Santa Cruz County
![Temperatures in much of the Bay Area this week neared or blew past triple digits. In the Central Valley, the mercury skyrocketed beyond 105 degrees. Much cooler weather prevailed along the coast, from the mid-70s to mid-80s. Temperatures in much of the Bay Area this week neared or blew past triple digits. In the Central Valley, the mercury skyrocketed beyond 105 degrees. Much cooler weather prevailed along the coast, from the mid-70s to mid-80s.](https://www.mercurynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/SJM-L-COASTFULL-07XX-1.jpg?w=134)
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Coast is full: Bay Area residents flee heatwave for cooler 4th of July weekend
Temperatures in much of the Bay Area this week neared or blew past triple digits....
![An excessive heat warning for interior cities is in effect until Tuesday. A heat advisory was also announced for coastal cities surrounding San Francisco Bay. An excessive heat warning for interior cities is in effect until Tuesday. A heat advisory was also announced for coastal cities surrounding San Francisco Bay.](https://www.mercurynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/SJM-L-TUEHEAT-0612-9.jpg?w=132)
Bay Area heat wave, Northern California wildfires and power shutoffs continue as temperatures soar
An excessive heat warning for interior cities is in effect until Tuesday. A heat advisory...
![A Santa Cruz judge erred in not ensuring individual Spanish-language interpreters were provided for each of three co-defendants during their 2020 homicide preliminary hearing, a San Jose-based state appellate court panel ruled last week. A Santa Cruz judge erred in not ensuring individual Spanish-language interpreters were provided for each of three co-defendants during their 2020 homicide preliminary hearing, a San Jose-based state appellate court panel ruled last week.](https://www.mercurynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/court_gavel.jpg?w=140)
Court: Santa Cruz to dismiss homicide charge against San Jose man for 2018 slaying
A Santa Cruz judge erred in not ensuring individual Spanish-language interpreters were provided for each...
![Restaurants must display mandatory fees and charges with an explanation of their purpose. Restaurants must display mandatory fees and charges with an explanation of their purpose.](https://www.mercurynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/OCR-L-SURCHARGES-RESTAURANT-0816-01.jpg?w=132)
Gov. Newsom signs law allowing California restaurants to keep surcharges
Restaurants must display mandatory fees and charges with an explanation of their purpose.
![Some East Bay and Peninsula parks are closed due to fire risk. Some East Bay and Peninsula parks are closed due to fire risk.](https://www.mercurynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/SJM-L-HEATWAVE-0702-04.jpg?w=132)
Which Bay Area parks are closed due to the heat?
Some East Bay and Peninsula parks are closed due to fire risk.
![California’s summer started with the sweet aroma of flowers, but it’s threatening to end with the acrid smell of smoke. California’s summer started with the sweet aroma of flowers, but it’s threatening to end with the acrid smell of smoke.](https://www.mercurynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/SJM-L-WILDFLOWERS-04XX-13.jpg?w=132)
Lush flowers are sending a warning about California’s wildfire season
California’s summer started with the sweet aroma of flowers, but it’s threatening to end with...
![Residents near slide area get bleak status report. Residents near slide area get bleak status report.](https://www.mercurynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/LGW-L-MUDSLIDE-0329-18.jpg?w=132)
Road repairs estimated at $3 million after Santa Cruz Mountains landslide
Residents near slide area get bleak status report.
![A 42-year-old high school math teacher is facing arraignment this week on allegations of "grooming" a 17-year-old student with alleged intention of child sexual exploitation, police said Monday. A 42-year-old high school math teacher is facing arraignment this week on allegations of "grooming" a 17-year-old student with alleged intention of child sexual exploitation, police said Monday.](https://www.mercurynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/US-NEWS-CRIME-VICTIMS-SERVICES-DMT.jpg?w=140)
Bay Area math teacher faces child sex crime charges
A 42-year-old high school math teacher is facing arraignment this week on allegations of "grooming"...
![The number of fatal car crashes have risen 17% in the state in 2022, with speed a huge factor. The number of fatal car crashes have risen 17% in the state in 2022, with speed a huge factor.](https://www.mercurynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/LDN-L-ROADFATALITIES-0702-02-1.jpg?w=140)
Report: 15, 10 and 5 freeways are deadliest in California, as traffic deaths rise
The number of fatal car crashes have risen 17% in the state in 2022, with...
![Mercury News Letters to the Editor for July 2, 2024 Mercury News Letters to the Editor for July 2, 2024](https://www.mercurynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/SJM-L-SJREGMEDCNTR-x-02.jpg?w=140)
Letters: Costly closure | Christian home | Homeless services | Fire safety | Gun ownership | Jesus’ words
Mercury News Letters to the Editor for July 2, 2024