Freedom Elementary School students to escort World Cup players onto the field Tuesday night

UC Santa Cruz senior graduates after five years of ‘good trouble’

UC Santa Cruz graduate Airielle Silva was honored with the John R. Lewis Good Trouble Award after five years of student leadership and activism. As she addressed fellow graduates at commencement, Silva reflected on her advocacy work while urging the university to continue addressing longstanding Black student demands.

Second Yellow Bank Beach drowning victim dies; women identified as friends from Bay Area

Fremont residents Harshita Nair, 21, and Mahial Sran, 20, died Thursday and Saturday, respectively, after being swept into the water near Yellow Bank Beach last Wednesday, according to the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office. 

Upside down and overfed: New thrill ride and treats come to the Boardwalk

The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk’s first major new thrill ride in a decade, Vertigo 360, offers riders a soaring, upside-down view of Monterey Bay while adding to the park’s growing lineup of attractions. Along the way, Lily Belli samples several new food offerings, from smash burgers and smoked brisket to beignets and dirty sodas, highlighting the Boardwalk’s expanding culinary options.

As Martinelli’s pulls back, local schools and nonprofits rally to support Pajaro Valley apple growers

After Martinelli’s announced it would not renew contracts with local apple growers, one Pajaro Valley farmer has been flooded with calls, ideas and offers from community members eager to help replace the major buyer. While potential partnerships with school districts, nonprofits and other local organizations show promise, growers say finding markets large enough to absorb the thousands of tons of apples once sold to Martinelli’s remains a significant challenge.

Majority of Pajaro Middle School teachers demand removal or resignation of principal

A majority of teachers at Pajaro Middle School have voted that they have no confidence in Principal Nicole Killian, alleging she failed to follow safety and disciplinary protocols and calling for her resignation or removal. Pajaro Valley Unified School District said it takes all safety reports seriously and reviews concerns through established processes.