Editor/Co-founder
As a veteran newspaper reporter, I helped establish Santa Cruz Local in 2019 because I believe Santa Cruz needs high-quality journalism that responds to residents’ concerns and questions.
Santa Cruz County is a place of natural beauty, and it has urban problems that challenge us all. As an editor and reporter, I try to decode the efforts of county and city governments to address housing affordability, homelessness and many other problems our county faces. I highlight solutions and write about the people most impacted by county and city policies.
I’m a fourth generation Californian. I hold a master’s degree in journalism from Northwestern University. I have been a newspaper reporter in San Mateo, Santa Clara and Santa Cruz counties, as well as in Chicago, Washington D.C. and Pennsylvania. I live in Santa Cruz with my wife and daughters. Read my ethics statement.
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Recent stories by Stephen Baxter
Passenger rail input wanted in Santa Cruz, Watsonville
Feedback wanted by Aug. 15
Santa Cruz harbor bridge to close Monday for 7 months
Shutdown set through January
Scotts Valley housing proposal grows to 19 townhomes
Erba Lane project would include 3-bedroom homes
Housing rezones expected in Live Oak, Soquel, Aptos, South County
Santa Cruz County Supervisors to consider 47 properties
Santa Cruz, Scotts Valley, Central Fire explore merger
Study expected to consider more shared services
Social Security Administration ‘gutting’ described by Santa Cruz congress member, former agency head
Steps to help protect your benefits
389 apartments approved on Ocean Street in Santa Cruz
Construction expected to start spring 2026
Watsonville council members discuss rail trail options
Paths planned near Beach Street, Pajaro Valley High School
Capitola council delays decision on Park Avenue rail trail options
Residents pack meeting, threaten lawsuit
Rail trail, traffic calming projects on tap for Watsonville City Council
New law makes parking within 20 feet of crosswalk illegal
Update: Residents told to monitor hazardous smoke from Moss Landing fire
‘Moderate’ air quality expected Friday, Saturday in Santa Cruz County
Capitola City Council to consider future of Monte fireworks show
Plus, mayor’s replacement to be discussed
Westside Santa Cruz rail trail could open late December
Cost overruns, delays mount
New rail-trail map tracks work in Santa Cruz, Live Oak, Capitola, Aptos
Updates on design, construction, funding
Scotts Valley school bond pulls ahead by 11 votes
More ballots to process before Dec. 3 deadline