The changes Donald Trump’s second presidency is unleashing will affect almost all of us locally, and Lookout is ready to meet the moment. Offered in English and Spanish, our coverage will first focus on the impact new national policy is having on our immigrant communities and on the public budgets that drive so many local services. And we need your help: What are you seeing? Tell us.
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 inPolitics & Policy
‘It was just a regular morning’: Californians picked up in recent ICE raids include kids, volunteers
Interviews suggest some people swept up in California as Donald Trump rolls out his long-promised immigration crackdown are dedicated to their families and communities — not hardened criminals.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Conozca sus derechos | Know your rights
What to know about your constitutional rights if you encounter a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent, vis Sus Derechos.
Posted inOpinion from Community Voices
I understand why families are divided and friendships are disintegrating over Trump
Donald J. Trump’s rhetoric, manner and needs are so abhorrent and terrifying that retired attorney Peter Gelblum understands why talking about him causes rifts in families. He fears this state will only get worse as the Trump presidency advances. Trump supporters will just have to accept why friends and family don’t want to be around them, he writes: “Support for Trump is a statement that that voter believes that his behavior and language are acceptable, or at least unimportant.”
Posted inFood & Drink
Santa Cruz wineries uncertain about status of Canadian exports after tariff backlash
Wineries throughout the U.S. were thrown into turmoil this week when Canada announced it would halt all imports of American alcohol, effective immediately. The boycott was later paused, but has left some wineries in Santa Cruz County unclear about when – and if – their exports, representing tens of thousands of dollars, will be accepted by the Canadian government, and what long-term effects Donald Trump’s tariff policies might have on American goods.
Posted inEducation
UC Santa Cruz report details socioeconomic challenges for Black populations in Monterey, San Benito counties
Using U.S. Census Bureau data from 2018 to 2022, UC Santa Cruz researchers published a report detailing the challenges and demographics of African American populations in Monterey and San Benito counties. They hope the report will provide a baseline for why programs focused on providing equitable access to jobs, housing and health care are needed.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
‘United we can do many things’: Protesters advocate for immigrant rights in Santa Cruz and Watsonville
Hundreds of community members in Santa Cruz and Watsonville took part in protests Monday afternoon advocating for immigrant rights as President Donald Trump attempts to make sweeping changes to immigration policies.
Posted inBusiness & Technology
Dozens of businesses close countywide to protest Trump immigration policies
On Monday, dozens of businesses throughout Santa Cruz County were closed to take part in the nationwide “A Day Without Immigrants” protest. The campaign encouraged supporters to stay home from work and school, and for businesses to close. Participation appeared widespread in South County, and included restaurants, laundromats, bakeries, retail shops, food trucks and grocery stores.
Posted inEducation
Demand for immigration legal services spikes at California colleges
California’s estimated 100,000 undocumented college students are grappling with President Donald Trump’s plans of mass deportations. Dream centers on many campuses are stepping in to provide guidance and meet the skyrocketing demand for legal services from students.
Posted inWatsonville / Pajaro
‘Everyone’s scared’: Watsonville businesses see sharp drop in customers amid Trump immigrant threat
Fear of deportation has rippled through Watsonville’s small-business economy since President Donald Trump took office, with some merchants reporting falling sales as customers stockpile savings and avoid leaving their homes.