Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: Mountain Lion Tracks Found Near Bay Area Beach — CalFire Warns Residents To Stay Alert

Spotted on the Santa Cruz calendar: Fratello Marionettes - Carnival of the Animals Puppet Show

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Hello again Santa Cruz! We’re bringing you the latest town highlights. Don’t miss out, keep going! ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • Mountain lion tracks near Davenport and Bonny Doon prompt safety warnings
  • Shark attack ruled in death of swimmer found near Davenport
  • How could new battery rules reshape Santa Cruz County’s rural neighborhoods?

Also on today's calendar: ✨🌎 Gaia Codes: Earth-Energy Infused Sound Bath + Reiki and 9 more events.

Find out what's happening in Santa Cruzfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: What did one pirate say to the other? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

Find out what's happening in Santa Cruzfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • Saturday: Periods of sunshine, with a high of 64 and low of 42 degrees.
  • Sunday: Sunshine and a few clouds, temps: high: 64, low: 42.
  • Monday: Plenty of sunshine, with a high of 65 and low of 43 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Mountain Lion Tracks Found Near Bay Area Beach — CalFire Warns Residents To Stay Alert (patch.com) — Residents in Santa Cruz, especially near Davenport and Bonny Doon Beach, are being urged to stay alert after multiple sets of large mountain lion tracks were found on popular coastal paths. Cal Fire and Watsonville police are warning people to keep pets and children close, avoid approaching the animals, and follow specific safety steps if they encounter a mountain lion in local open-space or rural areas.
   

2. Cause Of Death Confirmed For Missing Swimmer Off Bay Area Coast (patch.com) — Santa Cruz County officials have confirmed that a swimmer whose body was recovered near Davenport Beach died from injuries and drowning consistent with a shark attack. The case, which began with a December disappearance near Lovers Point, has renewed questions about shark deterrent devices, with experts stressing their limited effectiveness and emphasizing that shark bite risk along the California coast remains very low.
   

3. Santa Cruz County releases draft battery storage ordinance (jdsupra.com) — Santa Cruz County supervisors will soon weigh new rules for large battery energy storage projects in unincorporated areas, potentially shaping where these facilities can be built near existing substations. The draft ordinance would amend the county’s General Plan and code, giving local officials more control as clean-energy infrastructure expands and related legal battles play out statewide and nationally.
   

4. State Parks planning pile burns at several parks across Santa Cruz County in coming weeks (santacruzsentinel.com) — California State Parks will conduct pile burns in Big Basin, Henry Cowell, and The Forest of Nisene Marks in Santa Cruz County from mid-January to early February, with smoke visible in the Santa Cruz Mountains and nearby communities. The work aims to reduce wildfire risk and improve forest health, while residents—especially those with respiratory issues—are urged to limit outdoor activity if smoke drifts into their area. Questions can go to the State Parks Santa Cruz District office.
   

5. Santa Cruz City Council to vote on ending Flock camera contract (fresnobee.com) — Santa Cruz residents should know that the City Council will vote Tuesday on whether to immediately end its contract with Flock Safety’s license plate reader cameras after data was improperly shared with outside agencies. The debate pits privacy and state law concerns against police arguments that the technology helps an under-resourced department solve crimes, and the city may seek a more tightly controlled alternative system.
   

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Report of explosion in Bonny Doon, California.
    8:04AM on Jan 8: Explosion Reported at 425 Vick Dr, Bonny Doon. (Nextdoor )
  • Please share & repost to help reunite this lost cat!
    Sid was LOST on January 7, 2026 in Santa Cruz, CA 95062 near Hagemann and Soquel Ave Sharing for a neighbor. For the latest information or to… (Nextdoor Live Oak)
  • Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk posted a job opening for Coasters Bar Porter in Santa Cruz. Apply here.
  • University of California Santa Cruz posted a job opening for Art Department: 2D Visual Art Lecturer Pool in Santa Cruz. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Santa Cruz here.

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: I sea you!
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