Local government officials, nonprofit leaders and U.S. Rep. Jimmy Panetta say they are working together to protect Santa Cruz County’s most vulnerable residents from the impacts of immigration enforcement amid federal agents’ intensifying enforcement in Minnesota.
Government
Posted inPolitics & Policy
County supervisors prepare for possible immigration enforcement actions with subcommittee
Santa Cruz County elected officials are creating a subcommittee, led by Supervisors Monica Martinez and Felipe Hernandez, to prepare for the possible impacts of immigration enforcement on county residents.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Longtime community advocate Elias Gonzales announces bid for District 4 supervisor seat
Elias Gonzales, a Watsonville native and nonprofit leader, is running for the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors’ 4th District seat. He will face incumbent Supervisor Felipe Hernandez, who is finishing out his first term on the board.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Federal land in Santa Cruz County safe from drilling under new BLM proposal, but environmentalists remain wary of oil and gas development
With a federal plan updating oil and gas drilling rules on Central Coast public lands now open for public comment, attention in Santa Cruz County has turned to whether any local federal lands could be vulnerable to drilling.
Posted inLatest News
Annual MLK Day march in Santa Cruz draws thousands
Representatives of more than 40 local groups gathered in downtown Santa Cruz for the NAACP-hosted march, where many voiced opposition to the Trump administration.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Yes, it’s time to get ready for the election year ahead: What’s up and who’s running
With seats up for grabs on all of Santa Cruz County’s city councils, the county board of supervisors, the California Assembly and the U.S. House of Representatives, plus a new governor to be elected and statewide ballot measures, 2026 figures to be another active election cycle.
Posted inFood & Drink
Newsmakers 2025: Seabright, harbor business owners reflect on challenging year, community support and their fears for 2026
Business owners Michael Spadafora and Patrice Boyle reflect on a tumultuous year for their businesses as the Murray Street Bridge closure slashed summer traffic, left them struggling to survive and exposed what they describe as a lack of communication and meaningful help from the city.
Posted inLatest News
City of Santa Cruz taps Cassie Bronson as new city attorney as Tony Condotti heads to retirement
The City of Santa Cruz announced Wednesday that it has appointed Cassie Bronson as its next city attorney, with current City Attorney Tony Condotti heading toward retirement. Bronson is currently the assistant city attorney.
Posted inBusiness & Technology
This week in Santa Cruz County business: Business owners’ input sought ahead of 2026 sporting events; Seabright Social files for bankruptcy
In her weekly survey of local business, Jessica M. Pasko notes Santa Cruz County’s efforts to attract some of the visitors headed to nearby Santa Clara for next year’s Super Bowl and World Cup, bankruptcy for a business affected by the Murray Street Bridge closure and much more.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
In the Public Interest: Are the ‘No Kings’ protests more than just performative activism?
News to know and what’s on the agenda this week from around Santa Cruz County politics & policy.