The Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors will review the application for a 57-unit housing project led by local developer Workbench that used a state provision that allowed the project to override local jurisdiction.
Latest News
Posted inLatest News
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.
Posted inWatsonville / Pajaro
Watsonville Fire Chief Rudy López announces retirement after 35 years of service
After nearly 35 years of service, the fire chief who led evacuations in Watsonville during the 2023 floods announced his retirement Tuesday morning. Rudy López’s last day will be Dec. 31.
Posted inLatest News
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.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Immigration advocates, nonprofits push for statewide adoption of Childcare Safety Plan as enforcement continues nationwide
Santa Cruz County immigration advocates and nonprofits are asking California Attorney General Rob Bonta to adopt into a new state law a plan that helps families prepare for unexpected emergencies such as deportation.
Posted inLatest News
Hazardous beach conditions, large shore breaks in Santa Cruz County forecast
The National Weather Service has issued a beach hazards statement for Santa Cruz County through Sunday evening, warning of rip currents and large waves.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Law enforcement data shows 29 total ICE action notifications in county between January and November
Federal immigration officials visited the city of Santa Cruz at least once since late July, according to communication records provided by the police department. This increases the total number of courtesy notifications from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to local law enforcement since January to 29.
Posted inBusiness & Technology
Riding high on ‘Shark Tank’ success, Santa Cruz-based Surf Skull aims to make safety fashion-forward
Head and neck injuries are one of the most common and potentially serious injuries for surfers, and yet helmet use remains relatively rare. That’s what the team behind Surf Skull hopes to change with their take on a surf helmet that pairs function with fashion.
Posted inLatest News
Construction on Pajaro River levee anticipated to begin in early 2026; funding for Phase 2 still in limbo
Construction on the Pajaro River levee is anticipated to begin in early 2026, according to local officials. The $600 million project focuses on rebuilding the levee to help prevent future flooding in the Pajaro Valley.
Posted inHealth & Wellness
State health agency warns of poisoning linked to foraged death cap mushrooms
The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has issued an urgent advisory following a recent outbreak of amatoxin poisoning linked to the consumption of wild, foraged death cap mushrooms (Amanita phalloides).