@ksbw_8: The Santa Cruz County government building was closed after a suspicious package containing a white powdery substance was discovered at the office of Congressman Jimmy Panetta. The Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office said they received a call to 701 Ocean Street after "potentially hazardous materials were found." The county said the package contained a "white powdery substance." A spokesperson for the county said it is unclear when the building will reopen. Earlier this week, lawmakers and election offices across the U.S. were warned about "suspicious envelopes" being sent to officials containing a similar substance. The warning shared concerns that the substance should be treated as hazardous. Panetta's office and the county have not confirmed whether this hazmat situation is connected to the national incidents. The Sheriff's Office said that, as a precaution, the building was evacuated. No injuries were reported. The courthouse and County building will likely remain closed for the rest of the day, per the sheriff's office. All other county facilities remain open. "We are aware of similar incidents reported elsewhere in the country and are investigating whether there may be any connection. No connection has been confirmed at this time," said the sheriff's office.
