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.
Watsonville council advances oversized vehicle ordinance despite concerns
City leaders say law is not meant to target homeless people
Santa Cruz leaders vote to terminate contract with Flock
Council leaves the door open for replacement license plate readers
Anti-ICE protest planned Sunday in Santa Cruz
Activists decry killing of legal observer in Minneapolis
Santa Cruz could end Flock camera contract next month
Discussion set for Tuesday’s council meeting
Get paid to weigh in on Santa Cruz city issues
Advisory commission applications due Jan. 11
Santa Cruz County immigration advocates call on attorney general to adopt child care safety plan
New state law aims to reduce family separations
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