Santa Cruz, CA|News|
Has the 'Virtual Kidnapping Scam' Hit Santa Cruz Area?
A caller says “This is a kidnapping. Listen to my instructions. We are holding your family members hostage. Send me money." It's not true.

Dave Colby has been with Patch since its early iterations, and has managed Patch sites in the Silicon Valley, the North Bay, the East Bay, San Mateo and Santa Cruz Counties, and the Seattle area.
He now oversees sites specifically in Northern California.
Dave came to Patch after more than 30 years in the television news business, on the street as an award-winning photographer, then managing tv newsrooms in several states including Minnesota and California.
A caller says “This is a kidnapping. Listen to my instructions. We are holding your family members hostage. Send me money." It's not true.

A Wine Rack Liquor Store on Santa Teresa Blvd sold the ticket to a customer who matched 5 out of 6 numbers, resulting in a $1,900,176 grab.
Milpitas police arrest Samantha Chavez on suspicion of auto theft and possession of stolen property. Another man is arrested 5 days later.
Investigators believe the fire may have been sparked by recent electrical work; a light switch, fixture were repaired hours before the fire.
This week, an awesome Capitola sunset was captured by a Patch contributor from Los Gatos. Have you got next week's Shot?
This week, an awesome Capitola sunset was captured by a Patch contributor from Los Gatos. Have you got next week's Shot?
Shuqin Zhang’s vehicle was found near the lighthouse early this morning, according to Berkeley police. She remains missing.
One driver fled from the Saturday morning crash but was later found. Police believe alcohol or other drugs may have been a factor.
A loaded SigSauer .380 caliber semi-automatic handgun was removed from the man’s waistband. Police suspect he also had cocaine.
The victim activated a Sirius XM satellite radio feature that tracked the car’s movement until police could find it.
The victim activated a Sirius XM satellite radio feature that tracked the car’s movement until police could find it.
If you know guns, you might think it's a Colt .45 pistol. It's not. It's a fake, and police want you to see what they sometimes stare at.
The event is designed to engage, inspire and educate guests about seasonal food and wine pairings while “channeling one’s inner chef.”
The Orinda Police Department is seeking the public’s help in identifying the three suspects on the video and photos.
The Orinda Police Department is seeking the public’s help in identifying the three suspects on the video and photos.
The Orinda Police Department is seeking the public’s help in identifying the three suspects on the video and photos.
The Orinda Police Department is seeking the public’s help in identifying the three suspects on the video and photos.
A chase that begins after an attempted break-in changes quickly when the suspect jumps into Pocket Canyon Creek near Guerneville River Park.
Only Philadelphia and Washington DC have dedicated government offices helping in LGBTQ matters. Santa Clara is the first county to do so.
Sue Hopley was hiking the Nevada Falls trail when she slipped and fell on ice. A CHP team stayed with her overnight, ready for a rescue.