Santa Cruz County Crime & Justice Articles

A recent report highlighted a need for improved conditions for people with mental health problems in Santa Cruz County lockups. (Stephen Baxter — Santa Cruz Local file)
SANTA CRUZ >> Mental health care should improve at Santa Cruz County jails, …

The California Highway Patrol (CHP) promoted 125 cadets to the rank of officer. The graduation ceremony on March 21 marked the successful completion of a 26-week intensive training schedule at the California Highway Patrol Academy in West Sacramento.

By Jennifer Mount

Demonstrators protest immigration enforcement changes at the Town Clock in Santa Cruz on Feb. 3. (Stephen Baxter — Santa Cruz Local)
Key takeaways

Chaos and confusion abound, and immigration lawyers are overwhelmed by the number of clients seeking their services. Here's the view from Salinas Attorney, Blanca Zarazua.

Rachel Anne Goodman talks with members of the community who are helping immigrants before, during and after Trump's ICE raids. Guests include

Elevated chemical levels in the water at the Rountree Detention Center near Watsonville have prompted work on a new water filter system. (Nik Altenberg — Santa Cruz Local)
WATSONVILLE >> After elevated levels of “forever chemicals” or PFAS were found …

A huge, boisterous crowd of people protesting recent arrests of immigrants around the country took their message to the streets Monday following a rally in Watsonville Plaza.

Thousands of people filled the streets in downtown Watsonville Monday afternoon, waving Mexican flags, carrying signs and chanting, all in observance of a Day Without Immigrants, one of numerous protests nationwide against the hardline immigration policies enacted by the new …

Watsonville Police Department brought on two new officers to the force last week, a move that brings the department closer to filling its roster.

Since its inception in 2020, the Santa Cruz County Neighborhood Justice Program has held 351 conferences between people who commit low-level crimes and their victims.

Community Action Board CEO MariaElena De La Garza holds a “red card” of basic immigrant rights at a news conference outside Santa Cruz County Superior Court on Nov. 7. (Jesse Kathan — Santa Cruz Local file)

In an abundance of caution, the Cabrillo Community College District has notified students of a recent data privacy incident.

More than 100 new officers officially joined the California Highway Patrol (CHP) Jan. 17 during a swearing-in ceremony that marked a significant step in bolstering public safety across the state.Original article published at Rancho Cordova Independent

Information provided by Cal Fire. Lea este artículo en español aquí.The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) is alerting the public about fraudulent social media accounts impersonating Cal Fire and soliciting donations. Cal Fire does not solicit …

After 21-year-old Tamario Smith died in Santa Cruz County Jail in 2020, family and supporters rallied at the jail. (Mat Weir — Santa Cruz Local file)
SANTA CRUZ >> More than four years after 21-year-old Tamario Smith died in Santa …

A state-mandated Santa Cruz County court program started this month to connect services to some people with serious mental illnesses. (Stephen Baxter — Santa Cruz Local file)
SANTA CRUZ >> CARE Courts opened in Santa Cruz County this month, offering …

The County of Santa Cruz has received an $8 million grant from the California Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC) Proposition 47 Grant Program to enhance mental health, substance use disorder and diversion services for individuals involved in the …

Several Santa Cruz County leaders, including Santa Cruz County Superintendent of Schools Faris Sabbah, reaffirmed their support for immigrants Thursday in the wake of Donald Trump’s presidential election. (Jesse Kathan — Santa Cruz Local)
SANTA CRUZ >> Dozens of elected …

The County of Santa Cruz has begun installing surveillance cameras at key locations in unincorporated areas of the County to help prevent illegal dumping, a strategy to protect the environment and help keep Santa Cruz County clean.