Santa Cruz Sentinel

Murder defendant deemed mentally competent, will face prelim in Santa Cruz shop owner slaying

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 15:38:42 -0500

SANTA CRUZ -- The alleged killer of Santa Cruz shop owner Shannon Collins has been deemed mentally competent and will face a preliminary hearing in August, a judge ruled Wednesday.

Watsonville produce store robbed of cash and beer

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 15:23:41 -0500

WATSONVILLE -- Two men and a woman robbed a produce store of cash and beer Tuesday evening, using a simulated weapon, Watsonville police said.

Indian summer: Indian food a refreshing departure from summer's basic barbecue

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 10:58:21 -0500

While we haven't even officially hit summer, I'm already sick of barbecue. My taste buds are underwhelmed by paltry burgers, soggy pasta salad and bad ice cream. So what am I craving? Brace yourself: Indian food.

Bonnie's Beer of the Week: Uncommon Brewers Siamese Twin

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 10:57:46 -0500

WHAT: Uncommon Brewers has a clear vision: Make unique beer and serve it in a can. The Siamese Twin Ale hits the brewery's mission on the head with exotic flavors including coriander, kaffir lime and lemongrass. And the can? It supposedly keeps the taste fresh, allowing you to sip up the traditional Belgian-style double long after you purchase it -- not that it'll last in your fridge, but you get the picture.

Santa Cruz County to shine light on medical pot grows

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 10:17:29 -0500

SANTA CRUZ -- Voting unanimously, the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday said it would address local marijuana cultivation as part of a revised set of regulations on the distribution of medical pot.

Top 10 things to do with kids in Santa Cruz County: No. 3 Stroll through Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 10:10:47 -0500

It's scenic, majestic, towering, yet less than a mile long. perfect for little ones! The Redwood Grove Trail at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park boasts some impressive centuries-old trees.

Soquel Creek Water District customers will get to have a say on desal

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 00:42:16 -0500

CAPITOLA -- The Soquel Creek Water District board voted unanimously to give district voters a chance to weigh in on a proposed $123 million desalination plant.

Few clues in disappearance of Santa Cruz antiques dealer

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 00:06:38 -0500

SANTA CRUZ -- The voice of Deanna Brooks, a 70-year-old Santa Cruz antiques dealer, came to her younger son in a dream last week.

Cops and Courts, June 19, 2013: Rountree Detention Center escapees sentenced to prison

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 00:06:06 -0500

Bryan Matthew Martin was sentenced Tuesday to 16 years and 8 months in prison after he escaped from Rountree Detention Center and broke into a home and stole a car.

Family lobbies Congress for childhood cancer research

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 23:40:21 -0500

SCOTTS VALLEY -- Scotts Valley mom Kristin Cosner, her mother Loretta Kuechle, and Don Smith joined more than 150 patients, survivors and their families on Capitol Hill on Monday to lobby Congress for initiatives that can improve outcomes for children with cancer.

Watsonville police search for rooftop burglar

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 23:40:05 -0500

WATSONVILLE -- Police are investigating a spate of rooftop burglaries at business around Freedom Boulevard in recent weeks.

Community shows its support for Watsonville PAL: Barbecue raises $7,600 for youth activities

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 23:34:30 -0500

WATSONVILLE -- A week ago, the nonprofit Watsonville Police Athletic League was at risk of closing. But thanks to a show of community support at a barbecue Saturday, the nonprofit, which provides organized activities for more than 500 youth, ages 4-17, is on better footing.

Watsonville levee projects protect people

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 23:34:17 -0500

WATSONVILLE -- For people living along the Pajaro River and Salsipuedes Creek, two flood protection projects getting underway are cause for celebration.

Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History gears up for kids' summer events

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 23:34:09 -0500

The Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History will continue its weekly story hours on Thursday with a baby birds-themed gathering, and will launch its biweekly Summertime Saturdays program this weekend with a day devoted to snakes.

Santa Cruz instructor gives high-energy swim lesson

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 22:58:46 -0500

SANTA CRUZ -- 'Ear in the water, take a breath, face in the water, blow your bubbles,' said Tiffany Harmon at the Santa Cruz High Pool on Tuesday.
Children splashed happily, filling the pool with frothing bubbles as instructor Harmon coached them through the basics of swim safety.

San Benito County tightens rules on gas, oil drilling

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 22:58:37 -0500

AROMAS -- Aromas residents are cheering a new San Benito County ordinance aimed at giving communities more say over oil and gas drilling.

Coast Lines, June 19, 2013: County airs economic development study

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 22:58:29 -0500

The Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors heard a study Tuesday on the county's economic situation, which is part of a broader effort to spur economic development.

Rountree Detention Center escapees sentenced to prison

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 22:50:28 -0500

SANTA CRUZ - A 30-year-old man was sentenced Tuesday to 16 years and 8 months in prison after he escaped from Rountree Detention Center and broke into a home and stole a car.

Business Digest, June 19, 2013: Locals named top workplaces

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 22:44:25 -0500

SANTA CRUZ -- Plantronics, the head-set maker, was ranked No. 13 among large employers by Top Workplaces in the Bay Area.