Join our movement - WIP - Santa Cruz Local

A man wearing a black shirt reaches down and pets a large brindle dog who's leash is wrapped around a pole outside of a store.

Capitola council advances plan for new off-leash dog park

Jade Street community center renovation heads to bid

The front of Santa Cruz High has a sign that shows upcoming events including freshman orientation.

How (and why) to run for school board in Santa Cruz County

Aug. 9 deadline for 32 seats

Six people sit at a white table and are looking at or writing on a piece of paper.

Better jobs, affordable housing on the minds of Aptos voters

Some residents propose empty-home tax

A beautiful blue heeler dog runs towards the camera with a bright orange ball in her mouth. In the background a large oak tree accompanies a bench at an enclosed dog park with a wood chip ground.

Capitola council to discuss dog rules, community center, new police chief

Plus: Your thoughts on fixing county roads

pajaro river levee homeless feb baxter 16 9

Homelessness dips in Santa Cruz, rises in Watsonville

The 2024 point-in-time homeless census in four charts

A Scotts Valley listening session with half a dozen participants at the library.

Scotts Valley voters want housing, family needs addressed

More businesses, improved bike transit wanted

Join our movement – WIPWill Mayall2024-01-15T15:47:40-08:00

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Podcast: How homeless services money is spent in Santa Cruz County

Stephen Baxter2023-08-04T07:58:59-07:00August 2, 2023|

Key takeaways from our three-part investigation

Podcast: Meet the Capitola City Council candidates

Stephen Baxter2022-11-04T16:00:38-07:00November 4, 2022|

Yvette Lopez Brooks, Joe Clarke, Enrique Dolmo Jr., Gerry Jensen, Alexander Pedersen respond to voters’ questions

Podcast: Meet the candidates for Santa Cruz mayor

Kara Meyberg Guzman2022-11-04T14:32:19-07:00November 4, 2022|

Joy Schendledecker and Fred Keeley respond to voters’ questions

Podcast: Meet the Santa Cruz City Council District 6 candidates

Kara Meyberg Guzman2022-11-04T13:53:20-07:00November 4, 2022|

Renee Golder and Sean Maxwell respond to voters’ questions

Housing

Homelessness dips in Santa Cruz, rises in Watsonville

Jesse Kathan2024-07-22T10:36:56-07:00July 19, 2024|

The 2024 point-in-time homeless census in four charts

How many unhoused people have found homes in Santa Cruz County?

Tyler Maldonado and Stephen Baxter2024-06-14T15:06:42-07:00June 13, 2024|

Key statistic takes some digging

Author discusses relationships, money to address homelessness

Tyler Maldonado2024-06-07T20:41:21-07:00June 7, 2024|

‘Miracle Messages’ as an antidote to social isolation

Santa Cruz reaches housing goals while county, other cities fail

Jesse Kathan2024-05-31T12:58:03-07:00May 31, 2024|

Capitola, Scotts Valley make least progress on affordable homes

Government

Capitola council advances plan for new off-leash dog park

Tyler Maldonado2024-07-26T16:18:32-07:00July 26, 2024|

Jade Street community center renovation heads to bid

How (and why) to run for school board in Santa Cruz County

Jesse Kathan2024-07-25T15:58:00-07:00July 25, 2024|

Aug. 9 deadline for 32 seats

Better jobs, affordable housing on the minds of Aptos voters

Jay Leedy2024-07-25T12:38:32-07:00July 25, 2024|

Some residents propose empty-home tax

Scotts Valley voters want housing, family needs addressed

Jay Leedy2024-07-19T10:15:43-07:00July 18, 2024|

More businesses, improved bike transit wanted

Health

Santa Cruz County jobs rebound, but housing costs, aging population remain challenges

Stephen Baxter2024-06-28T18:09:55-07:00June 28, 2024|

State of the Workforce report highlights trends, solutions

Pesticide use near schools detailed in Santa Cruz County

Jean Yi2024-04-26T15:16:50-07:00April 26, 2024|

Potentially harmful chemicals applied hundreds of times

Santa Cruz County needle exchange grows as lawsuit shutters volunteer exchange

Tyler Maldonado2024-02-28T11:27:23-08:00February 22, 2024|

Clean syringe access drops overall

Bond measure on March ballot would benefit Watsonville hospital

Stephen Baxter2023-11-30T14:53:30-08:00November 30, 2023|

Land, building acquisition planned with $116 million

Environment

Santa Cruz County voters asked to fund more forest management, environmental projects

Jesse Kathan2024-07-23T14:03:41-07:00July 16, 2024|

Explainer: The Water and Wildfire Protection Act on the Nov. 5 ballot

Explainer: Santa Cruz County’s road problems

Jesse Kathan2024-07-05T18:21:41-07:00July 5, 2024|

County tax hike for roads possible in 2025

Proposed rail-trail route could divert onto streets across Live Oak-Capitola border

Jesse Kathan2024-06-21T17:05:37-07:00June 21, 2024|

Explainer: The rail-trail’s proposed path through Santa Cruz County

Rail-trail money threatened after Santa Cruz County supervisors vote

Jesse Kathan2024-03-29T15:30:59-07:00March 29, 2024|

Supervisors delay $68 million for Live Oak, Capitola, Aptos segments