Tania Ortiz

Tania Ortiz

Tania Ortiz joins Lookout Santa Cruz as the California Local News Fellow to cover South County. Tania earned her master’s degree in journalism in December 2023 from Syracuse University, where she was a Newhouse Diversity News Fellow. In Syracuse, she covered life and culture for Syracuse.com, writing features on local artists and organizations making an impact on the community.

While studying for her master’s, Tania also reported on feminist collectives in Mexico and their efforts to support families of femicide victims as a Pulitzer Center grantee. She’s also written for other publications such as the Charleston City Paper, The South Side Stand and the Los Angeles Journal.

Originally from Oceanside, Tania is excited to be reporting in her home state after living on the East Coast for two years. She looks forward to learning more about Santa Cruz County and connecting with the community through her reporting.
Posted inPolitics & Policy

Watsonville turns to residents for ideas to address homelessness

Tania Ortiz by Tania Ortiz

The Watsonville City Council held the second in a series of community forums Saturday looking for solutions to a significant increase in homelessness. Earlier this year, an annual point-in-time count found more people experiencing homelessness in Watsonville than the city of Santa Cruz, which has significantly more shelter beds and services devoted to the issue.

Posted inPolitics & Policy

In Watsonville, Tamara Vides takes reins of a city government she’s spent a career supporting

Tania Ortiz by Tania Ortiz

The Watsonville City Council voted 4-1 in August to elevate Tamara Vides from interim to permanent city manager. Her appointment marks the first time a woman has held the position. Vides has worked for the City of Watsonville for more than 25 years in various positions, including assistant city manager and budget analyst for the parks department.

Posted inPolitics & Policy

Neighbor appeals approval of ‘tiny village’ housing for Watsonville homeless

Tania Ortiz by Tania Ortiz

A Watsonville neighbor’s appeal is asking the city to rescind approval of the zoning application for a “tiny village” project that would provide housing for the homeless on land at Westview Presbyterian Church. City officials approved the application by Santa Cruz and Monterey counties despite concerns by members of the city council, saying a state law promoting affordable housing growth supersedes local control over the project.

Posted inArts & Entertainment

‘Dear Watsonville’: Short film spotlights first generation of Filipino migrants

Tania Ortiz by Tania Ortiz

The new, locally produced short film “Dear Watsonville” explores the lives of three Filipino fathers who migrated to Watsonville as part of the Manong Generation through the perspective of their children. It will be unveiled at a screening at Pajaro Valley Arts’ Porter Building on Saturday, part of the third annual Filipino American History Month festival held at Watsonville City Plaza.

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