Plans by congressional Republicans to trim billions from Medicaid and introduce work requirements could destabilize hospitals and health clinics across South County and the Pajaro Valley, where nearly 80% of patients rely on Medi-Cal or Medicare programs.
The Trump presidency and Santa Cruz County
News and opinion coverage of reaction in Santa Cruz County to the election of Donald Trump to a second term as president, plus news from around California via Lookout’s content partners.
Posted inOpinion from Community Voices
The U.S. presidency as racket: Why I’m leaving Cabrillo early in the age of Trump
Cabrillo College President Matt Wetstein explains his early retirement decision amid what he describes as an escalating assault on higher education, immigrants and democratic norms under Trump’s second term. Citing abrupt federal grant cancellations, rising fear in immigrant communities and ideological pressure on DEI programs, Wetstein argues that the administration is operating more like a criminal enterprise than a democratic government. Drawing parallels to Watergate, he warns of a new national nightmare — unless civic and institutional leaders push back.
Posted inLatest News
Lawyer: Santa Cruz resident’s immigration case a ‘cautionary tale’ under Trump 2.0
Michael Mehr, one of the immigration lawyers who helped with the release of Cliona Ward, says the green card holder’s case represents a significant shift in how federal immigration officials are handling residents returning from abroad who have past criminal records, even those with minor offenses.
Posted inOpinion from Community Voices
Let’s tell Congress not to cut NOAA’s work – including national marine sanctuaries, fisheries and weather
Ocean activist Dan Haifley says planned cuts to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s budget would harm Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, fisheries management, scientific data collection and analysis and the National Weather Service, which saves lives and supports our economy. He urges readers to contact Congress to protest the cuts.
Posted inLatest News
Santa Cruz resident Cliona Ward released from Washington detention center
Cliona Ward, a longtime Santa Cruz resident, was released Wednesday afternoon from a detention center in Tacoma, Washington. Ward was detained by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials at San Francisco International Airport on April 21.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Trump’s planned AmeriCorps cuts threaten Santa Cruz senior volunteer programs that bridge generations
The Seniors Council of Santa Cruz and San Benito Counties is facing the potential elimination of two programs — the Foster Grandparent and Senior Companion programs — that aim to help older adults socialize and work in the community. Seniors Council leaders fear that losing the programs will harm both adults suffering from feelings of isolation and youth who benefit from their guidance.
Posted inLatest News
Longtime Santa Cruz resident’s immigration detention sparks protests ahead of court hearing in Washington state
Family, friends and fellow union members plan to rally in support of detained Santa Cruz resident and green card holder Cliona Ward at the Santa Cruz County courthouse Wednesday morning. Ward was detained by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials at San Francisco International Airport on April 21.
Posted inBusiness & Technology
Santa Cruz County officials prepare for tourism pivot amid tariff and immigration concerns
With Visit California forecasting a 9.2% decline in international visitors over 2024 and a 0.7% drop in visits overall, Santa Cruz County’s nonprofit tourism marketing organization is bracing for the impact even as it sells the area as a destination beyond county – and country – borders.
Posted inArts & Entertainment
Days after cultural celebration, Trump administration revokes Senderos arts grant
Senderos, a Santa Cruz-based nonprofit, faces funding cuts from the National Endowment for the Arts. The nonprofit received an email Friday night from the federal agency that it will no longer receive a $10,000 grant.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Santa Cruz’s housing boom sees ‘significant slowdown’ as economic fears deepen
Santa Cruz County is facing multiple economic challenges, local leaders warned at an economic conference Thursday, as housing developments stall, UCSC grapples with federal funding cuts and government agencies prepare for a potential recession amid immigration concerns.