Join our movement

Learn about membership, how you can support local journalism, and see our growing list of members.

Become a member

Housing

Housing Matters expected to end some essential services for homeless people at Coral Street

B. Sakura Cannestra and Nik Altenberg2025-10-21T17:48:35-07:00October 16, 2025|

Cuts to be latest in series of local service reductions

County works to uncover and reverse historical racist housing restrictions

Amaya Edwards and Jesse Kathan2025-10-10T10:04:31-07:00October 3, 2025|

Language illegal for more than 40 years still in some deeds

Live Oak housing development approved by Planning Commission

Tyler Maldonado2025-09-26T17:32:49-07:00September 26, 2025|

171 affordable housing units to be part of the Anton Solana project

Former tenants sue landowner of proposed Ocean St. redevelopment alleging illegal evictions

Nik Altenberg2025-10-01T16:15:58-07:00September 25, 2025|

Owner may sell properties after 389-unit proposal scrapped

Government

Ryan Coonerty is running for Santa Cruz mayor: what to know about his campaign so far

Jesse Kathan2026-02-15T11:29:23-08:00February 15, 2026|

Four things to know about the long-time politico

Epstein victim grew up in Santa Cruz County, latest DOJ release reveals

Nik Altenberg2026-02-13T12:01:01-08:00February 12, 2026|

Jeffrey Epstein traveled to Santa Cruz, deposition says

Santa Cruz County ICE updates: Two visits, at least one arrest since November

Jesse Kathan2026-02-09T16:46:29-08:00February 6, 2026|

Jan. 18 visits to Watsonville, Freedom

Santa Cruz County election preview: 2026

Natalie Cuevas2026-02-04T14:14:20-08:00February 4, 2026|

June primary: key dates, incumbents and new candidates

Health

Millions in mental health services slashed in draft county budget

Jesse Kathan2025-05-06T16:25:22-07:00April 28, 2025|

Peer-run mental health group would likely shutter

Report calls for new jail or mental health facility in Santa Cruz County

Jesse Greenspan2025-04-10T17:35:25-07:00April 9, 2025|

More treatment options wanted to reduce criminality

Thousands of Santa Cruz County residents could lose health care with Medicaid cuts

Tyler Maldonado2025-04-01T08:47:40-07:00April 1, 2025|

Clogged emergency departments, more costs for patients and hospitals anticipated

New pesticide alerts draw praise, criticism in Pajaro Valley

Nik Altenberg2025-07-02T17:32:54-07:00March 28, 2025|

Teachers, students describe health problems

Transportation

Rail options, costs on tap for Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation meeting

Jesse Kathan2025-05-01T10:34:32-07:00March 17, 2025|

Questions remain on funding, design

Santa Cruz harbor bridge detours, construction detailed

Jesse Greenspan2025-05-01T10:34:34-07:00March 10, 2025|

Quake safety project expected through early 2028

Santa Cruz council approves $900,000 to finish overdue rail trail segment

Jesse Kathan2025-05-01T10:34:37-07:00March 10, 2025|

More than $15 million spent for 0.7-mile path

Survey: Santa Cruz County residents describe unsafe cycling areas

Jay Leedy2025-05-01T10:34:39-07:00March 7, 2025|

Share your priorities for bike and walk improvements

Environment

Santa Cruz County voters asked to fund more forest management, environmental projects

Jesse Kathan2024-08-13T16:55:01-07:00July 16, 2024|

Explainer: The Water and Wildfire Protection Act on the Nov. 5 ballot

Explainer: Santa Cruz County’s road problems

Jesse Kathan2025-05-01T11:00:57-07:00July 5, 2024|

County tax hike for roads possible in 2025

Proposed rail-trail route could divert onto streets across Live Oak-Capitola border

Jesse Kathan2025-05-01T11:01:03-07:00June 21, 2024|

Explainer: The rail-trail’s proposed path through Santa Cruz County

Rail-trail money threatened after Santa Cruz County supervisors vote

Jesse Kathan2026-03-30T14:19:12-07:00March 29, 2024|

Supervisors delay $68 million for Live Oak, Capitola, Aptos segments

Explainers