🌱 Patch AM: What this latest life sentence means in the Tushar Atre case

Happening soon: Travel Talk with Edward on the Santa Cruz Patch calendar

🌱 Patch AM: How Monterey’s fresh catch is helping hungry families in Santa Cruz County

And on the Santa Cruz Patch calendar - Travel Talk with Edward

🌱 Patch AM: How a Santa Cruz teacher ended up flirting with Khloé Kardashian

And on the Santa Cruz Patch calendar - Breathing Into Wholeness: Awakening the Inner Light

🌱 Patch AM: How Santa Cruz’s sheriff just gained a say in state corrections

Spotted on the Santa Cruz calendar: Brunch with Santa

🌱 Patch AM: How a new encrypted radio system will change Santa Cruz emergency response

Coming up: GISSV'S German Holiday Market on the Santa Cruz Patch calendar

🌱 Patch AM: How a new mental health jail could reshape justice in Santa Cruz

And on the Santa Cruz Patch calendar - Handmade Pottery Holiday Sale

🌱 Patch AM: Why deputies finally arrested a suspect in this 2012 Soquel killing

Make time for Handmade Pottery Holiday Sale on the Santa Cruz Patch calendar

Mischievous CA Sea Otters Are Stealing Surfboards Again: Report

An otter recently nipped at a surfer's heels and hijacked her board. It remains unclear if it's the same otter that rose to fame in 2023.

Egret At The Harbor: Photo Of The Day

Photographer Bruce Folkins loves the wildlife at the Santa Cruz Harbor.

How WideTrial is Innovating Access to Clinical Trials

WideTrial​ invites you to reach out and explore how together, we can break barriers and pave the way for groundbreaking medical solutions.

6 Can’t-Miss Hikes Near Santa Cruz

Get outside and explore — these nearby hikes offer everything from easy strolls to more challenging treks for every kind of adventurer.

Relentless Pursuit Of Breaching Whales

Years spent chasing whales finally led to this experience in Monterey Bay.

Santa Cruz Boardwalk At Sunset: Photo Of The Week

Patch loves photos! Share your photos with your local Patch, and your work could be featured.

Seaside In Santa Cruz: Photo Of The Day

Patch loves photos! Share your photos with your local Patch, and your work could be featured.

'Crown Jewel Of California Parks': Photo Of The Day

A Martinez resident shared this photo of a recent trip to Point Lobos State Natural Reserve. Do you have photos to share?

Nature Lovers Gather To Watch The Sunset: Photo

The sun slowly sinks into the Pacific Ocean.

Volunteers Needed for 15th Annual Whalefest Monterey

This community event celebrates marine life with exhibits, expert talks, and hands-on activities.

5 First Responders Who Left A Lasting Legacy In Santa Cruz

The service and commitment of these remarkable individuals continues to inspire today’s firefighters, police officers and EMTs.

Twilight Casts A Golden Hue Over Santa Cruz: Photo Of The Day

Waves roll in near the lighthouse.

Free Guided Wharf Walk On Monterey’s Old Fisherman’s Wharf

This Saturday, learn about the history of Monterey's abalone fishing, from Maritime Historian Tim Thomas.

Peeking Through The Trees At The Glorious Pacific: Photo Of The Day

The stunning view from Carmel.

Sun Sinks Into The Ocean Off Santa Cruz: Photo

This glorious photo was taken the last week of January.

Meet A Future Leader In Santa Cruz: Gabriella Goss

Patch and T-Mobile have partnered to highlight young people achieving great things in our community.

Full Wolf Moon Aligns With Mars Over Santa Cruz

NASA reports that Venus, Saturn, Jupiter, and Mars will align in the night sky this month.

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.

AFS-USA is seeking host families to welcome an exchange student

Make a difference in a young person’s life by becoming an AFS-USA host family.

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.

Study abroad with AFS-USA in 2024!

Build intercultural connections and become a global citizen.

Host an exchange student with AFS-USA this fall!

You’ll increase your family’s global understanding and impact a student’s life, forever.

Santa Cruz County DMVs Reopen, With New Limits

After months of coronavirus closures, all remaining DMV offices in California will reopen Thursday, but with new rules in place.