!)Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!


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