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 County Sheriff eyes new mental health jail facility
Chris Clark on his first year in office
Why PVUSD trustees voted to layoff 150 teachers and staff
More than 150 teachers, staff face chopping block
Dozens of California agencies shared license plate data with feds, Santa Cruz records show
LAPD and others appear to have violated state law
Santa Cruz County veterans push for overhaul of local veterans services office
Advocates say county mismanagement hinders access to resources
Town center plan for Scotts Valley inching forward
The Planning Commission to review the project’s updated plans on Thursday
Tracking immigration enforcement: 24 visits to Santa Cruz County in 2025
See maps and dates
Santa Cruz County nonprofit operator of Head Start child care program quits
Interim operator to take over operations next week
How Santa Cruz County fought hunger during shutdown — and why more food insecurity could be on the horizon
Local business owners stepped up when food stamps ran dry
Supervisors draft battery storage rules in bid for local control
New Leaf Energy could seek state approval
Out-of-state law enforcement accessed Santa Cruz Police license plate camera data, Chief admits
City leaders pledge tighter restrictions on data sharing
Rail line operator says ‘no’ to Santa Cruz harbor bridge path
Plus: City council to consider tenant relocation payments
PVUSD staff, parents unite against proposed layoffs
Trustees to vote on cuts Dec. 11
‘Devastating’ layoffs proposed at PVUSD would cut all mental health counselors
Proposal comes amid student violence and suicides
ICE accessed Capitola license plate data. Police say it was a mistake.
Out-of-state agencies searched the data more than three million times since 2024
Food stamp benefits remain uncertain as county leaders await direction
Federal food aid remains stalled as court battles drag on
Plan to delay rail trail construction could endanger state funding
Thursday meeting to consider money for rail and trail
Santa Cruz Measure C tax for affordable housing grows slim majority
Rival Measure B initiative struggles, Prop 50 wins
PVUSD approves $2.2 million payout for sexual abuse allegations from the 1990s
Lawsuit alleged district officials knew about inappropriate behavior
Election Day: What to know about Measures B and C in Santa Cruz
Decoding the rival tax measures ahead of Election Day
Fact check: Santa Cruz’s Measure C tax initiative
Decoding mailers and campaign claims
What does Prop 50 mean for Santa Cruz County?
County leaders explain why they support redistricting in California