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.
Child care, Meals on Wheels could be reduced with local funding changes
County, city leaders expect to award money at Nov. 19 meetings
Santa Cruz County election results hold, except Pajaro school board
Updates due 4 p.m. Friday, Nov. 15
Pajaro Valley school board could shake up as 3 incumbents trail
Split continues over ethnic studies contract
After Trump win, Santa Cruz County leaders affirm support for immigrants
Legal protections outlined in letter, event
Slipping Live Oak school bond stalls plans for teacher housing
District leaders expect to target 2026 ballot
Scotts Valley election results: Lind, Clark, Jett lead council race
Scotts Valley school bond gains razor-thin lead
Aromas-San Juan school bond heads toward passage
Tri-county Measure D would issue $44 million in bonds
Bonny Doon school bond glides toward passage
Money would aid repairs, resilience
De Serpa leads Brown for Santa Cruz County supervisor
Updated results
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