Suicidal Man Saved, Porch Pirate: Santa Cruz County Police Logs

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY, CA — The following is a week's collection of police, court and fire stories from around Santa Cruz County:

Horse Rescued After Falling Into Frigid Pool: Monterey County
The horse's owners were on vacation, and a neighbor spotted the animal in the pool on Thanksgiving.

Man Found Hiding After Attempted Break-In: Santa Cruz Police
A patrolling sergeant became suspicious after they noticed the door of a gas station pried open and a man hiding nearby.

Female Porch Pirate Gets Unwanted Spotlight: Watsonville Police
It took about 30 seconds for a young woman to snatch four packages that had been delivered to a Watsonville resident's porch.

Homeless Man Dies After Punch To Face, Salinas Police Seek Leads
Robert Mooring, 58, died following an assault near East Lake and Soledad streets in Salinas.

High Wind Watch Issued As Heavy Rains Move In: Santa Cruz County
Strong winds and heavy rain were expected to hit the region midday Saturday, the National Weather Service forecast.

Watsonville Fundraises To Save Vandalized Playground
The Muzzio Park playground equipment was irreparably damaged after vandals placed wooden pallets under the playground and set them ablaze.

Traffic Safety Grants Awarded To Santa Cruz Co. Public Health
The grants will fund education programs designed to improve community safety during walking, cycling, driving and transporting children.

Suicidal Man Saved By Santa Cruz County Deputies
The three deputies have been honored with the sheriff’s Life Saving Award.

Manslaughter Charge In DUI Crash: Monterey Man Pleads Guilty
Patrick Ken Cochran is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 24 to six years in the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.

CHP Increases Patrols To Catch Projectile-Throwing Suspect In Monterey County
Officials have increased the award amount to $4,000 for anyone with information leading to an arrest.

Holiday Crackdown On DUI Drivers Announced: Watsonville Police
Extra officers will patrol from Black Friday to Dec. 10, thanks to a grant from the state Office of Traffic Safety.

Fourth Projectile Attack In 4 Days Reported On Highway 101 In Monterey County
By KION’s count, this is at least the 42nd projectile incident since the attacks began in February 2019.

1 Dead In Crash Near Castroville
The driver was pronounced dead at the scene.

Pregnant Woman, Baby Killed In Stabbing Attack: Salinas
The stabbing death of Mariana Jurado, 26, appears to be a random act of violence.

School Bus Carrying Football Team Struck By Projectiles On Highway 101
The Carmel High football team bus was hit near Prunedale, while on its way to a San Jose game.

Snow, More Rain For Thanksgiving Weekend: Santa Cruz County
The new system, a so-called atmospheric river, will bring fresh precipitation and snowfall to the region.

Turkey Rescued From Santa Cruz Homeless Camp: Thanksgiving Save
Santa Cruz County officials make an exceptional turkey pardon just two days before Thanksgiving.

CHP Begins Thanksgiving Holiday Crackdown
Thanksgiving is traditionally one of the deadlier holidays on California roadways.

Planning A Burn In Central Santa Cruz County? Get A Permit

With the upcoming backyard burn season, Central Fire Protection District of Santa Cruz County is making burn permits available.

Ask Santa Cruz Police Lieutenant Candidates A Question
The public may observe interviews and submit candidate questions for consideration.

$17 Million For Transportation Projects: Santa Cruz Co.
Community input is sought on projects proposed by the county, as well as the cities of Capitola, Santa Cruz, Scotts Valley and Watsonville.

STORM ADVISORY: High Surf, Breakers To 27 Feet In Santa Cruz Co.
"Use extra caution near the surf zone as these large waves will be capable of sweeping people into the frigid and turbulent ocean water."

'Spider-Man' Tool Helps Catch Suspects In Santa Cruz County
It seems like a gadget out of Marvel comics, but it's being taken very seriously by Santa Cruz County deputies.

Chase Leads To Arrest By Sheriff's Deputies In Felton
Nicholas Kondzielaski, 39, of Boulder Creek was nabbed after being spotted in a stolen van on Highway 9.