City of Santa Cruz

The third-ever Festival of Monsters adds deep discourse to monster fandom, and explores what creepy creatures reflect about our deepest fears and desires.

A grassroots organization called Housing for People says it has gathered enough signatures to add a measure to the ballot that, if passed, would limit the height of tall buildings in Santa Cruz. What would that mean for the housing crunch?

The mural was defaced over the weekend — the second time in three years. Police have images of the vandal and are asking the public for help.

Known to officials as Otter 841, the southern sea otter has started chasing surfers around Steamer Lane and Cowells. She has an affinity for gnawing on soft-top surfboards and flippers. Wildlife officials, who are hoping to keep the otter safe, have been unable to capture her.

Santa Cruz Mayor Fred Keeley released a video statement yesterday evening announcing that he will undergo surgery to remove a tumor from his bladder early next month.

The vandals responsible for defacing the Black Lives Matter mural in front of Santa Cruz City Hall joined hundreds of volunteers to restore the mural.

The measure would levy a tax of $6,000 per year on a vacant home in a building with six or fewer units. The tax drops to $3,000 per year on apartments and townhomes in larger buildings.

Students and faculty at Santa Cruz High School are safe after police responded to a false report of an active shooter.

The union representing city workers reached a new tentative agreement with the city, ending the three-day strike.

At Saturday's Juneteenth celebration in Santa Cruz, it was almost like the last 14 months never happened. The smell of barbecue ribs filled the air.…