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
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
Santa Cruz Local’s Election Guide covers local races and ballot measures
Plus: Where to return ballots and vote in Santa Cruz, Scotts Valley, Aptos and Watsonville
Pajaro flood survivors’ stories come to life in new exhibit
Online audio-visual experience highlights lessons, resilience
Santa Cruz County jobs rebound, but housing costs, aging population remain challenges
State of the Workforce report highlights trends, solutions
Photo essay: UC Santa Cruz students urge divestment from weapons makers
Sacramento State starts socially responsible investment policy
New housing projects in Aptos, Freedom, Santa Cruz
Plus: County supervisors seek feedback on cannabis laws
School measures adopted in Live Oak, Happy Valley, Davenport
School measures sail toward wins in March 5 election
Koenig defeats Faulkner for District 1 Santa Cruz County Supervisor
Official results posted April 2
Sales tax hikes for Santa Cruz County, city adopted by voters
Measures K and L
CZU Fire rebuild process honed by Santa Cruz County leaders
New appeal process, shorter reviews in the works
Strides and stalls in Santa Cruz County homeless plan
Rental assistance vouchers gain traction with landlords
Downtown Santa Cruz library project advances
City council to weigh potential parking changes