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.
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
Your election guide to Santa Cruz Measures B and C
Dueling tax measures on Nov. 4 ballot
Where to find low-cost child care in Santa Cruz County after Head Start closure
Early childhood education programs latest casualties in government shutdown
How to get free food in Santa Cruz County as food stamps set to run dry
Local food banks brace for surge amid federal shutdown
Santa Cruz City Council Roundup: West Cliff, housing, pickleball
Council moves to strengthen local preference for affordable housing
Santa Cruz leaders confront looming service gap as key homeless program ends
Officials to plan next steps amid Housing Matters eliminating Day Services
Pajaro Valley school district delays decision on controversial issues policy
Plus: Board scores 0/100 on ‘effectiveness’
Border patrol was deployed to Oakland. Here’s what Santa Cruz County residents need to know
Know your rights, other resources
Santa Cruz County Supes roundup: Measure Q, Kratom, RV rules
New tow and scrap law could be illegal, ACLU says
Pajaro Valley school district to weigh policy revisions some call ‘classroom censorship’
‘Controversial issues’ policy on Wednesday board meeting agenda
Anti-Trump protests planned Saturday in Santa Cruz, Watsonville
Hundreds of ‘No Kings’ protests planned nationwide
Jimmy Panetta and Zoe Lofgren to host town hall Saturday in Watsonville
Residents can submit questions for representatives to answer