Hi there, Santa Cruz! We've got your morning read ready! Read on to stay connected. ☀️
In today's newsletter:
Also on today's calendar: Santa Cruz Film Festival and 9 more events.
Today's riddle: Why did the cookie go to the hospital? 🤔 (Answer below!)
From our Partner
Today's Santa Cruz Patch AM is brought to you in part by T-Mobile - America's Best Mobile Network, according to Ookla Speedtest. Based on analysis by Ookla® of Speedtest Intelligence® data 1H 2026. 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.
1. Jonathan Rose drops $85M for affordable senior housing in Santa Cruz (therealdeal.com) — An $85 million purchase of the La Posada senior apartments on Frederick Street locks in long-term affordability for 122 Section 8 units in Santa Cruz, extending federal rent protections for 20 more years. The new owner plans $14.6 million in renovations and expanded resident services, keeping nearly all 150 units available in a very tight local rental market.
2. 831 Water St. housing project in Santa Cruz continues to take shape (santacruzsentinel.com) — A major 100% affordable housing complex at 831 Water St. in Santa Cruz is about 20% complete, with 140 income-restricted units planned and construction expected to finish in June 2028. City officials say traffic impacts should mirror the former shopping center use, while the developer highlights on-site services, sustainability features, and an interest list for future tenants.
3. Laird secures funding for healthcare (pajaronian.com) — New state funding will expand a UC Santa Cruz–UC Davis medical training partnership that's expected to keep more doctors practicing on the Central Coast, including Santa Cruz. Alongside major support for Watsonville Community Hospital, the investment targets physician shortages in high-cost areas and builds on earlier efforts to stabilize local healthcare. Residents could see long-term benefits in access to family and specialty care.
4. New prescribed fire reported in Santa Cruz County on Sep. 17 (sacbee.com) — A long-running prescribed burn called the Swanton fire has been underway on state land in Santa Cruz County since September 17 as part of wildfire prevention efforts. Officials haven't yet released acreage or crew details, but the controlled fire is designed to reduce fuel loads and lower the risk of more dangerous wildfires near local communities.
5. People gather in Santa Cruz to mark anniversary of Oct. 7 attacks (santacruzsentinel.com) — About 100 people came together at Lighthouse Point in Santa Cruz to quietly mark the third anniversary of the Oct. 7, 2023 Hamas attacks on Israel. Organized by several local Jewish groups, the gathering focused on shared mourning for victims and hostages amid the ongoing war in Gaza, while avoiding speeches and emphasizing solemn unity across differing political views.
Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
Want to see your event featured? Click here!
Other local events
Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!
Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.
Thank you 👏👏👏 to these businesses for making Santa Cruz PatchAM possible:
Click here to show your appreciation! 💚
Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
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: "Why did the cookie go to the hospital?" — Because he felt crummy. (Thank you Sanda J. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
We use a combination of real people and machines to tell you what's happening around town. Learn more about Patch AM.
Sign up for free local newsletters and alerts for the
Santa Cruz Patch
Patch.com is the nationwide leader in hyperlocal news.
Visit Patch.com to find your town today.