Joan Hammel

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Janus CEO Amber Williams stands beside an outdoor staircase in Santa Cruz County.

The Power of Yes

Amber Williams first entered Janus as a 17-year-old mother struggling with addiction. More than two decades later, she leads the Santa Cruz County nonprofit as it celebrates 50 years and prepares for a major expansion in Watsonville.
Older swimmer with snorkel and float preparing to enter the ocean

The Aging of Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz County has California’s fastest-growing senior population, raising questions about housing, affordability, youth culture and the city’s changing identity.
Santa Cruz leaders stand behind a giant FIFA World Cup 2026 soccer ball sculpture outside the Museum of Art & History.

GOALLLLL

Santa Cruz County is getting ready for the 2026 World Cup with beachside watch parties, youth soccer clinics, restaurant fan zones, MAH events, Watsonville tournaments and a massive Main Beach celebration beneath the Giant Dipper.
Carter Reeves Surfer Girl live performance Felton Music Hall concert

Surfin’ Safari

From a snowy basement to Malibu, Surfer Girl’s Carter Reeves brings his feel-good, high-energy sound to Felton Music Hall, April 30 at 8pm
Man standing in front of a display of cannabis products

Santa Cruz County Moves Closer to Cannabis Consumption Lounges

Santa Cruz County’s years-long effort to allow cannabis consumption lounges advanced this week, as the Board of Supervisors revised liability rules.
Man holding two bottles behind a bar in front of a shelf full of liquor

Santa Cruz’s Rum Baron

.At Makai Island Kitchen & Groggery, owner Peter Drobac is holding court on a subject associated with pirates, mai tais and college regrets.
Construction equipment and materials sit atop the closed Murray Street Bridge in Santa Cruz, with fencing and warning signs blocking access.

Bridge Still Out

The Santa Cruz City Council has pulled the plug on a proposed temporary pedestrian and bike path over the railroad trestle next to the Murray Street Bridge.
Solar-powered automated license plate reader mounted on a pole against a blue sky.

Eyes in the Sky

Unauthorized law enforcement agencies were inadvertently allowed to view information from the city’s license plate readers, according to a report shared at the Nov....
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