Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: Could Waymo Be Coming To Santa Cruz? A Key Step Just Happened

Make time for Rushadicus the Cello Goblin on the Santa Cruz Patch calendar

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Tuesday August 18th Patch AM
Tuesday August 18th Patch AM (Patch graphic)

Good morning Santa Cruz! We're back again in your inbox, keeping you updated with what's happening in and around town. ☀️

Before we get to what's happening, a big thank you 👏👏👏 to these businesses for making Santa Cruz PatchAM possible. Click here to show your appreciation! 💚

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In today's newsletter:

  • Santa Cruz added to Waymo's expanding driverless ride zone
  • Judge's move to seal records shifts high-profile Capitola murder case
  • How a fatal West Cliff crash is reshaping Santa Cruz's coastline plans

Also on today's calendar: Rushadicus the Cello Goblin and 2 more events.

Today's riddle: Why did the man leave his watch in the bank? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Tuesday: Partly sunny and pleasant, with a high of 76 and low of 56 degrees.
  • Wednesday: Partly sunny, temps: high: 76, low: 57.
  • Thursday: Partly sunny and pleasant, with a high of 77 and low of 56 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Could Waymo Be Coming To Santa Cruz? A Key Step Just Happened (patch.com) — Santa Cruz County is now included in Waymo's newly approved driverless ride territory, opening the door for future robotaxi service locally once the company decides to launch. State regulators have cleared key hurdles, with the CPUC authorizing passenger service and the DMV overseeing road operations, though Waymo can roll out service gradually and has not set a start date for Santa Cruz.
   

2. Capitola murder suspect's juvenile record sealed (pajaronian.com) — A Santa Cruz County judge has sealed a prior juvenile protective order for the 19-year-old suspect accused of fatally stabbing a 73-year-old woman outside Capitola Mall. The defendant, held without bail in Santa Cruz County Jail, previously lived in a nearby sober living home, as attorneys argue that earlier gun-violence records could unfairly sway potential jurors.
   

3. 19-year-old UC Santa Cruz student ID'd as victim after car plunges off cliff into ocean (latimes.com subscription) — A 19-year-old UC Santa Cruz student died after a car plunged off West Cliff Drive near Steamer Lane, despite a dramatic ocean rescue attempt by Santa Cruz firefighters. The tragedy highlights ongoing safety concerns along the eroding cliffside roadway, where the city plans to move 600 feet of West Cliff inland next year to better protect drivers and infrastructure.
   

4. Santa Cruz proclaims 'Oliver Tree Day' on what would have been his 33rd birthday (ksbw.com) — Santa Cruz has officially declared June 29, 2026, as Oliver Tree Day, honoring the internationally known artist who was born and raised in the city. City leaders praised his creative legacy, new art grant foundation, and the inspiration he offered to local creators, while family, friends, and fans recently gathered in Santa Cruz for memorial events celebrating his life and message.
   

5. UC Santa Cruz researchers to study Southern California wetlands (santacruzsentinel.com) — UC Santa Cruz scientists are expanding their wetland monitoring from Elkhorn Slough to two Orange County sites to measure how restoration helps marshes lock away climate-warming carbon. Their multi-year project, tied to California's 2045 carbon-neutral goals, could shape state policy while highlighting how coastal ecosystems near Santa Cruz and beyond buffer wildlife, storms, and sea level rise.
   

📸 Around Santa Cruz

Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!

🗓 Upcoming Events in Santa Cruz

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

📣 Santa Cruz Shout Outs!

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🗓 Events Nearby

    Tuesday August 18
  • LO: 5th Grade Science Camp Info Night
    Ocean Alternative Education Center Santa Cruz, CA 95062
    5:00 pm
    • Wednesday August 19
  • Instrument Selection Fair
    Westlake Elementary Quad, Santa Cruz High School, 415 Walnut Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 9
    6:00 pm
    • Thursday August 20
  • LO:Bell Ceremony
    Ocean Alternative Education Center Santa Cruz, CA 95062
    9:00 am
  • BetterGolf One-Year Anniversary Party
    Capitola Soquel Chamber-Commerce In the Capitola Mall
    5:00 pm
  • Back to School Night
    San Lorenzo Valley Elementary School Felton, CA 95018
    5:00 pm
  • LO:Home and School Club
    Ocean Alternative Education Center Santa Cruz, CA 95062
    6:00 pm
  • LO:Home and School Club Meeting
    Ocean Alternative Education Center Santa Cruz, CA 95062
    6:00 pm

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • I was having a skate behind Zoccoli's when a kid from LA asked if he could use my board for a sec.
    He was probably 9, so of course I said sure. He almost landed a kickflip like four times in a row, with parents and sister cheering him on. I could… (Nextdoor Downtown)
  • Max boy enjoying his ceiling shelf.
    I installed a shelf near the ceiling because cats like the highest resting spot available. And, I'd do anything for my Maxy boy. (Nextdoor Lighthouse Cowells)
  • Cost Plus, Inc. - World Market posted a job opening for Stock Associate in Santa Cruz. Apply here.
  • University of California Santa Cruz posted a job opening for Assistant Teaching Professor of Sound and Media Art in Santa Cruz. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Santa Cruz here.

Ok Santa Cruz! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: So he could save time! (Thank you Lorraine S. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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