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.
Scotts Valley residents’ wastewater bills may increase this summer
Plus, small business grant program to be considered
Santa Cruz County transportation leaders deadlock on passenger rail plan
Project likely to pause
Data special: Trends in Watsonville crime, police work, funding
City committee looks for law enforcement improvements
Public defender overhaul advances in Santa Cruz County
Transition means county-employee defense attorneys by July 2022
Santa Cruz County schools grapple with mix of online and in-person learning
Desk spacing limits classroom capacity
Scotts Valley council aims to cure ‘painful’ budget cuts during pandemic
City staff, services among 17 priorities
Capitola council targets partnerships with Scotts Valley, school district
City leaders choose budget priorities
New committees address police reform in Watsonville, Santa Cruz County
Goals include uniform treatment of residents, improved mental health response
Scotts Valley leaders consider risks, rewards of pension bonds
Council members lament lack of options, looming debt
Santa Cruz police offer changes to hiring, training, transparency
Wharf plan, economic recovery guidelines approved by council
Legal threat delays wharf plan in Santa Cruz
Legal threats prompt city leaders to postpone public discussion
Legal threat prompts Santa Cruz City Council to delay wharf plan
Downtown housing proposal also postponed Tuesday
Scotts Valley City Council early election results
Incumbents Donna Lind, Randy Johnson, Jack Dilles lead race
Santa Cruz City Council early election results
Watkins, Brunner, Brown, Kalantari-Johnson lead in early returns
Capitola City Council early election results
Incumbent Kristen Petersen leads field
Scotts Valley leaders to explore borrowing more money for pensions
New Target store in works; city steps toward Town Center plan
Santa Cruz council trims police, parks, public works funding
City manager describes ‘unprecedented’ financial situation, $5.3 million reduction
Podcast: Vote Nov. 3, Santa Cruz County supervisor
Santa Cruz County supervisor candidates John Leopold and Manu Koenig answer residents' concerns
Capitola child care program becomes more affordable with county help
Residents can access child care for $100 per week
Downtown Santa Cruz library project consultant contract delayed
Some residents fear economic downturn, dislike parking garage
Scotts Valley Police offer reforms, vehicle stop data
More training on tap for crisis intervention, force