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 sobering center could reopen in January
Fatal fire destroyed Water Street building in 2020
Capitola pursues permanent outdoor dining program
Council approves budget, city labor contracts
Santa Cruz sales tax hike stalls
Plus: Council to revisit overnight RV parking ban
Santa Cruz County budget adds employees, services, savings
Leaders say remote work helps reduce traffic
Advocates target police cuts as Watsonville budget decision looms
Proposed reductions would follow Salinas, Richmond
Watsonville residents push back on police money
City budget revives parks funding, Ramsay Park upgrades
Supervisors approve new South County Service Center, Dominican Hospital expansion
Plus: Syringe waste, opioid harm data programs to be considered
Rising pension costs in Santa Cruz: Your questions answered
Potential ballot measure could raise city tax
Hotel plan could include city land in downtown Santa Cruz
Plus: Homeless services, road safety, Junior Lifeguards decisions made
How Alameda County addresses mental-health crisis response
Police reform series: 911 alternatives in Santa Cruz County, East Bay
Scotts Valley city services, construction could get boost
Budget uncertain for affordable housing rules, public works building
State bill sets stage for new mental health crisis hotline
Police reform series: Non-police responses targeted by Santa Cruz County group
Train project slows with lack of planning money
Reports need $17 million, ‘timeout’ called
Scotts Valley businesses expected to get new loan program
Plus, Fourth of July parade on track
Capitola projects, services gain steam
Improved budget could help speed permits, wharf repairs, youth program
Santa Cruz County train vote: Factors to consider
Supporters urge long view, opponents point to missing money
County supervisor Ryan Coonerty will not seek reelection
‘I feel like it’s been a hard 12 months’
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