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.
Supervisors advance new rules to scrap illegally parked vehicles in Santa Cruz County
Homeless residents could face displacement
Report: 21,000 Santa Cruz County residents could lose health insurance by 2028
Thousands of Santa Cruz County residents set to lose health insurance or see premiums double
Local college programs for Latino students to shutter as federal cuts take effect
Cabrillo College and UCSC to lose $3 million each
Capitola leaders dismiss complaint against council member
Council addresses ongoing dispute during meeting
Capitola intersection redesign could be reversed
Council to also review a grant for bike and pedestrian safety
Advocates propose three laws to support Santa Cruz County immigrants
Laws would ban masked law enforcement, data sharing, some investments
Details of proposed Felton Fire tax remain unclear
Without more money, district may fold
San Lorenzo Park redesign could include pickleball, river restoration
Duck pond not included in proposed redesign
As a new state bill pushes back against license plate cameras, Watsonville looks to add more
Watsonville City Council meeting Tuesday
Scotts Valley Vice Mayor resigns
City council must appoint replacement or order election
They fled violence and war to Santa Cruz County. Now, their future is uncertain.
Local volunteer network offers support to asylum seekers
License plate cameras praised by Watsonville police despite immigration concerns
Privacy advocates say data is still vulnerable
Pajaro Valley school district blames staffing issues for overdue financial report
District faces Sept. 15 deadline to submit audit
Santa Cruz County proposal could allow destruction of homeless RVs
Owners would get no warning if public safety threat found
End of Santa Cruz Wharf could reopen spring 2026
Wharf rents, parking fees could rise
Pajaro residents and businesses wait for $1.7M in flood aid
Monterey County faces Dec. 31 deadline to spend
Report urges Felton Fire to consider taxing residents or dissolving
Fire district leaders to weigh potential tax Friday
Santa Cruz County public defender wants more immigration lawyers
County budget remains barrier
Santa Cruz County invests $380,000 in child care
Forgivable loan applications due Aug. 6
Capitola council advances wharf plan with new restaurant
Master plan due in fall
Adopted Watsonville budget to finish Ramsay Park upgrades
Council members praise $60M in city infrastructure investments