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 and North Coast voters describe their priorities for supervisor candidates
Help with rent, wages and solutions for the unhoused were top of mind
South County residents describe their priorities for supervisor candidates
District 4 residents want rent help, higher wages, affordable housing
Rail-trail ballot measure outlined by Santa Cruz County staff
County leaders say approval would not rule out future rail
Santa Cruz city voters to weigh in on district elections
Mayor could be directly elected, six districts could form
Rail trail plans detailed from Santa Cruz to Aptos
‘Interim’ project would replace some train tracks with paved path
Santa Cruz city deficit prompts potential sales tax hike
Plus: Council pushes for freight rail
Explainer: Roaring Camp and freight rail in Santa Cruz County
What to know about Thursday’s Regional Transportation Commission meeting
Sheriff’s Office oversight advanced by Santa Cruz County supervisors
Inspector general could review complaints, but some want advisory committee
Independent oversight possible for Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office
County supervisors, sheriff expected to collaborate in January
Police standards examined in Santa Cruz County report
Independent oversight, use of force policies among key differences
Watsonville City Council candidates respond to voters’ questions
Vanessa Quiroz-Carter, Frank Barba discuss housing, jobs, youth programs and more
Watsonville voters want progress on rent, jobs, youth programs
Residents discuss their priorities in the District 2 council election
Watsonville committee calls for more police transparency
Recommendations include potential new police auditor, youth programs
Injury crash in crosswalk renews calls for street upgrades in Scotts Valley
Lack of city tax money, other unsafe streets thwart change
Santa Cruz police chief hired in Palm Springs
City manager to name Andy Mills' replacement
The Nov. 2 Santa Cruz city election, explained
What Measure A means, why it’s the only question, and how to get a ballot
Guide to Local Government launches
Plus: Why Matthew Hendrix seeks stability and housing
More healthcare workers vaccinated in Santa Cruz County after mandate
Plus: Pogonip farm location advances, opponents hire attorney
Pogonip farm relocation advances in Santa Cruz
Opponents hire attorney
New debris-flow maps, rules aim to help CZU Fire rebuilding
Santa Cruz County supervisors ease rule on property liabilities
Santa Cruz County power outages prompt call for investigation
Plus: Proposed Pogonip farm to be discussed