(08:00) SANTA CRUZ COUNTY – A teen arrested in connection with a series of car fires in Aptos has pleaded not guilty to vandalism charges. 18-year-old Joseph Smith was arrested this week on suspicion of vandalizing 16 cars and setting three more on fire in November 2014. Smith is due back in court October 28. Two 17-year-olds have also been arrested in connection with the spree. (S.G.)