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5.7-magnitude earthquake shakes Northern Calif

The Associated Press — Thu, 23 May 2013 21:48:33 PDT

GREENVILLE, Calif.—A magnitude 5.7 earthquake hit Northern California Thursday night that was felt nearly 150 miles away, but there were no early reports of damage.

Developer brings hefty contribution to Measure T campaign

Thu, 23 May 2013 21:43:33 PDT

WATSONVILLE -- A $7,500 contribution to the campaign in support of Measure T from a commercial real estate developer has created a stir just two weeks before city voters cast ballots in the June 4 special election.

Cowell Beach near top for bad beaches

Thu, 23 May 2013 21:43:22 PDT

SANTA CRUZ -- When it comes to bad water, Santa Cruz' Cowell Beach has topped more charts than a Motown prodigy.

A few soft bunnies in Soquel looking for a good home

Thu, 23 May 2013 21:28:39 PDT

SOQUEL -- The Rabbit Haven is holding a special Memorial Day adoption event at Pet Pals in Soquel on Sunday.

Santa Cruz leaders discuss next steps in accelerating innovation

Thu, 23 May 2013 21:28:08 PDT

SANTA CRUZ -- About 90 people gathered in the courtyard of the Museum of Art & History on Wednesday to brainstorm how to apply lessons learned from Boulder and Fort Collins, Colo., two communities known as great places to live, work and start a business.

Capitola backs art project: Sculpture destined for kiosk at Esplanade

Thu, 23 May 2013 21:19:25 PDT

CAPITOLA -- The City Council voted 5-0 Thursday night to green-light a public art project, a bronze sea otter sculpture by artist Kim Chavez atop an informational kiosk at the Esplanade for $15,000.

Santa Cruz County Bank announces dividend

Thu, 23 May 2013 21:17:33 PDT

APTOS -- When Santa Cruz County Bank chairman George Gallucci announced a 5-cents per share cash dividend at the end of the annual meeting Thursday, stockholders broke into applause.

Santa Cruz residents weigh in on transportation in 2035

Thu, 23 May 2013 21:10:35 PDT

SANTA CRUZ -- The future of the tri-county region was the focus of a public workshop Thursday with local residents invited to share a vision of how they hope to get around by 2035 -- whether by car, bike, bus, rail or another form of public transit.

Cabrillo College presidential candidates wrap up forums

Thu, 23 May 2013 21:09:46 PDT

APTOS -- Now that the five final candidates for Cabrillo College's president and superintendent have spoken at campus forums Wednesday and Thursday, the choice of the future leader is in the Board of Trustees' hands, with an expected selection by June.

Gang member accused in Santa Cruz double homicide painted as fall guy

Thu, 23 May 2013 21:08:43 PDT

SANTA CRUZ -- Jaime Galdamez Guevara is 'not an angel,' his attorney assured jurors Thursday during closing arguments of the Salvadoran gang member's trial on double murder charges.

Cops and Courts, May 24, 2013: Hollister man arrested on gun charges

Thu, 23 May 2013 21:08:14 PDT

WATSONVILLE -- A Hollister man was arrested Wednesday night in Watsonville for being in possession of a stolen rifle, according to the Santa Cruz County Gang Task Force.

Jury selection to begin next week in 2009 Pajaro berry field murder

Thu, 23 May 2013 21:07:53 PDT

SANTA CRUZ -- Attorneys in the 2009 murder of Oscar Avalos Sanchez announced Thursday that jury selection will begin next week, and they'll argue Tuesday what evidence each side will be allowed to present in the case of three men charged with the stabbing death.

Former Palma students will share in $16.5 million settlement in sexual abuse cases

Thu, 23 May 2013 20:42:55 PDT

Nine former Palma High School students are among the 400 people who will share a $16.5 million settlement by the Irish Christian Brothers for sexual abuse they suffered at schools affiliated with the order in the United States and Canada.

Coast Lines: May 24, 2013: Music and Art Festival slated for Sunday

Thu, 23 May 2013 20:15:23 PDT

BOULDER CREEK -- The Boulder Creek Recreation and Parks District is hosting its Music and Art Festival from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday at Junction Park, 13333 Middleton Ave., Boulder Creek.

San Jose City College student steps forward to claim $2.3 million Powerball prize

Thu, 23 May 2013 20:03:30 PDT

Michael Garcia, 22, purchased his $2.3 million Powerball prize-winning ticket at a 7-Eleven store at 2440 Almaden Expressway in San Jose, having matched all of the numbers except the Powerball number.

Four officers cleared in shooting Santa Cruz cop killer

Thu, 23 May 2013 19:22:15 PDT

SANTA CRUZ -- District Attorney Bob Lee said Thursday that four officers who shot and killed a man suspected of gunning down two detectives acted 'reasonably, prudently and heroically.'

Business Digest: May 24, 2013: New Leaf opens Store No. 8

Thu, 23 May 2013 19:21:27 PDT

PLEASANTON -- Santa Cruz-based New Leaf Community Markets opened a store in Pleasanton. The opening marks the eighth store in the chain.

Prosecutor offers closing arguments on 'cold' double homicide

Thu, 23 May 2013 19:17:30 PDT

SANTA CRUZ -- An 18-year-old Salvadoran gang member wanted respect so desperately that he fatally shot two men in the head after an argument inside their Santa Cruz apartment, leaving them to die in the lap of a drunk friend.

Peninsula real estate mogul guilty of killing wife for $30 million insurance payout

Thu, 23 May 2013 18:43:39 PDT

A Peninsula real estate mogul was found guilty Thursday of murdering his wife in their mansion in order to collect a $30 million insurance policy as creditors closed in on his crumbling empire.