Join our movement

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

Become a member

Housing

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

162 below-market-rate homes on tap in Scotts Valley

Nik Altenberg2025-08-26T15:38:15-07:00August 26, 2025|

Residency expected by 2028

Santa Cruz developer appeals dismissal of Food Bin housing lawsuit

Tyler Maldonado2025-08-15T23:41:26-07:00August 15, 2025|

Project’s future hinges on 11 units, developer says

Santa Cruz Clocktower apartments approved at 8 stories

Tyler Maldonado2025-08-13T13:30:57-07:00August 13, 2025|

Project could grow to 224 units

Government

‘ICE Out for Good’ protest planned Friday in Scotts Valley

Nik Altenberg2026-01-23T09:47:10-08:00January 23, 2026|

Plus: Capitola paddle out against ICE on Sunday

Learn more about Capitola politics and public safety

Alexandria Bordas2026-01-20T15:20:23-08:00January 20, 2026|

Discover Capitola offers residents a chance to get involved for free

Watsonville council advances oversized vehicle ordinance despite concerns

Nik Altenberg2026-05-11T12:08:24-07:00January 16, 2026|

City leaders say law is not meant to target homeless people

Santa Cruz leaders vote to terminate contract with Flock

B. Sakura Cannestra2026-01-15T08:23:13-08:00January 13, 2026|

Council leaves the door open for replacement license plate readers

Health

‘Forever chemicals’ prompt water upgrades at Santa Cruz County lockup

Jesse Greenspan2025-02-12T15:51:55-08:00February 4, 2025|

County says water is safe amid evolving standards

Bird flu risks described by Santa Cruz County health officials

Jesse Kathan2025-02-07T14:49:49-08:00February 4, 2025|

Washing hands, avoiding raw milk among tips

Update: Residents told to monitor hazardous smoke from Moss Landing fire

2025-01-19T10:21:25-08:00January 17, 2025|

‘Moderate’ air quality expected Friday, Saturday in Santa Cruz County

Watsonville residents among more than 500 laid off at Monterey Mushrooms

Nik Altenberg and Fidel M. Soto2025-01-17T16:29:00-08:00January 16, 2025|

Company made payouts for pollution, wage theft

Transportation

New mayor, Green Valley Road upgrades on tap in Watsonville

Nik Altenberg2025-05-01T10:34:53-07:00December 9, 2024|

Dec. 10 city council meeting

Soquel Drive bike lane project continues in Aptos, Soquel, Live Oak

Jesse Kathan2025-05-01T10:34:55-07:00November 25, 2024|

County hopes to finish project in spring

Westside Santa Cruz rail trail could open late December

Jesse Kathan2025-05-01T10:34:58-07:00November 22, 2024|

Cost overruns, delays mount

New rail-trail map tracks work in Santa Cruz, Live Oak, Capitola, Aptos

Jesse Kathan and Stephen Baxter2025-05-01T11:00:08-07:00November 22, 2024|

Updates on design, construction, funding

Environment

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

Improved access planned for Santa Cruz County’s North Coast

Tyler Maldonado2024-01-14T12:17:15-08:00January 12, 2024|

Multi-agency effort proposes new cabins, parking, restrooms

Homeless Garden Project aims to expand Shaffer Road farm in Santa Cruz

Eli Ramos2023-12-04T13:23:17-08:00November 30, 2023|

New land agreement could add housing, offices, kitchen

Explainers