Join our movement - Santa Cruz Local

How to apply for a Measure C parcel tax exemption in Santa Cruz

Deadline to apply is July 24

Cabrillo College fixes most dental program violations, state board says

Remaining violation must be fixed by Aug. 17

Appeal expected after judge rules in city’s favor in soda tax lawsuit

Sacramento Superior Court judge tosses suit from beverage industry groups

Capitola affordable housing advances, construction expected by November

1098 38th Ave. slated for 52 below-market-rate homes

‘We’re going to keep escalating’: Dominican Hospital nurses decry proposed layoffs

Nurses say cuts would jeopardize patient safety

As Felton Fire faces mounting financial challenges, an assessment proposal divides residents

Ballots due July 24

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

Join our movement

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

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Housing

Affordable housing applications open on Pacific Ave.

Alexandria Bordas2026-02-18T12:28:44-08:00February 18, 2026|

Apply through March 21

Santa Cruz County Supervisors reluctantly approve Live Oak housing project

B. Sakura Cannestra2026-02-11T16:04:15-08:00February 11, 2026|

Neighbors poised to sue over application timeline

Live Oak apartment proposal appears poised for legal battle over state housing law

Jesse Greenspan2026-02-06T13:23:36-08:00February 5, 2026|

Supervisors to consider 841 Capitola Road at Tuesday meeting

Controversial proposal for seasonal farmworker housing stalls in Pajaro

Nik Altenberg2026-02-02T18:40:14-08:00February 2, 2026|

Developer lists 1.3-acre parcel for sale

Government

Four housing ideas from Santa Cruz mayor, council candidates

Jesse Kathan2026-05-27T16:29:37-07:00May 16, 2026|

Build triplexes, fight the state, register rentals, consider taxes

Santa Cruz Local’s June election guide is here

Jesse Kathan2026-05-09T22:27:14-07:00May 10, 2026|

You told us what to ask candidates in Santa Cruz, South County and Pajaro. Here’s what they said.

Santa Cruz residents have spoken: housing, homelessness and transportation

Jay Leedy2026-05-27T16:29:53-07:00May 1, 2026|

We met with residents and listened to their concerns ahead of the June election

Ryan Coonerty holds early fundraising lead in Santa Cruz Mayor’s race

B. Sakura Cannestra2026-04-24T18:55:50-07:00April 24, 2026|

Campaign finances give first look at candidates’ funds

Health

10 meals under $10: The best cheap eats in Santa Cruz County

2025-12-10T16:51:35-08:00December 5, 2025|

Sushi, tacos, chow mein, beef stroganoff all on the menu

Free food in Santa Cruz County: The definitive guide

Jesse Kathan2025-12-05T11:41:01-08:00December 5, 2025|

Meals, groceries, pantries and more

Watsonville Hospital races to find solution as financial woes deepen

Evan Quarnstrom2026-05-11T12:08:33-07:00November 14, 2025|

Hospital losses for 2025 could top $14 million

How to get free food in Santa Cruz County as food stamps set to run dry

Evan Quarnstrom2025-11-03T14:16:47-08:00October 31, 2025|

Local food banks brace for surge amid federal shutdown

Transportation

Share biking and walking wants with City of Santa Cruz staff

Jesse Kathan2025-08-16T00:05:17-07:00August 11, 2025|

Open house set for Thursday

Santa Cruz harbor rail bridge could open for biking, walking

Jesse Kathan2025-08-07T16:58:40-07:00August 7, 2025|

Also: final rail planning report expected in December

Passenger rail could require sales tax hike to 12% in Santa Cruz County

Jesse Kathan2025-11-05T12:26:06-08:00August 4, 2025|

Transportation commission to discuss report Thursday

Report describes $5 fares, potential train frequency in Santa Cruz County

Jesse Kathan2025-08-01T14:38:57-07:00August 1, 2025|

Future of rail project to be discussed at Thursday meeting

Environment

Lithium battery storage proposal near Watsonville faces hurdles

Jesse Greenspan2025-03-27T13:17:06-07:00March 27, 2025|

Sites near Dominican Hospital, Aptos High School are not viable, company says

Capitola to consider rebuilding wharf restaurant, other facilities

Jesse Kathan2025-03-14T18:15:55-07:00March 14, 2025|

Survey, meetings expected in spring

Laid off NOAA employee in Santa Cruz was improving agency’s efficiency

Mark DeGraff2025-03-14T21:59:37-07:00March 14, 2025|

Three Santa Cruz federal science workers dismissed as agencies brace for more layoffs

Trump funding changes could delay Santa Cruz County passenger rail planning for years

Jesse Kathan2025-03-01T19:26:22-08:00February 28, 2025|

Design and cost estimate report pushed to fall

What went wrong at Live Oak School District

Jesse Kathan2025-05-01T11:01:31-07:00March 21, 2024|

Money problems explained, and how other school districts compare

Property tax changes proposed in Santa Cruz County

Jesse Kathan2025-05-01T11:01:37-07:00November 9, 2023|

State formula blamed for poor county roads, facilities

Explainer: Roaring Camp and freight rail in Santa Cruz County

Jesse Kathan2025-05-01T11:01:42-07:00February 1, 2022|

What to know about Thursday’s Regional Transportation Commission meeting