Dianne Feinstein survived two assassination attempts and a mayoral recall to become the most popular politician in California for years running.
Civic Life
Posted inWatsonville / Pajaro
New CEO Gray says he plans to make Watsonville Community Hospital ‘one of the best in the country’
Watsonville Community Hospital’s new CEO, Stephen Gray, says he aims to transform the facility into one of the nation’s top health care institutions. Gray, who takes over Nov. 1, said Thursday that he plans to address the hospital’s financial struggles and prioritize the happiness of staff and patients. He believes the hospital has the potential to make a significant impact on the health outcomes of the surrounding communities, which rank among the least-healthy populations in the country.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Child care is dropping off a federal funding cliff. What it means for California families
Federal child-care funding is expiring, which could send providers spiraling. California will probably avoid the worst impact because of efforts to backfill funding.
Posted inLatest News
Watsonville Community Hospital board approves 4-year, $640,000 annual contract for new CEO Stephen Gray
Watsonville Community Hospital’s governing board approved a four-year contract Wednesday for its new CEO, Stephen Gray. The current Sutter Bay Medical Foundation top executive will take over Nov. 1. Gray’s contract includes a base pay of $475,000 along with multiple incentive bonuses if the CEO hits annual goals set by the board, a $35,000 signing bonus and a 12-month severance package.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Metro aims to offer rides every 15 minutes on major routes, to UCSC and Cabrillo in bid to double ridership
Santa Cruz Metro is in the early stages of making major changes to the county’s bus services, including providing much more frequent service in high-demand areas and improving service along major corridors. With a shortage of housing spreading students across the county, the Reimagine Metro effort also focuses on speeding them to and from campus.
Posted inOpinion from Community Voices
The California Legislature has the backs of the LGBTQIA+ community — here’s how
Three of Santa Cruz County’s state legislators — Assemblymember Dawn Addis, Sen. John Laird and Assemblymember Gail Pellerin — proudly outline strides our state has made in assuring that the rights of LGBTQIA+ people are protected. That includes codifying same-sex marriage, offering support for students in schools and for foster students, offering inclusive health care policies for LGBTQIA+ people and establishing all-gender restroom policies. They explain the details and why this matters here.
Posted inBusiness & Technology
This week in Santa Cruz County business: Outdoor dining hurdles, Joby joins Air Force, Crepe Place’s loss
In her weekly roundup of news and notes from the Santa Cruz County business community, Jessica M. Pasko looks at hurdles facing restaurants wanting to keep their pandemic-era outdoor dining spaces, Joby Aviation’s Air Force connection and a loss for the Crepe Place family.
Posted inOpinion from Community Voices
Letter to the editor: Tell the city council to stop approving large homes in Seabright
New Leaf Community Markets brand manager Lindsay Gizdich said the store is moving from Pacific Avenue in order to have…
Posted inPolitics & Policy
State schools superintendent Tony Thurmond announces 2026 bid for California governor
Tony Thurmond, the superintendent of public instruction, becomes the second Democrat to launch a campaign for California governor in a race that is still three years away.
Posted inFood & Drink
Santa Cruz bars and restaurants sound alarm on city’s new rules for outdoor dining
The City of Santa Cruz issued temporary permits for restaurants to shift to outdoor dining in a hasty response to the statewide COVID state of emergency, which forced the closure of indoor dining facilities during the pandemic. But starting as early as March, business owners will have to go through traditional permitting if they want to keep their outdoor dining spaces. Some restaurateurs say the slow, complicated and expensive process threatens their businesses.