Government News > Santa Cruz Local delivers deep, nonpartisan coverage of the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors and city councils in Santa Cruz, Watsonville, Scotts Valley and Capitola.
We distill local government decisions in an easy-to-read format and demystify county and city policy with our explainer stories. Our newsletter also lets you know about upcoming local government decisions so you can participate.
Transportation commission reaffirms support for rail trail
County supervisors to revisit money decision April 30
State money for rail trail could transfer to regional transportation commission
Idea to be floated at special meeting Thursday
‘Bleak’ outlook for Santa Cruz County budget
Less money for road repairs, fewer public health staff proposed
One-way traffic on West Cliff quashed by Santa Cruz City Council
Grant application will not be made for pilot program
Downtown Santa Cruz hotel approved by city council
Outdoor restaurant to be built near river
What went wrong at Live Oak School District
Money problems explained, and how other school districts compare
Live Oak School Board approves layoffs in new plan
Parents, teachers call for budget transparency
O’Hara, Brunner, Trigueiro, Kalantari-Johnson win Santa Cruz City Council races
Election Night outcomes hold
Watsonville hospital bond adopted by voters
Measure N would allow medical center purchase
School measures adopted in Live Oak, Happy Valley, Davenport
School measures sail toward wins in March 5 election
Measure M ballot initiative rejected by voters
More than 60% of votes cast against measure
Brown, De Serpa head to November runoff for District 2 Santa Cruz County supervisor
Schwartz, Jaffe, Crane trail
Martinez and Bradford to face off in November for District 5 Santa Cruz County supervisor seat
Martinez held a strong lead with more than 46% of the vote
Koenig defeats Faulkner for District 1 Santa Cruz County Supervisor
Official results posted April 2
Sales tax hikes for Santa Cruz County, city adopted by voters
Measures K and L
Watsonville City Council targets RV parking, adds homeless services
Gun storage law also advances
Live Oak teacher layoffs proposed to avoid state takeover of school district
Low reserves, declining enrollment blamed for $2.9 million deficit
Front Street hotel proposal advances in Santa Cruz
Hotel workers demand more money for housing fund
Santa Cruz council supports ‘peaceful dialogue’ in Israel-Hamas war, rejects Gaza ceasefire resolution
Santa Cruz leaders reject will of more than 200 people
Santa Cruz wharf renovation plan approved
Projects aim to draw more visitors
Activists press Santa Cruz leaders to support Israel-Hamas ceasefire
Supporters draw on local history of global stances