Tony Nuñez continues to hold a narrow majority in the District 4 Board of Supervisors race, maintaining a lead over incumbent Felipe Hernandez, but there still is a possibility for a November run-off if Nuñez dips below 50%.
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
Santa Cruz County scrambles to close public defender funding gap after supervisors split on cost-cutting plan
In a tough budget year, Santa Cruz County is proposing to create an alternate public defender’s office to help reduce costs and maintain its holistic defense model, which connects clients with social workers and services. The move, however, would end a longstanding contract with a local law firm.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Santa Cruz County Superior Court: Immigration attorney Alisa Thomas secures open seat in judge race
Immigration attorney Alisa Thomas has defeated criminal defense attorney Bryan Hackett in the race for an open seat on the Santa Cruz County Superior Court.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Capitola voters will elect four district representatives — and a mayor — under new system
As Capitola continues its switch to district-based elections, the city council approved the creation of four districts plus an elected mayor with a two-year term. The first districting maps are expected to be publicly shared by June 17.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Santa Cruz County joins California lawsuit against proposed federal ICE site near Gilroy
Santa Cruz County is joining a lawsuit filed by California Attorney General Rob Bonta and Santa Clara County seeking to block a planned federal immigration facility near Gilroy.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
El condado de Santa Cruz se une a una demanda de California contra un propuesto centro federal de ICE cerca de Gilroy
El condado de Santa Cruz se unirá a una demanda presentada por el fiscal general de California, Rob Bonta, y el condado de Santa Clara para bloquear la construcción de un centro federal de control migratorio planeado cerca de Gilroy.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Supervisors move forward with ballot measure strengthening offshore drilling ordinance
The Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors is moving forward with a November ballot measure to make changes to an ordinance that requires voters to approve any onshore facility of over 20,000 square feet that supports offshore drilling operations.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
District 4 Santa Cruz County supervisor: Tony Nuñez maintains early lead over incumbent Felipe Hernandez
Tony Nuñez takes the early lead in the District 4 Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors race over incumbent Felipe Hernandez and Elias Gonzales. The seat represents most of the Pajaro Valley, Watsonville and Interlaken.
Posted inLatest News
Watsonville Community Hospital CEO Stephen Gray to step down from position in July
Watsonville Community Hospital CEO Stephen Gray will be stepping down from his role in early July, according to hospital leadership. The search for an interim replacement is currently underway.
Posted inLatest News
Watsonville Community Hospital will receive $10.6 million state grant to help weather financial challenges
Watsonville Community Hospital is receiving a $10.6 million state grant that will provide temporary financial relief. Watsonville is one of four California hospitals receiving additional state funding.
