News > Fair, accurate and nonpartisan news about Santa Cruz County
Government, housing, environment and health are our bread and butter. Want to understand the biggest issues facing our county and hunt for solutions? Read on.
Central Fire’s $221 million bond measure, explained
Money needed to replace aging fire stations, buy new engines, chief says
School board races participation drops in Santa Cruz County
Plus other election previews
In-home caregivers rally for higher pay in Santa Cruz County
Contract negotiations ongoing since June
UC Santa Cruz adds off-campus housing as lawsuits drag on
Court ruling on campus growth plan expected this month
Union sues UC over student housing construction contract
Company concealed employee death, union says
Santa Cruz County gas leaf-blower ban could negate electric rebates
Ban could begin next month
Explainer: Public pension debts in Santa Cruz County
Despite reforms, local governments struggle with underfunded retirement payouts
Scotts Valley City Council to weigh business tax measure Aug. 7
Money could help close city budget gap
National Night Out events in Capitola, Scotts Valley, Santa Cruz, Boulder Creek, Watsonville
Free games, demonstrations on Tuesday, Aug. 6
Capitola voters to weigh sales tax hike
Projected budget shortfall blamed on inflation, pension costs
Soda tax heads to Santa Cruz city ballot
Litigation risk follows council member’s court win
Highway 1 cost overruns to be discussed by Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission
Meeting set for Thursday, Aug. 1
Capitola council advances plan for new off-leash dog park
Jade Street community center renovation heads to bid
How (and why) to run for school board in Santa Cruz County
Aug. 9 deadline for 32 seats
Better jobs, affordable housing on the minds of Aptos voters
Some residents propose empty-home tax
Homelessness dips in Santa Cruz, rises in Watsonville
The 2024 point-in-time homeless census in four charts
Scotts Valley voters want housing, family needs addressed
More businesses, improved bike transit wanted
Santa Cruz County voters asked to fund more forest management, environmental projects
Explainer: The Water and Wildfire Protection Act on the Nov. 5 ballot
New state laws and recent votes from Santa Cruz County legislators
Gas stoves, LGBTQ+ protections and shelter money for Santa Cruz
Explainer: Santa Cruz County’s road problems
County tax hike for roads possible in 2025
Capitola council candidates asked to address spending transparency, transportation
More community input, bike safety wanted






