Good morning Santa Cruz! We're back again in your inbox, keeping you updated with what's happening in and around town. ☀️
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In today's newsletter:
Also on today's calendar: Rushadicus the Cello Goblin and 2 more events.
Today's riddle: Why did the man leave his watch in the bank? 🤔 (Answer below!)
1. Could Waymo Be Coming To Santa Cruz? A Key Step Just Happened (patch.com) — Santa Cruz County is now included in Waymo's newly approved driverless ride territory, opening the door for future robotaxi service locally once the company decides to launch. State regulators have cleared key hurdles, with the CPUC authorizing passenger service and the DMV overseeing road operations, though Waymo can roll out service gradually and has not set a start date for Santa Cruz.
2. Capitola murder suspect's juvenile record sealed (pajaronian.com) — A Santa Cruz County judge has sealed a prior juvenile protective order for the 19-year-old suspect accused of fatally stabbing a 73-year-old woman outside Capitola Mall. The defendant, held without bail in Santa Cruz County Jail, previously lived in a nearby sober living home, as attorneys argue that earlier gun-violence records could unfairly sway potential jurors.
3. 19-year-old UC Santa Cruz student ID'd as victim after car plunges off cliff into ocean (latimes.com subscription) — A 19-year-old UC Santa Cruz student died after a car plunged off West Cliff Drive near Steamer Lane, despite a dramatic ocean rescue attempt by Santa Cruz firefighters. The tragedy highlights ongoing safety concerns along the eroding cliffside roadway, where the city plans to move 600 feet of West Cliff inland next year to better protect drivers and infrastructure.
4. Santa Cruz proclaims 'Oliver Tree Day' on what would have been his 33rd birthday (ksbw.com) — Santa Cruz has officially declared June 29, 2026, as Oliver Tree Day, honoring the internationally known artist who was born and raised in the city. City leaders praised his creative legacy, new art grant foundation, and the inspiration he offered to local creators, while family, friends, and fans recently gathered in Santa Cruz for memorial events celebrating his life and message.
5. UC Santa Cruz researchers to study Southern California wetlands (santacruzsentinel.com) — UC Santa Cruz scientists are expanding their wetland monitoring from Elkhorn Slough to two Orange County sites to measure how restoration helps marshes lock away climate-warming carbon. Their multi-year project, tied to California's 2045 carbon-neutral goals, could shape state policy while highlighting how coastal ecosystems near Santa Cruz and beyond buffer wildlife, storms, and sea level rise.
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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: So he could save time! (Thank you Lorraine S. for sending it in!)
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