Santa Cruz County’s housing market largely stayed the course in September, with many houses on the market and plenty of sales closing. However, with trade tensions and the government shutdown lingering, real estate professionals say conditions could change rapidly.
Today’s Top Story
A significant story with interest across the county
Posted inBusiness & Technology
After 114 years, iconic Santa Cruz dry cleaner Classic Vapor falls victim to remote work culture
After more than a century in business, Classic Vapor Dry Cleaners in Santa Cruz closes its doors Tuesday, citing financial strain from the pandemic and a lasting shift toward remote work and casual attire.
Posted inEducation
Santa Cruz County teachers, staff see health insurance costs increase dramatically
Teachers and school staff across Santa Cruz County are facing steep health insurance premium hikes — with some monthly payments increasing by more than 70% — prompting fears of educator departures amid already strained school budgets and a soaring cost of living.
Posted inFood & Drink
Historic Davenport Roadhouse gets a gentle reboot with new owners and new menu
New owners Gavin Parsons and Ginny Miller took over the historic Davenport Roadhouse in July, updating its menu, patio and outdoor spaces while preserving the beloved inn’s coastal charm.
Posted inLatest News
Nearly six years after being charged with murdering his friend, Leif Ames is out on bail and has yet to face a jury. How?
Years after he was charged with fatally stabbing Hubert Cross, former Live Oak resident Leif Ames remains out on bail. Attorneys say it is highly unusual for someone charged with murder to remain out of pre-trial custody, a fact Cross’ family says raises serious concerns about the justice system.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Board of supervisors advances abandoned vehicle demolition law, raising concerns from homeless advocates
Santa Cruz County supervisors pushed forward with a plan to allow quick demolition of abandoned vehicles after they’ve been towed. County officials say it will help with enforcing parking laws and encouraging those living in vehicles to receive help, but the plan has drawn criticism from homeless advocates who say it targets a vulnerable population.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
County’s Latino Affairs Commission pushes to turn symbolic immigration sanctuary pledge into binding law
Santa Cruz County officials are facing pressure to do more than promise to safeguard the area’s immigrant community from federal immigration actions – such as passing a legally binding ordinance.
Posted inEducation
UC Santa Cruz projects $80 million deficit for 2026 fiscal year
Despite implementing cost-cutting measures, UC Santa Cruz is projecting another year of deficits: nearly $80 million. Last fiscal year, the university said it was on track to close with a similar deficit.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Pajaro River levee cleanup scatters an unhoused community, creating new challenges for outreach workers
In the weeks following a massive encampment cleanup along the Pajaro River levee, unhoused residents have moved upstream, which has created challenges for the homelessness outreach team tasked with helping some levee residents find shelter.
Posted inFood & Drink
From East Cliff to Eagles: Coffee Conspiracy serves backstage for big-name acts like Billie Eilish, Metallica
Santa Cruz coffee entrepreneur Eddie Alaniz turned his pandemic-born business, Coffee Conspiracy Co., from a small East Cliff Drive cart into a backstage staple for some of the world’s biggest touring acts, thanks to persistence, lucky breaks and a Santa Cruz connection with Live Nation.