Deadly Crash on Highway 9: Vehicle Plunges 400 Feet in Santa Cruz Mountains

The Tuolumne County Sheriff's Office announced that forward progress on the Tuttle Fire has been halted. The blaze ignited in the 20600 block of Tuttletown Road off Highway 49, forcing evacuations in the area.

By 2:13 p.m., authorities reported that the vegetation fire was stopped at an estimated 2 acres, but not before spreading to a nearby home. All occupants of the affected residence managed to escape safely, according to CAL FIRE.

Evacuation warnings have been lifted on Fraguero Road, but remain in effect on Tuttletown Road. Emergency responders remain on scene working toward full containment and mop-up operations, which are expected to continue for several hours.

All incoming resources and aircraft have been called off. Currently, there is no access turning onto Tuttletown Road; however, residents can drive down the roadway to the highway.

The cause of the fire is under investigation. Earlier, at 1:48 p.m., the Sheriff's Office had issued evacuation orders on Tuttletown Road and sent additional units to Fraguero Road for evacuation advisories.

The initial report at 1:40 p.m. noted that air and ground resources were battling the fire, which had extended into a home, threatening several others in the Tuttletown area.

A domestic violence suspect with multiple outstanding warrants led police on a high-speed chase through Barstow on Tuesday, reaching speeds of up to 100 mph, before abandoning his vehicle and breaking into an occupied home in an attempt to evade capture, authorities said.

Gabriel Romero, 35, of Barstow, was arrested on suspicion of kidnapping, domestic violence, reckless evading of police, and resisting or obstructing police, according to San Bernardino County jail records.

The incident began around 11 a.m. on June 23, when officers responded to a report of a domestic disturbance at a motel in the 1300 block of West Main Street, according to Barstow Police Department officials.

Police determined that Romero had assaulted his girlfriend and fled before officers arrived, the department said in a written statement. Officers also discovered that Romero had several active felony arrest warrants related to charges including burglary, grand theft, drug possession, and multiple counts of vehicle theft, according to police and county records.

Responding officers spotted Romero driving in the area and attempted to pull him over, but he sped away, initiating a pursuit, officials said.

"The driver failed to yield, committed several additional traffic violations, and a vehicle pursuit ensued with speeds reaching up to 100 mph," the police statement said.

The chase ended just under 5 miles away in the 3600 block of West Main Street, where Romero abandoned the car and fled on foot through a desert area adjacent to a residential neighborhood, police said.

"Romero forced his way inside an occupied residence, and officers chased him inside," according to the statement. "Romero locked himself in a bathroom before officers forced the door open and took Romero into custody without further incident."

The suspect is being held without bail pending legal proceedings.

The state of California has secured a significant extension of federal housing assistance for survivors of the devastating Los Angeles wildfires. Under an approval received today, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has extended the Individuals and Households Program (IHP) financial housing assistance period for eligible homeowners through July 9, 2027.

Additionally, FEMA approved a three-month extension for eligible renters, now running through October 9, 2026.

“Recovery takes time, and for many Los Angeles fire survivors, significant challenges remain,” said California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) Director Caroline Thomas Jacobs. “This extension will provide critical stability for families as they navigate insurance claims, secure contractors, and work to rebuild their homes.

We appreciate FEMA’s recognition of the extraordinary circumstances survivors continue to face and remain committed to working alongside our federal and local partners to support every community through recovery.”

As of June 12, 2026, FEMA reported that more than 35,000 households have received assistance through the Individuals and Households Program, with over $177 million awarded to eligible survivors. The agency also noted that more than 1,200 households have received Continued Temporary Housing Assistance since the disaster.

California continues to lead an all-of-government effort to help communities recover and rebuild. Since the fires, Governor Gavin Newsom has issued more than two dozen executive orders to accelerate recovery, cut red tape, support rebuilding efforts, and restore critical infrastructure.

State and local partners have completed one of the largest and fastest debris removal operations in California history. The state has expanded direct support for survivors, including making more than $100 million available through the CalAssist Mortgage Fund to help homeowners remain housed while they recover.

Additional protections and resources continue to support impacted families and communities throughout the rebuilding process.

The FEMA extension will help ensure eligible survivors have the time, stability, and resources needed to continue rebuilding and transition into permanent housing. California will continue working closely with FEMA, local governments, community organizations, and federal partners to support survivors and advance the long-term recovery of Los Angeles communities impacted by the fires.

