All articles tagged with #santa cruz
A memorial service for Oliver Tree, who died in a June helicopter crash in Rio de Janeiro at age 32, is planned for July 25 at UCSC Quarry Amphitheater in Santa Cruz with a public livestream due to limited seating; details on how to watch will be announced shortly. The piece also highlights Tree’s career and his family’s philanthropic foundation to support young artists.
Two Fremont women, Harshita Nair (21) and Mahial Sran (20), were swept into the sea near Yellow Bank Beach (just north of Santa Cruz) around 5 p.m. after being caught off guard by waves. Eight rescue swimmers pulled them from the water and they were taken to Dominican Hospital, where they died. Officials say it’s unclear what they were doing; the incident serves as a reminder to check tide charts and avoid turning away from the ocean, as waves can return suddenly.
Two Fremont women, Harshita Nair and Mahial Sran, were swept into the Pacific while napping near a keyhole at Bonny Doon Beach in Santa Cruz County. About eight rescue swimmers helped recover them; one was helicoptered to Yellow Bank Beach and later died, while the other remained in critical condition at a local hospital. Officials say the area’s steep shoreline and rogue waves make this stretch especially dangerous, and this rescue was the fifth along the coast in the past month.
The Salty Otter in downtown Santa Cruz ditched its colorful AI-generated logo after months of online criticism and one-star reviews blaming the AI design. Owner Rachael Smith—who has decades of experience in graphic art and the restaurant industry—replaced the logo with a simple black-and-white text design, saying the backlash has crushed her lifelong dream and was directed at the logo rather than the food or ambience.
A woman was found dead on a remote beach at Wilder Ranch State Park in Santa Cruz County, California, with authorities investigating the circumstances of her death and possible links to a recent swimmer disappearance and shark sighting reports.
In 1885, Hawaiian royal siblings David Kawānanakoa, Jonah Kūhiō Kalanianaʻole, and Edward Keliʻiahonui introduced surfing to mainland U.S. during their visit to Santa Cruz, California, using traditional Hawaiian surfboards made of native woods, which left a lasting cultural impact and helped popularize the sport in America.
The 2025 Santa Cruz Bullit eMTB is a high-performance, long-travel electric mountain bike designed for aggressive terrain, featuring a carbon frame, 170mm travel, Bosch CX motor, and a 600Wh battery, with adjustable geometry and suspension settings for versatile riding. It excels in downhill stability and climbing, making it ideal for steep, technical trails, though its battery capacity may be limiting for some users.
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz pickup truck receives a refresh with updates to its exterior and interior, including a boxier front end, new color options, and an off-road-focused XRT version with improved features. The interior boasts a larger driver display and infotainment screen, updated controls, and standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Pricing details are yet to be announced, but the refreshed model is expected to go on sale in the summer.
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz receives a mild exterior refresh with a more truck-like appearance, particularly in the XRT trim which now features all-terrain tires, special grille pattern, and XRT-specific front and rear fascias. The interior sees significant changes with a curved panoramic screen, new dash design, and enhanced technology including over-the-air updates, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and Hyundai's Digital Key 2 Touch. Two engine options are available, and the turbo version offers a new towing mode for 5,000 pounds. The 2025 Santa Cruz will be available at dealerships in the summer, with pricing to be announced closer to its on-sale date.
Zainab Mansoor, a 21-year-old UC Santa Cruz student, was allegedly killed by her boyfriend, former UC Santa Cruz student Samuel Brannigan Stone, at Seabright Beach. Stone was arrested for homicide and is being held without bail. The university community is deeply saddened by the loss and is offering support to those affected by the tragedy.
Samuel Brannigan Stone, a former UC Santa Cruz student, has been arrested for the homicide of his 21-year-old girlfriend at Seabright Beach. The victim, who was also a student at the university, succumbed to fatal injuries sustained early that morning. Stone is being held on no bail and will face a murder charge, with his arraignment set for Tuesday. The university is offering support to those affected by the tragedy and has resources in place for students, faculty, and staff.
Richard Thornton, a 1980 U.S. Olympian and renowned swim coach, passed away at the age of 65 at The Hook, a surf spot in Santa Cruz. While initially reported as a surfing accident, his daughter clarified that he died stepping into the water, with the cause of death still unknown. Thornton had a distinguished career in swimming, coaching Olympic and World Championship finalists, and was named Pacific Swimming Coach of the Year. His father, Nort Thornton, was also a prominent swim coach at UC Berkeley. The swimming community mourns his loss.
A five-year-old boy in California fatally stabbed his twin brother during a fight at their home near Santa Cruz. The incident occurred when one of the boys grabbed a small kitchen knife. The victim was rushed to the hospital but did not survive. The sheriff's office stated that no charges would be filed due to the circumstances discovered during the investigation, and there was no indication of negligence or criminal activity by any other party.
Santa Cruz has released its latest e-bike, the Skitch, targeting urban commuters. The sleek and minimalist design of the carbon frame hides the Fazua Ride 60 motor, offering a top speed of 28 mph and a 60-mile range on a single charge. With three power modes and a handlebar-mounted controller, the Skitch aims to provide convenience and practicality. Available in four versions, pricing starts at $5,999.
A 50-year-old man from San Jose drove his truck off East Cliff Drive at 33rd avenue into the Pacific Ocean in Santa Cruz and was found Sunday morning. He sustained major injuries and was later arrested for DUI. The truck was lifted out and there is evidence of oil and/or gas in the water, prompting a HAZMAT team to evaluate.