Tamsin McMahon

A beach hazards statement will be in effect from Saturday morning through Tuesday afternoon for beaches along the Pacific Coast, including Santa Cruz County, warning that Hurricane Fausto could generate dangerous ocean conditions that could sweep people off their feet and pull them into the water.

Cabrillo College graduate Kristofer Evans wants people like him to know that it's never too late to make changes for the better. After spending his 20s "on the opposite side of the law," he's an award-winning graduate with a bright future.

After spending two years unhoused, Damien Christopher Camany found more than job training at the Homeless Garden Project — he found a place to belong. Here, he reflects on how working the soil helped him rebuild his sense of purpose, dignity and community, and why the organization's mission extends far beyond farming. The Homeless Garden Project recently secured the rights to acquire the 4-acre farm it has stewarded for decades — an important step toward permanently preserving both its organic farming program and transitional employment services. Camany offers a firsthand perspective on why protecting this place means protecting opportunities for people rebuilding their lives.

Sumit Rai, the father of Nathaniel Rai, the 10-year-old boy from Texas who nearly drowned this weekend at Seabright Beach amongst rough ocean conditions, said he’s been trying to reach out to Ryder Williams, the lifeguard who saved his son, so he can thank him personally. Rai said Williams should get every honor and medal possible for his bravery.

Recent rescues and dangerous surf are reminders that even experienced beachgoers can get caught off guard. A local lifeguard and longtime surfer share practical advice on spotting hazards, avoiding rip currents and staying safe in Santa Cruz's unpredictable waters.

The Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music has returned to Santa Cruz for its 64th season, bringing two weeks of new orchestral works, world premieres and internationally acclaimed artists. The festival kicked off July 26 and runs through through Aug. 9. Centered on the theme “We the Dreamers,” this year’s festival explores the evolving story of […]

After two decades with different owners, the Casalegno family is uniting the historic Santa Cruz Mountains country store and family farm, reopening the nearly century-old landmark this fall. Matt and Marissa Kotila hope to preserve the store's legacy as a community gathering place while building a new chapter centered on agriculture, local food and neighborhood connections.

“Made in Santa Cruz: Why Art Matters” is a new video series, published every other Sunday, exploring the artists who shape Santa Cruz County's creative landscape. Each episode offers a peek into an artist's practice, the places and experiences that inform their work, and the ways creativity helps us see our community differently. The series begins with multidisciplinary artist Abi Mustapha.

There’s a lot of misinformation floating around about insurance in California. Here’s what you should know.

When a 10-year-old boy was swept off his feet by heavy crashing waves at Seabright State Beach, 16-year-old rookie lifeguard Ryder Williams sprinted into the water and held onto him until help arrived. Though a viral video of the rescue drew national praise — including a White House invite from Donald Trump — the teen said in a statement he was just doing the job he was trained to do.