Join our movement - Santa Cruz Local

Santa Cruz to build a new type of mental health care center for youth

County leaders eye a short-term residential center to keep kids closer to home

With less stability, less community, homeless displaced from Coral Street struggle to make it

Santa Cruz continues to conduct homeless sweeps, with limited housing options

Santa Cruz County immigration arrests steadily increase as nationwide arrests surge

Data shows most arrestees had criminal charges or convictions

Pajaro residents can get Uber credits through new transit partnership

A pilot program by Monterey-Salinas Transit seeks to help commuters

Watsonville NICU closure approaches two months with no opening in sight

Watsonville Community Hospital nurses protest nursery closure

First look: who is running for Watsonville City Council

Four seats up for grabs in Watsonville for the Nov. 3 election

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

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Housing

Monday community meeting on Frederick St. townhomes

Nik Altenberg2026-09-03T18:58:43-07:00September 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

Will streamlined environmental rules hasten development in Santa Cruz County?

Dave Ordoñez2025-08-29T14:26:15-07:00August 29, 2025|

New state laws exempt some projects from CEQA

Government

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

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

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

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

West Cliff survey favors fewer cars, more recreation

Jesse Greenspan2024-02-02T09:48:12-08:00February 1, 2024|

Priorities outlined for crumbling Santa Cruz asset

Recent storms top $2.8 million in damage on Santa Cruz County coast

Jesse Kathan2024-01-12T17:40:33-08:00January 12, 2024|

Frequent destruction prompts talk of ‘managed retreat,’ climate change