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.
‘You’re not able to just close your door and teach’: PVUSD employees get layoff notices
With fewer instructors, teachers worry students will lose out
Santa Cruz County poised to cancel contract with mental health nonprofit
Also: CORE funding, youth commission
César Chávez reckoning in Santa Cruz County: What could accountability look like to you?
Dolores Huerta: ‘I can no longer stay silent’
PVUSD takes first step towards school closures amid financial crisis
School closure committee applications to open next week
Pleasure Point residents say ‘yes’ to female surfer statue — just not here
County to consider the proposal at April 3 meeting
Santa Cruz County bans federal immigration agents from using county property
Ban covers all county buildings, parking lots and open spaces
Santa Cruz City Council approves Coral Street zoning changes
New buildings could be up to 8 stories
County leaders to discuss locking out immigration agents
Sheriff’s data sharing to undergo audit
PVUSD could soon discuss closing schools — months after a push to consider it
Discussion comes alongside proposal for bond measure
UC Santa Cruz student to challenge city Councilmember Renée Golder
Also: One more joins mayoral race, Justin Cummings secures another term
A Santa Cruz nonprofit offered to step in for an embattled mental health organization. Not everyone is on board.
People First could temporarily run MHCAN’s programs
Three more join race for Santa Cruz Mayor
Field now includes repeat candidates and recalled council member
Will a female surfer statue gain enough support to be built on East Cliff?
Attend a community meeting for the project on March 12
Mental health clinicians at PVUSD speak out: cuts will be ‘devastating’ for students
As layoffs loom, some clinicians are leaving the district early
Environmental advocate to challenge Coonerty for Santa Cruz Mayor
Two local seats for June primary remain uncontested
Ryan Coonerty is running for Santa Cruz mayor: what to know about his campaign so far
Four things to know about the long-time politico
Epstein victim grew up in Santa Cruz County, latest DOJ release reveals
Jeffrey Epstein traveled to Santa Cruz, deposition says
Santa Cruz County ICE updates: Two visits, at least one arrest since November
Jan. 18 visits to Watsonville, Freedom
Santa Cruz County election preview: 2026
June primary: key dates, incumbents and new candidates
Photos: Inside the annual homeless census in Watsonville
Nearly 250 volunteers spread out across county for point-in-time count
Rep. Jimmy Panetta condemns tactics by ICE and DHS
Community leaders stand against ICE