Hello Santa Cruz! Stay connected with the latest updates from around town. Let's dive in! ☕️️
In today's newsletter:
Also on today's calendar: Summer Sizzle West Cliff Outdoor Market and 4 more events.
Today's riddle: What did the wall say to the other wall. 🤔 (Answer below!)
1. Teenage Indian-Origin Student Dies After Car Crashes Into Ocean Off Santa Cruz Coast (indicanews.com) — A 19-year-old UC Santa Cruz student died after a car plunged off a cliff into the ocean near Steamer Lane, renewing concerns about erosion and driver safety along West Cliff Drive. Emergency crews rescued a second occupant with minor injuries, while family and the campus community mourn the loss and officials highlight how shrinking buffers along the coast may be increasing risk.
2. Recovery group finishes first full rebuild six years after CZU fire (kazu.org) — Six years after the CZU fire, a Santa Cruz County recovery nonprofit has just finished its first full home rebuild in the Santa Cruz Mountains, helping a Boulder Creek resident return after losing everything. Powered by volunteers and donations, the Long Term Recovery Group of Santa Cruz County dramatically cut construction costs and continues supporting fire and storm survivors navigating rebuilding and reluctant lenders.
3. Santa Cruz City Schools offers free meals for all students for the school year (ksbw.com) — Families in Santa Cruz City Schools can count on free breakfast and lunch for every student during the entire 2026-27 school year, regardless of income. The district is using federal meal programs and still needs families to complete applications, which can also unlock discounts on internet, phone bills, college applications, and SAT testing. Local parents can contact food services for details and enrollment help.
4. Breaking: Mcamant Fire reported in Santa Cruz County on Aug. 25 (sanluisobispo.com) — A new wildfire named the Mcamant Fire was reported early Tuesday morning on private land in Santa Cruz County, and officials have not yet released any containment details or a cause. The blaze was first detected at 2:44 a.m. and is being tracked by federal fire agencies. Residents should stay alert for updated information from local and state authorities.
5. Scientists: Building EVs less pollutive than driving gas-powered cars (publicnewsservice.org) — A new study led by a UC Santa Cruz environmental scientist finds that replacing a gas car with an electric vehicle cuts lifetime emissions roughly in half, even if the gas car is only a couple of years old. For Santa Cruz drivers, the research suggests switching to an EV pays off after just a few thousand miles, especially as California's electric grid gets cleaner.
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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: Meet me at the corner. (Thank you Earlene M. for sending it in!)
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