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.
Government
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.
Posted inBusiness & Technology
Santa Cruz County launches free service to alert property owners to possible real estate fraud
The Santa Cruz County recorder’s office has launched a free online service that helps alert property owners to potential real estate fraud.
Posted inLatest News
MHCAN failed to properly invoice county for ‘significant’ amount of money before closure
Santa Cruz County officials shed new light on why the Mental Health Client Action Network abruptly closed in August.
Posted inLatest News
What a government shutdown will mean for Californians, from Social Security to national parks
Social Security and Medicare benefits will keep flowing in a government shutdown, but federal employees will be working without pay and delays likely will occur across many services.
Posted inBonny Doon / Davenport
The Renegades saved homes during CZU. Five years later, emergency responders still call it the wrong move.
Five years after the CZU fire, “The Renegades” of Bonny Doon are remembered as both heroes and cautionary tales — neighbors who defied evacuation orders to fight flames themselves, saving homes but igniting a debate over the risk of staying back.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Capitola councilmember Melinda Orbach faces code-of-conduct complaint as city’s political turbulence deepens
Capitola’s year of political turmoil deepens as the city council weighs a misconduct complaint Thursday against first-term lawmaker Melinda Orbach, raising questions about the city’s leadership stability.