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.
Lakeside Joint School District parcel tax heads toward approval
Measure HH extends funding for district
Santa Cruz soda tax leans toward yes vote in early election results
Lawsuit likely if Measure Z is approved
Measure Q, Santa Cruz County water and wildfire tax leads in early results
Updated counts show more than 59% approval
Capitola election results: Jensen, Orbach lead council race
Capitola sales tax hike glides toward passage
San Lorenzo Valley election results: Martinez holds strong lead for county supervisor
Plus: Measure T Zayante Fire tax leads, Measure U water bill limit trails
Carol Turley, Jessica Carrasco, Gabriel Jesse Medina lead PVUSD races
Pajaro Valley Unified school bond tilts toward passage
Jimmy Dutra, Yes on Measures V and W hold leads in Watsonville races
Results will be updated
Soquel school bond squeaking toward win, Live Oak school bond falling short
Central Fire bond falling short in updated vote tallies
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