A group of third-grade students from Del Mar Elementary School in Live Oak has made a significant impact on wildlife conservation. Leah, Itzel, Lorelai, and Scarlett, who are passionate about animals, formed the Del Mar Wildlife Association to help threatened and endangered species.

The students sold handmade crafts and baked goods at the Earth Day event held at the Live Oak School District Farm, raising over $200 in donations.

The girls decided to donate the money to the Ventana Wildlife Society, an organization founded in 1977 in Big Sur that has been instrumental in the reintroduction of bald eagles and California condors to the Central Coast. A visit to the Ventana Wildlife Society office in Monterey allowed the students to hand-deliver their donation and learn about condor conservation.

They discovered how condors are tagged and tracked, that the leading cause of death for condors is lead poisoning from bullet fragments in rodents, and how the society works with local farmers to promote sustainable practices, such as offering free copper bullets to replace lead.

Biologists monitor the free-flying condors using visual observation, radio telemetry, and satellite GPS tracking. The Ventana Wildlife Society currently manages a flock of more than 100 condors in Central California.

Each student received an adoption certificate for a condor they symbolically adopted, making the experience both educational and memorable.

In other local news, Bay Federal Credit Union announced its Education Scholarship recipients: Anahi Cortez Jacobo, Angela Cuevas, Lillian McGee, and Sarah Cobos, each receiving a $2,000 scholarship. Employees Jocy Corona, Alex Valdez, and Aaliyah Villafuerte were awarded the Mac McCormac Employee Scholarship.

Additionally, several students from the region were named to Dean's and President's Lists at universities across the country, including Brynna Ruf of Santa Cruz, Jamie Lafollette of Soquel, Mackenzie Tellez of Watsonville, Kiersten McGuckin of Aptos, and others.

Dozens of Black surfers, community members, and visitors gathered at Cowell Beach in Santa Cruz on Friday for the sixth annual Liberation Paddle Out, hosted by Black Surf Santa Cruz. The event celebrated Juneteenth and aimed to promote ocean access and inclusivity.

Attendees enjoyed music from DJ Mai Girl, vegan Venezuelan barbecue from Areperia 831, and activities such as cornhole, spikeball, and bubbles on a cloudy afternoon. Esabella Bonner, founder and executive director of the nonprofit, said the event centers joy while honoring the history and reasons why such an organization is needed.

Bonner was inspired to create the paddle out after attending the 2020 paddle out in memory of George Floyd, whose killing by police sparked nationwide protests. She recalled screaming 'Black Lives Matter' alongside other beginners, feeling the contradiction of joy and grief.

The Liberation Paddle Out has been held annually since 2021 in honor of Juneteenth, which marks the day enslaved African Americans in Texas were freed in 1865, over two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. During the event, coaches offered free surf lessons on the sand and one-on-one buddies in the water, and Black Surf Santa Cruz provided free wetsuits and surfboards.

Bonner emphasized that the paddle out serves as a space for Black people to reclaim their power in the ocean, noting that surfing originated with Indigenous people in Africa and was introduced to Santa Cruz by Hawaiian princes over a century ago. She stated that the lack of diversity in the lineup is a legacy of violence.

Before entering the water, participants decorated flower crowns and necklaces with flowers donated by the Homeless Garden Project, Common Roots Farm, and Do Right Flower Farm. The event culminated with a circle of colorful surfboards adorned with flowers tossed into the ocean to honor ancestors and celebrate the bond between Black people and the sea.

SeTanya De Shields traveled from San Francisco after hearing about the event by word-of-mouth. She had never surfed before but felt moved to attend to learn about Black surf culture and celebrate Juneteenth, describing the event as a safe and fun activity focused on Black joy.

The Liberation Paddle Out was free and donation-based, supported by grants and community contributions, and run by about 70 volunteers. Attendees could donate for a raffle with prizes such as gift cards and Santa Cruz Warriors tickets.

Bonner stressed the importance of keeping the event free to eliminate barriers to ocean access. Chloe Gentile-Montgomery, Bonner's sister and volunteer, said community support shows solidarity from organizations claiming to support the Black community, urging them to invest in Black thriving.

Black Surf Santa Cruz offers year-round programs teaching swimming, surfing, and ocean connection. Kelvin Nivens, a board member, said his first time past the shore break was at the Liberation Paddle Out two years ago, and he wanted to help establish swim lessons for others.

Since 2020, Black Surf Santa Cruz has served over 1,000 people, with many entering the ocean for the first time. Over 85% of participants reported reduced fear of water after working with the organization.

Bonner concluded that true liberation means deciding for oneself whether something is suitable, without barriers or stereotypes, and building something new together.