Transformer Malfunction Causes Power Outage

A power outage impacted and a host of businesses near the downtown area Tuesday afternoon, Pacific Gas & Electric reported.

The power outage was reported around 2:20 p.m. in the area of Brennan, Union and Grant streets and Maple Avenue, according to PG&E spokeswoman Monica Tell.

A transformer malfunctioned, Tell said.

The Santa Cruz Sentinel reported that about 150 customers were without power at the peak of the outage and that Cabrillo College posted a notice saying evening classes were in jeopardy.

Later, the college changed the alert to say "WATS PG&E OUTAGE: Classes Held as Scheduled for Syllabi and Add Codes."

At a beauty shop on Brennan Street, hair stylists couldn't blow dry clients' new hairdos, one woman reported.

Thirty-three customers still were without power about 7 p.m. Tuesday. They were expected to have the lights back on by 11 p.m., Tell said.