Santa Cruz Police Seek Help Finding Missing Woman
Authorities are searching for a missing woman with dementia who was last seen in the Seabright area.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Alzheimer’s
The Santa Cruz Police Department is requesting the public's assistance in locating Diane Patracuola, who was last seen in the 1100 block of Seabright Avenue. Patracuola, who has dementia, is considered a missing person by local law enforcement.
Why it matters
Locating individuals with dementia quickly is critical for their safety, as they may become disoriented and unable to find their way home. Local authorities are focusing their search efforts on areas she frequently visits.
The missing individual was last seen in the 1100 block of Seabright Avenue. The Santa Cruz Police Department can be reached regarding this case at 831-471-1131.
The players
Diane Patracuola
She is a local woman with dementia who is the subject of a missing person search.
Santa Cruz Police Department
This is the municipal law enforcement agency responsible for conducting the search and managing community safety alerts.
The details
Diane Patracuola has gray hair styled in a ponytail and was last seen wearing a black shirt over a red shirt, khaki slacks, and red-and-white Vans. Investigators note that she frequently visits locations near the harbor and in Midtown.
Timeline
12:30 p.m. on October 15, 2026: Last sighting of Diane Patracuola.
The Big Picture
The search follows protocols established by the Silver Alert program to mobilize community aid for missing seniors, which remains a key mechanism in local public safety operations.
Residents in the harbor and Midtown areas are asked to check their property or security footage for any signs of the missing individual. Anyone who spots Patracuola or has relevant information should contact the Santa Cruz Police Department immediately.
The takeaway
Maintaining updated contact information and monitoring for those with dementia is vital for community safety. If you are a caregiver, ensure that vulnerable loved ones carry identification or a tracking device to assist in such emergencies.
Further reading
For more information on support and resources, visit the Alzheimer’s section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KSBW.
