Who builds affordable housing in Santa Cruz County — and who decides which projects and policies deserve public support? After examining tax filings, annual reports and public records, local activist Kevin Norton says he uncovered organizational relationships that many residents may not know exist. He argues the findings raise important questions about transparency, governance and public trust in a housing system under enormous pressure.
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Watsonville approves ‘no encampment zones’ along sloughs, levee and downtown plaza
Watsonville City Council will decide whether to make changes to its camping ordinance, establishing “no encampment zones” in areas such the Struve Slough, the Pajaro River levee and other public spaces around the city.
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City of Santa Cruz wins lawsuit over sugary drink tax, but an appeal is likely
The City of Santa Cruz announced Tuesday that it has won a lawsuit brought by industry groups over Measure Z, the sugar-sweetened beverage tax that voters approved in November 2024. The city expects an appeal.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Board of supervisors approves compromise to save Santa Cruz County arts funding
The Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors unanimously voted Tuesday morning to approve a budget proposal that preserves most of the county’s arts funding and avoids major cuts in services and programs offered by the parks department.
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Santa Cruz County has some of the strictest fireworks laws in California. Here’s what you need to know ahead of July Fourth
Starting July 3 at 8 a.m., the Santa Cruz Police Department will enforce a citywide safety enhancement zone. This means fines for violations of the city’s municipal code, including the illegal discharge of fireworks, will be tripled. With thousands expected to flock to Santa Cruz from around the Bay Area this long weekend, here’s what you need to know about the fireworks laws ahead of July Fourth.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Tony Nuñez unseats incumbent Felipe Hernandez in District 4 county supervisor race
Tony Nuñez, a longtime community leader and former journalist, has unseated incumbent Felipe Hernandez in the District 4 county supervisor race. This is the first time in recent memory that a challenger has defeated an incumbent in the primary for this race.
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Santa Cruz County 2026 primary election results in charts: Final tallies for all county races
With the Santa Cruz County Clerk certifying the results of the June primary election on Friday, see how all the local races shook out in chart form.
Posted inHealth & Wellness
Watsonville Community Hospital appoints veteran healthcare leader as interim CEO
Watsonville Community Hospital leadership has appointed Tim Moran, a longtime healthcare leader, as interim CEO. He will take over for outgoing CEO Stephen Gray following his last day on July 10.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Santa Cruz County arts community mourns ‘life without color’ in protest of proposed budget cuts
Following a nearly two-hour discussion and after hearing from the county’s arts community Wednesday, Santa Cruz County supervisors delayed their approval of the parks department budget, which included a proposed cut in arts funding to local organizations.
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County finds creative multidepartment fix to close $1.1 million public defender budget gap
The Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors approved a multidepartment fix to fill a $1.1 million funding gap for the public defender’s office Wednesday after a proposal to create an in-house alternate office was rejected.
