Join our movement - Santa Cruz Local

Woman returns home after years of displacement by CZU Lightning Complex Fire

Santa Cruz nonprofit completes first ground-up housing rebuild

"Doesn't matter how I'm homeless. How do I get un-homeless?"

Transitional housing program led by Housing Matters opens for referrals

Affordable housing open to waitlist in Downtown Santa Cruz

Four apartments on Cedar Street are ready to rent

Costs are mounting to repair main access bridge in Bonnie Brier, with residents still cutoff

Small mountain community working to create an assessment district

How Big Soda nearly killed Measure Z in Santa Cruz

Part 2: How voters fought back against pressure by the beverage industry

A decade ago, a soda tax effort fizzled in Watsonville. Advocates blame Big Beverage.

Part 1: Industry leans on elected leaders of color to defend against regulation, experts say

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

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Housing

Santa Cruz could trade voting power for prettier developments

Jesse Kathan2026-03-27T16:27:59-07:00March 23, 2026|

City Council to discuss Tuesday

‘The carpet’s been pulled out’: 250 Santa Cruz County households brace for loss of housing subsidy

Jesse Kathan2026-02-26T18:13:31-08:00February 27, 2026|

Emergency vouchers to end as Section 8 waitlist could be put on ice

Overcoming years of financial setbacks, a veterans housing project secures new funding

Amaya Edwards2026-02-25T19:26:33-08:00February 25, 2026|

“I just want it to be done”, Veterans Village inches closer to finishing

Affordable housing applications open on Pacific Ave.

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

Apply through March 21

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

After 50 years at Santa Cruz Planned Parenthood clinic, nurse was laid off with 1 hour notice

Nik Altenberg2025-12-30T12:32:31-08:00December 30, 2025|

Nurse speaks out after non-disclosure agreement expires

Months after closure, leaders of Santa Cruz homeless services nonprofit unanimously quit

Jesse Kathan2025-12-12T18:39:28-08:00December 12, 2025|

Future of MHCAN building, program is unclear

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

Transportation

Watsonville’s walking and biking deaths far outpace the county average. Here’s why.

Jesse Kathan2025-08-22T19:08:43-07:00August 16, 2025|

Experts blame wide roads and high speeds

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

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