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

Homelessness dips in Santa Cruz, rises in Watsonville

Jesse Kathan2024-08-13T16:54:54-07:00July 19, 2024|

The 2024 point-in-time homeless census in four charts

How many unhoused people have found homes in Santa Cruz County?

Tyler Maldonado and Stephen Baxter2024-08-13T16:56:10-07:00June 13, 2024|

Key statistic takes some digging

Author discusses relationships, money to address homelessness

Tyler Maldonado2024-08-13T16:56:33-07:00June 7, 2024|

‘Miracle Messages’ as an antidote to social isolation

Santa Cruz reaches housing goals while county, other cities fail

Jesse Kathan2024-08-13T16:57:09-07:00May 31, 2024|

Capitola, Scotts Valley make least progress on affordable homes

Government

Pajaro Valley school district blames staffing issues for overdue financial report

Evan Quarnstrom2026-10-28T14:02:07-07:00August 22, 2025|

District faces Sept. 15 deadline to submit audit

Santa Cruz County proposal could allow destruction of homeless RVs

Jesse Kathan2025-08-18T09:38:58-07:00August 17, 2025|

Owners would get no warning if public safety threat found

End of Santa Cruz Wharf could reopen spring 2026

Jesse Kathan2025-08-08T18:33:12-07:00August 9, 2025|

Wharf rents, parking fees could rise

Pajaro residents and businesses wait for $1.7M in flood aid

Evan Quarnstrom2025-08-08T10:54:56-07:00August 8, 2025|

Monterey County faces Dec. 31 deadline to spend

Health

Santa Cruz County COVID-19 cases increase at faster rate

Kara Meyberg Guzman2021-03-11T10:50:23-08:00June 30, 2020|

Family gatherings a major factor, leaders say

Podcast Ep. 80 How to be social but safer during the pandemic

Kara Meyberg Guzman2022-05-03T09:45:14-07:00June 26, 2020|

Infectious disease expert shares advice

Capitola council cuts money for senior care groups

Stephen Baxter2021-03-11T16:56:00-08:00June 12, 2020|

Council decides against tax hikes on ballot

Santa Cruz County COVID-19 case increase worries health leaders

Kara Meyberg Guzman2021-03-11T10:50:29-08:00June 12, 2020|

South County essential workers among hardest hit

Transportation

Environment

Podcast: Prescribed burns and wildfire in Santa Cruz County

Stephen Baxter2022-05-03T09:22:23-07:00December 20, 2020|

New group encourages more forest management

Utility’s tree work could speed mudslides, county leaders say

Stephen Baxter2021-03-11T10:40:52-08:00December 8, 2020|

Complaints head to state utility commission, District Attorney’s Office

Santa Cruz aims for new approaches to West Cliff Drive erosion

Stephen Baxter2021-03-11T10:40:54-08:00December 3, 2020|

Plan would guide decisions on armoring, retreat from coast

Bus lanes on Highway 1, three new bridges funded for Santa Cruz County

Stephen Baxter2021-03-11T10:39:38-08:00December 3, 2020|

$107M state grant awarded this week

Investigations