Santa Cruz County homeowners embraced backyard cottages after state and local reforms made accessory dwelling units, or ADUs, far easier to build, but that boom is already fading. Rising construction costs, high interest rates and other economic headwinds have sharply slowed new ADU projects, making it harder for the county to meet its housing goals.
Today’s Top Story
A significant story with interest across the county
Posted inLatest News
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
Supervisors shelve battery storage ordinance after Watsonville project moves to state
The Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously Tuesday to shelve a local ordinance regulating battery storage systems following a decision by the developer of a project proposed for outside Watsonville to seek approval through the state.
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.
Posted inLatest News
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 inHealth & Wellness
‘Abandoned by Dignity’: Medical foundation changes contract structure with Dominican Hospital physicians, leading to more than a dozen departures
Dignity Health Medical Foundation’s decision to change its physician contracting structure has prompted more than a dozen doctors and advanced practice providers to work for other health systems. Patients say they’re concerned about healthcare access, while hospital officials say they’re recruiting new clinicians.
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.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Grand jury: Santa Cruz County must move faster on housing, strengthen behavioral health system
The Santa Cruz County Civil Grand Jury issued five reports on Thursday, covering a wide range of topics. Most notably, it focused on challenges contributing to the housing crisis and flaws in the county’s approach to behavioral health, along with pedestrian safety, election integrity, and concerns with the free parking at the county office buildings.
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.
