Federal immigration officers arrested local handyman Adolfo Gonzalez on Jan. 28. We still don’t know enough about why. He had spent 22 years in Santa Cruz County and had three DUIs, yes, but why he was targeted, why on that day and why – after two decades in the U.S. – wasn’t he allowed to pack a bag or take his phone with him when federal officers deposited him in Mexico? We understand immigration policies need reform and are changing under Donald J. Trump. But can’t ICE operate more humanely?
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
Food, toiletries distribution for undocumented ag workers continues amid deportation fears; first under Trump sees lower numbers
As deportation fears loom under Donald Trump’s second administration, undocumented agriculture workers in Watsonville continue to attend the Center for Farmworker Families’ monthly distribution of food and toiletries. The local nonprofit has changed its distribution format out of safety concerns for participants.
Posted inLatest News
Distribución de alimentos para trabajadores agrícolas indocumentados sigue entre temores de deportación; baja asistencia bajo Trump
El Centro para Familias de Trabajadores Agrícolas realiza distribución mensual de alimentos y artículos de tocador en medio de temores de la presencia de ICE.
Posted inEducation
‘Afraid to go to school’: Immigrant families in the Salinas Valley are gripped by fear
Threats of deportation under President Donald Trump’s second administration have caused anxiety among immigrants, but schools in the Salinas Valley are helping comfort children and easing parents’ fears.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Federal cuts could rock ‘every social safety net program’ in Santa Cruz County
Carlos Palacios, the Santa Cruz County government’s chief executive, warns that proposed federal budget cuts could significantly affect local social safety net programs. With uncertainty surrounding Medicaid, food assistance, and FEMA reimbursements, county officials are preparing for potential financial strain and difficult decisions in the months ahead.
Posted inEducation
‘We’re not in violation of the law’: Santa Cruz County schools respond to memo to end DEI initiatives or risk losing federal funding
In a Friday memo from the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights, federal officials told schools and universities they have two weeks to end all diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives or risk losing federal funding. Santa Cruz County school and college leaders told Lookout that while the memo is concerning, they believe they’re not at risk of losing funding as they’re following state and federal laws.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
After vehicle vandalism, Santa Cruz County Trump supporters say they live ‘with a lot of fear’
Last weekend, a pickup truck belonging to a supporter of President Donald Trump was reported heavily vandalized outside an auto repair shop in Live Oak. Local conservatives say they are tired of being harassed for holding an opposing view in Santa Cruz County.
Posted inOpinion from Community Voices
Watsonville Community Hospital is a place of healing, not fear: We will meet the challenges from Washington
Watsonville Community Hospital CEO Stephen Gray says the hospital is reaffirming its commitment to serving everyone, regardless of immigration status, amid new immigration and other regulations initiated by the Trump administration. The hospital is already taking steps, he says – some of which he enumerates here – to limit interruptions to care and is educating staff on how to handle visits from immigration officials.
Posted inEducation
About 200 undocumented UCSC students and supporters march against Trump immigration policies
UC Santa Cruz undocumented students and their supporters spoke out against President Donald Trump’s attacks on the immigrant community in a march and rallies on Tuesday. They also announced a list of demands, such as providing immediate access to emergency funds and establishing a permanent physical space on campus for undocumented students, directed to UCSC officials.
Posted inLatest News
1,000 turn out in Santa Cruz to protest Trump, Musk and what is being done in Washington
An estimated 1,000 people took to the street in front of the Santa Cruz County courthouse Monday to express their anger at President Donald Trump, Elon Musk and all the chaos in Washington. Protests took place all around the country on Presidents Day.
