Santa Cruz County has opened its annual groundwater monitoring period for properties that rely on on-site wastewater treatment systems. The testing period runs through Jan. 31.
Environment
Cleanup of Moss Landing battery facility continues under EPA oversight; Phase 2 of building demolition to start mid-2026
Battery cleanup and disposal continues at the Moss Landing battery storage facility that burned almost a year ago, according to Monterey County officials. Approximately 12,000 of the 35,772 batteries have been removed and transported for recycling.
Thinking green: City of Santa Cruz accepting applications for recycling training program
Santa Cruz’s Public Works Department is currently accepting applications for its 2026 Master Recycler Volunteer Training Program, in which participants will gain hands-on experience in waste reduction and recycling.
Carmageddon: RTC seeking input on coastal resilience project; Watsonville police get grant for bike, pedestrian safety
The Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission is seeking input on a coastal resiliency project along Highway 1 on the county’s north coast, with a workshop on the project set for the end of January. Meanwhile, the Watsonville Police Department received a state grant for bicycle and pedestrian safety efforts.
‘This is the Super Bowl’: Consultant hired by county says Trump’s offshore drilling plans will test local ordinances
Richard Charter has been here before: In the 1980s, he was hired to organize an effort to block oil drilling off the coast of California. Now, with the Trump administration wanting to open the coast for drilling, he’s been hired to fight again by the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors.
California’s water partnerships are effective and in danger
Federal cuts imperil government and private water partnerships and hobble disaster planning, writes Letitia Grenier and Jeff Mount of the PPIC Water Policy Center. California must maintain its water expertise.
What if Santa Cruz became the most sustainable city on Earth?
OPINION: Santa Cruz climate advocate Danielle Lanyard argues that the city is uniquely positioned to become a global model of ecological innovation by stitching together proven sustainability solutions from around the world.
Wind, more rain coming to Santa Cruz County; stronger storm could be brewing next week
The National Weather Service is forecasting more rain for Santa Cruz County this week as an atmospheric river that had pounded the Pacific Northwest shifts south. There’s uncertainty in next week’s forecast, but a system could bring up to 6 inches of rain Sunday through Tuesday.
After three-week dry spell, rain is coming to Santa Cruz County
The National Weather Service is forecasting three separate weather systems — weak storms — to hit Santa Cruz County this week.
Capitola City Council votes to fund conceptual plan to repair crumbling Grand Avenue pathway
Capitola will spend $13,000 for a concept design and survey of the popular bluffside Grand Avenue walking path on Depot Hill, a section of which collapsed into the ocean in February.

