Editor/Co-founder
Santa Cruz County spans across a beautiful part of the California coast. It also lacks affordable housing and has more than its share of urban problems. I decode the efforts of county and city governments to address housing affordability, homelessness and many other challenges that the county faces. I highlight solutions and write about the people most impacted by county and city policies.
As a veteran newspaper reporter, I co-founded Santa Cruz Local in 2019 because I believe Santa Cruz needs deeper, high-quality journalism that responds to residents’ concerns and questions.
I’m a fourth generation Californian. I live in Santa Cruz with my wife and daughter. Read my ethics statement.
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Recent stories by Stephen Baxter
Rail trail options outlined in Live Oak, Capitola, Seacliff
Planners ask for feedback through early June
Explainer: Santa Cruz County’s rail trail ballot measure
Answers to readers’ questions about Measure D
Rail trail plans detailed from Boardwalk to 17th Avenue
Input wanted through April 15
Rail-trail ballot measure outlined by Santa Cruz County staff
County leaders say approval would not rule out future rail
Rail trail plans detailed from Santa Cruz to Aptos
‘Interim’ project would replace some train tracks with paved path
Santa Cruz County housing projects for homeless advance, Sheriff’s Office to launch data dashboard
Plus: Live Oak parking program killed, more Watsonville hospital money approved
Sheriff’s Office oversight advanced by Santa Cruz County supervisors
Inspector general could review complaints, but some want advisory committee
Downtown Santa Cruz library plans move forward
Council lauds revised designs, but ballot measure could sink project
Santa Cruz council advances 831 Water St. housing project
Building permit approval needed
Police standards examined in Santa Cruz County report
Independent oversight, use of force policies among key differences
Watsonville committee calls for more police transparency
Recommendations include potential new police auditor, youth programs
Rules loosened for in-law units in Santa Cruz County
Parking requirements draw some criticism
Santa Cruz police chief hired in Palm Springs
City manager to name Andy Mills' replacement
New debris-flow maps, rules aim to help CZU Fire rebuilding
Santa Cruz County supervisors ease rule on property liabilities
Overnight parking limits debated in Santa Cruz
RV owners discuss potential new law