New precinct maps offer a fresh perspective on November’s election. From rent control support in Santa Cruz and Watsonville to shifting stances on theft penalties and Donald Trump’s rising popularity, these visuals uncover the geographic, political and social forces shaping Santa Cruz County’s electoral decisions.
Government
Posted inCapitola & Soquel
Capitola mayor Yvette Brooks to vacate seat for United Way CEO post
Yvette Brooks will step down next week as mayor of Capitola to take over as CEO of United Way of Santa Cruz County, one of the region’s more prominent nonprofits.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Many expect big things in Zach Friend’s post-Santa Cruz County supervisor act. Where will he go?
What’s next for former Santa Cruz County supervisor Zach Friend? After years of balancing family in Southern California and public service up north, Friend steps into an undefined future.
Posted inWatsonville / Pajaro
Watsonville trash and recycling services modified this week
The City of Watsonville is bumping collection that dates fall on Wednesday, Thursday or Friday forward a day this week for New Year’s. The city will resume regular service the following week. Further nonessential city offices will be closed through Wednesday.
Posted inLatest News
Santa Cruz Wharf collapse raises questions about lawsuits, maintenance and the Coastal Commission
A number of issues have risen from last week’s partial collapse of the Santa Cruz Wharf, including questions regarding whether a lawsuit against the city’s Wharf Master Plan contributed to the collapse, deferred maintenance on the structure and California Coastal Commission rules that restrict construction to the winter months.
Posted inOpinion from Community Voices
The city and county now have diverse representatives – we got here through equal opportunity, not quotas
Lookout politics columnist Mike Rotkin supports diversity in city and county government, but not quotas. Here, he walks us through our own community’s history with this divisive topic and says other communities can learn from Santa Cruz County’s successes.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Santa Cruz County braces for political change: new alliances, new sheriff, downtown revivals – all in the shadow of a second Trump presidency
As 2025 dawns, election results — not campaigns — promise to shape Santa Cruz County’s future. From Donald Trump’s White House return to transformative local projects, shifting political alliances, and new leadership challenges, the year ahead could redefine our communities.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Santa Cruz County immigrant community prepares for an uncertain future under Trump
Undocumented immigrants say they are avoiding the news and making family contingency plans as they and local advocacy groups prepare for Donald Trump’s return to the White House in January.
Posted inWatsonville / Pajaro
Watsonville appoints Nick Calubaquib as deputy city manager
The City of Watsonville has tapped Nick Calubaquib to join Nathalie Manning as deputy city manager. Calubaquib, who has worked for the city for 13 years, will oversee community outreach, strategic planning and citywide initiatives, while Manning will continue to focus on human resources and internal operations across all city departments.
Posted inHousing & Development
New-look Clocktower Center is half the height, but still out of scale for some residents
The Clocktower Center proposal in downtown Santa Cruz has been downsized, but tensions remain. While some praise its potential to address a housing shortage, critics argue it’s still too tall, too disruptive, and woefully lacking in parking.