Three months ago, Adolfo González, a 62-year-old handyman in Santa Cruz, was arrested and deported to Mexico. González was forced to restart a new life in Cuautitlán, outside of Mexico City, and the journey has not been the easiest.
Latest News
Posted inWatsonville / Pajaro
Homicide investigation opened into death of Watsonville man found buried at Pajaro River levee
Monterey County detectives identified a body found on the Pajaro River levee as Jesus Alfonso Durate Figueroa, 36, of Watsonville. A Monterey County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson said the cause of death is still being investigated, but are treating the case as a homicide.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
A DHS vehicle spotted on Mission Street caused panic on social media. Only, it wasn’t ICE.
The false alarm over the DHS vehicle reflects a heightened state of vigilance that has persisted in the county since the Trump administration announced aggressive immigration enforcement policies, making even routine sightings of federal vehicles a source of community anxiety.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
With accusations and restraining orders, Jimmy Dutra lawsuit spills into Watsonville City Council chambers
Watsonville City Councilmember Jimmy Dutra’s personal issues have spilled over into city council business, as Kelli Siefke — the mother of Stephen Siefke, who accused Dutra of sexual abuse — continues to speak at council meetings. Dutra has filed a temporary restraining order against Kelli Siefke, which has now been extended for another six months.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
A popular Santa Cruz Facebook page played a political April Fool’s joke on its 73,000 members. Then came the fallout.
A name change prank on Santa Cruz’s biggest Facebook group by one of its own administrators quickly went awry, fueling long-simmering tensions that the page had grown too political since the 2024 election.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Santa Cruz County election officials sound alarm over Trump voter registration overhaul
A proposed federal overhaul of voter registration rules could force all Santa Cruz County residents looking to register to vote or update their registration, to do so in person, with proof of citizenship. Local officials warn the measures risk disenfranchising voters and exposing election workers to criminal liability.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Fact check: Cutting through the fog of competing affordable housing petitions in the city of Santa Cruz
In a city grappling with housing affordability, two rival ballot measures have emerged in Santa Cruz: one backed by the mayor, another by real estate interests. What are the differences between the competing petitions claiming to raise money for affordable housing?
Posted inPolitics & Policy
‘So Many Issues, So Little Cardboard’: Thousands turn out waving flags and signs for ‘Hands Off’ rallies in Santa Cruz and Watsonville
A gathering at the county courthouse drew an estimated 4,000 people in Santa Cruz, while another 300 converged on Watsonville’s downtown plaza to protest the actions of President Donald Trump’s second administration.
Posted inLatest News
Gallery: ‘Hands Off’ rallies in Santa Cruz, Watsonville
Scenes from Saturday’s “Hand Off” rally in Santa Cruz protesting the actions of President Donald Trump’s second administration.
Posted inLatest News
Local philanthropy looks to step up as federal cuts hit Santa Cruz County nonprofits
As nonprofits continue to navigate the sudden loss of federal grants, Community Foundation Santa Cruz County CEO Susan True thinks donations from the community will help provide some relief to organizations facing financial challenges during the second Trump administration.