Start 2025 With Quadrantids And 120 Meteors An Hour Over Santa Cruz

The shooting star show is known for bright fireballs — explosions of light and color that can persist longer than an average meteor streak.

Clouds, Cormorants And Surfers: Photos Of The Day

A chilly morning in Santa Cruz was captured in early spring.

Santa Cruz Woman Arrested As Suspect In Death Of Her 1-Year-Old Child

Santa Cruz police said a 38-year-old woman was arrested as a suspect in the death of her 1-year-old child.

Wildflowers Bloom Profusely Along The Coastline: Photo Of The Day

A glorious glimpse of Santa Cruz coastline.

The Always Inspiring Santa Cruz Coastline: Photos Of The Day

Visions of Santa Cruz in April.

Sun-Kissed Beachgoers Frolic At Natural Bridges: Photos Of The Day

Ice plants on the cliff above the beach are in full bloom.

Santa Cruz Awarded $4M To House Homeless

New non-congregate housing units and permanent supportive housing vouchers will be funded.

Buoy Off Santa Cruz Harbor Will Stay Put

"This decision underscores our commitment to prioritizing safety while ensuring that the voices of the community are heard and considered."

Motorists Creep Along 1 Lane After Part Of CA's Highway 1 Collapses

Motorists crept along one lane of a scenic stretch of California's iconic Highway 1 on Monday after a giant chunk of it collapsed.

Secluded Shark Fin Cove Is A Short Drive Away: Photos Of The Day

Located between Santa Cruz and Half Moon Bay, have you stopped off at this delightful spot?

Full Moon Rising Over The Santa Cruz Harbor: Photos Of The Day

Take a deep breath and spend a few moments gazing at this peaceful scene.

King Tide Reveals Coastal Gems: Photos Of The Day

A sea anemone and other creatures are visible during the extreme tide.

Treasures Uncovered At Pleasure Point: Photos Of The Day

The photos were taken at low tide earlier this month.

2 Images Of Santa Cruz Beaches: Photos Of The Day

People look so small in comparison to the ocean.

Santa Cruz Co. Lifts Evacuation Warnings For Capitola, Seacliff, Pajaro Dunes Beach Areas

Capitola was severely damaged for the second time this year.

'Incredible': 17 Killer Whales Prey On Creature In Rare Sighting

A known whale — Emma — led the charge. She was accompanied by Xena, believed to be her mother, and Liner, likely her brother.

Otter 841, From The Lens Of Photographer Who Made Her Famous: Photos

Mark Woodward’s respect for the surfing sea otter grew along with a collection of pictures people have been swooning over around the world.

Sea Otter 841 Is A Splash As A Halloween Costume In Santa Cruz

Photographer Mark Woodward, who helped make Otter 841 an internet sensation, captured photos of people dressed as “841 +1” for Halloween.

Trash On Monterey Bay Shoreline Threatens Ecosystem: NOAA

The report recommended a collective and coordinated effort on the part of individuals, producers of plastics, governments and nonprofits.

Sun Plunges Behind The Pacific Ocean At Davenport: Photo Of The Week

This beautifully composed photo by Nithin Dev shows the perfect beachfront sunset.

841, The CA Sea Otter Who Steals Surfboards And Hearts, Is A Momma!

“Soon she’ll be teaching 841 Junior how to dodge the Man,” one person said after the announcement the surfboard-stealing otter gave birth.

Peaceful Waves Lap The Shoreline: Photos Of The Day

Sarah Irving shared a trio of lovely photos.

5 Amazing Volunteer Organizations In Santa Cruz

Looking for ways to give back in your community? Start here!

Santa Cruz Chosen For $1M Funding For Trees

"This grant funding will help more cities and towns plant and maintain trees, which in turn will filter out pollution," and more.

Community Spotlight On Geoff Alexander

Alexander's impact on Forest of Nisene Marks State Park is seen in his trail work and his advocacy as a Board member.

Volunteer Works Tirelessly 'For The Love Of Bird Conservation'

Lisa Fay Larson is making a positive impact on Santa Cruz.

Santa Cruz County Agrees To Purchase 38 Acres For New Park

The purchase price is $2.3 million.

Whales Feeding In Monterey Bay: Photo Of The Week

Judy Zobrosky snapped this amazing photo during a whale watching trip.

Meteors, Fireball Over The Central Coast: Photo Of The Week

This photo was taken at the observatory in Fremont Peak State Park​.

'She Works Tirelessly': Loren Morse Is A Santa Cruz Community Leader

Patch has partnered with T-Mobile to recognize our often unsung community leaders and celebrate their contributions.

Santa Cruz County Seeks To Make Communities More Vibrant For Seniors

A changing demographic is prompting the shift.

'Castle Beach' History Marked At Seabright State Beach

"Seabright State Beach is a wonderful example of a local state beach that has had many uses over the years."

Surfboard-Stealing Otter Is The Most Delightful Thing On The Internet

No one’s sure why Otter 841 is behaving aggressively, but the Santa Cruz sea otter may be having hormone surges associated with pregnancy.

Santa Cruz County Tackles Opioid Crisis

"Expanding access to buprenorphine is part of the county's aim to reduce fentanyl and other drug-related deaths."

Wildlife Groups Plot Capture Of Santa Cruz's Nefarious Surfing Otter

Trained marine wildlife crews are working to retrieve a sea otter that was recently seen acting aggressively and stealing surfboards.

Ancient Mastodon Tooth Found By Jogger On Beach: "So Excited To Get That Call"

The tooth was picked up by a jogger over the holiday weekend.

Santa Cruz County Seeks Volunteers For Civil Grand Jury

The Santa Cruz County Civil Grand Jury is comprised of 19 volunteers who look for ways to make the government work better for the community.

Santa Cruz Fire Survivor Donates To Burn Unit

Support and encouragement were offered to Teribio, a Santa Cruz food truck worker who was severely burned in a fire in his mobile kitchen.

Northern California Storms Flood Hundreds Of Acres Of Strawberries

Thousands of people in a California farming town were forced to evacuate as their homes were flooded and businesses destroyed.

Santa Cruz Holiday Parking Fees Fund Litter Cleanup Program

For the ninth season, the city saved all parking fees collected in the week leading up to Christmas to help pay for litter cleanup teams.