Join our movement - Santa Cruz Local

Woman returns home after years of displacement by CZU Lightning Complex Fire

Santa Cruz nonprofit completes first ground-up housing rebuild

"Doesn't matter how I'm homeless. How do I get un-homeless?"

Transitional housing program led by Housing Matters opens for referrals

Affordable housing open to waitlist in Downtown Santa Cruz

Four apartments on Cedar Street are ready to rent

Costs are mounting to repair main access bridge in Bonnie Brier, with residents still cutoff

Small mountain community working to create an assessment district

How Big Soda nearly killed Measure Z in Santa Cruz

Part 2: How voters fought back against pressure by the beverage industry

A decade ago, a soda tax effort fizzled in Watsonville. Advocates blame Big Beverage.

Part 1: Industry leans on elected leaders of color to defend against regulation, experts say

Join our movementSanta Cruz Local2026-03-09T15:04:05-07:00

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Housing

Developer cancels 97-unit townhouse project on Meder St. in Santa Cruz

Nik Altenberg2025-09-23T13:37:43-07:00September 23, 2025|

Reasons for scrapped project remain unclear

Monday community meeting on Frederick St. townhomes

Nik Altenberg2025-09-22T16:06:55-07:00September 22, 2025|

23 townhomes proposed near Arana Gulch in Santa Cruz

253 below-market-rate homes on tap in Soquel

Tyler Maldonado2025-09-04T17:59:26-07:00September 4, 2025|

Construction expected to begin January 2026

Pajaro River levee sweep leaves dozens without shelter

Evan Quarnstrom2025-09-05T11:35:26-07:00August 29, 2025|

More than 100 displaced ahead of annual levee work

Government

Photos: Inside the annual homeless census in Watsonville

Amaya Edwards2026-05-11T12:08:21-07:00February 3, 2026|

Nearly 250 volunteers spread out across county for point-in-time count

Rep. Jimmy Panetta condemns tactics by ICE and DHS

B. Scalzo2026-01-30T17:57:56-08:00January 30, 2026|

Community leaders stand against ICE

Santa Cruz County supervisors meeting yields progress for veterans, immigrant resident protection

B. Sakura Cannestra2026-01-29T08:51:29-08:00January 29, 2026|

Committee formed to prepare for federal immigration enforcement

Scotts Valley calls on residents to join the Citizens Academy

Alexandria Bordas2026-01-27T17:00:50-08:00January 27, 2026|

Learn about local governance and city operations

Health

Santa Cruz County Supervisors advance cannabis lounges, discuss teen protections

Jesse Kathan2025-03-12T17:07:14-07:00March 12, 2025|

Marijuana use declines among some county youth

Federal funding freeze threatens UCSC research, Santa Cruz biotech industry

Jesse Kathan2025-03-14T22:02:07-07:00March 7, 2025|

Grant delays could cause layoffs within months, professors say

Senior speed dating draws hearts in Live Oak

Grace Stetson2025-02-14T16:21:44-08:00February 14, 2025|

Love and friendship at Grey Bears’ Senior Night Out series

‘A game changer’: More Santa Cruz County residents call 24-hour mobile crisis team

Jesse Greenspan2025-02-07T12:16:21-08:00February 7, 2025|

Law enforcement shootings spur years of activism

Transportation

Explainer: Upcoming decisions on the rail trail in Capitola

Jesse Kathan2025-05-01T10:34:41-07:00February 28, 2025|

What to know ahead of the March 4 town hall

Watsonville council members discuss rail trail options

Stephen Baxter2025-05-01T10:34:44-07:00February 14, 2025|

Paths planned near Beach Street, Pajaro Valley High School

Capitola council delays decision on Park Avenue rail trail options

Stephen Baxter2025-05-01T10:34:46-07:00February 14, 2025|

Residents pack meeting, threaten lawsuit

Rail trail, traffic calming projects on tap for Watsonville City Council

Stephen Baxter2025-05-01T10:34:50-07:00February 10, 2025|

New law makes parking within 20 feet of crosswalk illegal

Environment

Compost toilet program to launch in San Lorenzo Valley

William S. Woodhams2024-08-13T17:01:04-07:00March 29, 2024|

‘The goal is to get the law changed’

Proposed fishing bans spark debate in Santa Cruz County

Jesse Kathan2024-08-13T17:01:42-07:00March 22, 2024|

Local kelp forests healthier than other areas

Rental e-bikes expected in Live Oak, Pleasure Point, Capitola in March

Tyler Maldonado2024-08-13T17:03:40-07:00March 1, 2024|

Watsonville BCycle rollout delayed to August

Passenger rail construction expected to start in 2032 in Santa Cruz County

Jesse Kathan2024-02-12T15:03:51-08:00February 9, 2024|

Survey seeks input on transit problems, solutions