Santa Cruz Local — news and election coverage

Join our movement

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

Become a member

Nov. 3 Election

Housing

Developer aims to revive Ocean St. apartment project in Santa Cruz

Jesse Greenspan2025-08-07T21:19:27-07:00August 8, 2025|

With contract cancelled, landowner and developer negotiate site’s future

Santa Cruz County supervisors advance new limits on vacation rentals

Jesse Greenspan2025-08-06T17:15:31-07:00August 6, 2025|

Leaders aim to protect housing stock

Developer backs out of 389 apartments on Ocean St. in Santa Cruz

Jesse Greenspan2025-07-24T14:51:16-07:00July 24, 2025|

Landowner searches for options

Pinto Lake skate park construction delayed near Watsonville

Ruby Lee Schembari2025-07-18T18:13:28-07:00July 18, 2025|

Expected opening in June 2026

Government

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

‘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

Health

Santa Cruz County settles $2.2M lawsuit in Tamario Smith jail death

Nik Altenberg2024-12-12T16:57:45-08:00December 12, 2024|

New sheriff discusses jail upgrades, mental health care

Will a new court program address severe mental illness in Santa Cruz County?

Jesse Kathan2025-05-01T10:59:59-07:00December 9, 2024|

State mandate uses county dollars, doesn’t fund services or housing

Rockin’ holiday party benefits San Lorenzo Valley families

Jesse Greenspan2024-11-25T17:26:45-08:00November 25, 2024|

Dec. 14 blues show in Boulder Creek

Input wanted on rural highway upgrades in Santa Cruz County

Ruby Lee Schembari2024-11-25T11:40:40-08:00November 7, 2024|

Online survey collects concerns

Transportation

Environment

Santa Cruz rail-trail segment to finish in February

Tyler Maldonado2023-11-06T13:44:46-08:00November 3, 2023|

North Coast trail work due in spring 2024

‘Living shoreline’ concepts try to stem storm damage on Santa Cruz County coast

Jesse Kathan2023-11-15T15:56:06-08:00October 6, 2023|

Dune restoration, other measures possible

Zayante Fire aims to add evacuation sirens in Santa Cruz Mountains

Allison Gasparini2023-08-31T18:35:20-07:00August 31, 2023|

Benefit concert in Felton Sept. 22

Months after Pajaro flood, repair crews race against winter rain

Jesse Kathan2023-11-15T15:56:40-08:00August 23, 2023|

Some flood victims remain homeless

Investigations