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.
Santa Cruz Local’s Election Guide covers local races and ballot measures
Plus: Where to return ballots and vote in Santa Cruz, Scotts Valley, Aptos and Watsonville
‘Concerning’ use of force described in Santa Cruz County Inspector General report
Allegations of improper Taser use, pepper balls in jail prompt call for change
Nonprofits boost Yes on Q, and other Santa Cruz County campaign money trails
Fundraising tallied on Santa Cruz soda tax, county supervisor races
Voter fraud alleged in Santa Cruz Mountains school parcel tax
San Jose man says he’s fighting for representation
Fact check: No on Z, the campaign against a Santa Cruz soda tax
Are soda taxes illegal? And other questions answered
Fact check: County supervisor candidate Monica Martinez and a lawsuit against Encompass
Legal battle from 2019 may not signal wrongdoing, nonprofit expert says
Central Fire to pay out nearly $1 million in firefighters’ brawl
Taxpayers shell out after drunken fight among coworkers
Santa Cruz Local Election Guide launches
Ballot measures explained, candidates pressed on voters’ top concerns
Would Measure N demolish a Live Oak senior center for teacher housing?
Bond aims to raise $45 million for workforce housing
Zayante Fire proposes more staff, new equipment with Measure T
Homeowners asked to pay $290 parcel tax
Santa Cruz County settles sales tax lawsuit, outlines spending
Money expected to improve roads, parks, homeless response
Watsonville council member found liable in child sexual assault lawsuit
Jimmy Dutra ordered to pay $1.1 million, remains on Nov. 5 ballot
Cycling upgrades proposed for Scotts Valley Drive
Scotts Valley City council to consider design options Sept. 18
Jury out in Watsonville council member’s sexual assault trial
Jimmy Dutra accused of molesting 12-year-old in 2005
Downtown Santa Cruz hotel could get lower-cost rooms
Coastal Commission to review appeal Sept. 12
Earn money by advising Santa Cruz city and county leaders
How to volunteer for a board or commission
Central Fire’s $221 million bond measure, explained
Money needed to replace aging fire stations, buy new engines, chief says
School board races participation drops in Santa Cruz County
Plus other election previews
Explainer: Public pension debts in Santa Cruz County
Despite reforms, local governments struggle with underfunded retirement payouts
Scotts Valley City Council to weigh business tax measure Aug. 7
Money could help close city budget gap
National Night Out events in Capitola, Scotts Valley, Santa Cruz, Boulder Creek, Watsonville
Free games, demonstrations on Tuesday, Aug. 6