Quick Take
Lookout's continuing coverage of the impact of Donald Trump's second presidency on Santa Cruz County, from immigration to local funding.
Here we keep you informed on the ongoing developments as the Trump administration’s policies directly affect our lives and our wallets. We will update this page with the latest developments, as reported by Lookout correspondents and our content partners at CalMatters and elsewhere.
Facing immigration fears and inflation, a 25-year Watsonville family business fights to survive
Aug. 12 – Watsonville businesses are struggling with the dual pressures of inflation and immigration fears, with some reporting sales down 70%. At La Minita clothing store, inside a discount mall on Rodriguez Street, Maria Ceballos has added home delivery as customers opt to stay home. Read the story from Tania Ortiz.
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Hidden in Trump’s spending package: A surprise boost to California’s affordable housing
Aug. 12 – President Donald Trump’s spending bill includes cuts to Medicaid, food assistance and more. But it also increases a federal tax credit that helps build affordable housing in California. Read the story from our partners at CalMatters.
Fearing deportation, international students go silent at California’s universities
Aug. 8 – After hundreds of international students lost their status this spring, then regained it following lawsuits, the uncertainty of it happening again has created fear. Some students say they’ve changed the routes they take on California campuses, the topics they research and what they post on social media. Read the story from our partners at CalMatters.
Sheriff vows to drop grant that gave federal officials information on undocumented inmates
Aug. 5 – Weeks after hearing about the grant, Santa Cruz County Sheriff Chris Clark vowed to stop receiving federal money for giving the Department of Justice information on undocumented immigrants. Read the story from Carly Heltzel.
ICE agents visited Santa Cruz at least 7 times since January, SCPD records show
July 31 – On seven occasions this year, the Santa Cruz Police Department has received advanced warning from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers operating within city limits, according to records provided by the department. Read the story from Tania Ortiz.
City of Watsonville loses $2.3 million in federal funding for traffic safety study
July 31 – Watsonville officials said Wednesday that the city lost a $2.3-million federal transportation grant to study the effects of heavy truck traffic on residential neighborhoods because of changes passed as part of President Donald Trump’s tax and spending law. Read the story from Tania Ortiz.
Judge blocks Planned Parenthood cuts but Santa Cruz office to stay closed
July 29 – The downtown Santa Cruz Planned Parenthood office, which abruptly shut its doors last week, will remain closed despite a federal judge restoring Medicaid reimbursement to the organization nationwide. Read the story from William S. Woodhams.
Santa Cruz health, school leaders warn of care crisis after Planned Parenthood clinic shuts down
July 25 – The sudden closure of the Santa Cruz Planned Parenthood clinic, one of five shuttered due to a federal court ruling allowing Medicaid funding cuts for abortion providers, has sparked concern among local health and education leaders about reduced access to essential health services for low-income families. With the clinic previously serving thousands of patients annually, local health centers are bracing for a surge in demand amid an already strained health care network. Read the story from Hillary Ojeda.
Santa Cruz Planned Parenthood clinic abruptly shuts down amid Medicaid cuts
July 24 – Santa Cruz’s downtown Planned Parenthood clinic closed suddenly Thursday, one of five locations shuttered by the organization’s Mar Monte affiliate after a federal court ruling allowed most Medicaid cuts to the health care provider to take effect across the country. Read the story from William S. Woodhams.
When momentum meets politics: How Pajaro River levee funding is struggling for priority in Trump’s Washington
July 23 – Despite bipartisan support and urgency following the 2023 breach of the Pajaro River levee, phase-two funding for its $600 million replacement project was omitted from federal budgets, raising concerns over delays and political interference. Read the story from Christopher Neely.
California cannabis companies thought Trump would be an ally. Then the raids happened
July 21 – Federal agents arrested hundreds of workers after immigration sweeps at a California cannabis company, stoking fears that President Trump might target the marijuana industry. Read the story from our partners at CalMatters.
‘We are going to survive this’: After cuts to public broadcasting, radio station KAZU fights to keep local news alive
July 20 – For local fans of NPR, the major cuts to public broadcasting are a blow, though not necessarily a knockout. But taken together with the CBS decision to cancel Stephen Colbert, these two developments mean a serious corrosion of public confidence in the media. Read the story from Wallace Baine.
California cannabis companies thought Trump would be an ally. Then the raids happened
July 20 – Federal agents arrested hundreds of workers after immigration sweeps at a California cannabis company, stoking fears that President Trump might target the marijuana industry. Read the story from our partners at CalMatters.
‘It’s looking like a test run’: False ICE alarm at illegal cannabis operation readies community for potential immigration raids
July 17 – When law enforcement raided a Royal Oaks cannabis warehouse Wednesday in connection with an illegal cannabis investigation, local activists mistook it for an immigration operation, demonstrating how the community’s rapid-response network springs into action when potential ICE threats emerge. Read the story from Tania Ortiz.
Thousands of Californians lost work after L.A. immigration raids. Citizens did, too
July 17 – A new report from UC Merced shows Latino and white people especially lost work after the Trump administration escalated immigration enforcement in Los Angeles. Read the story from our partners at CalMatters.
California’s wind and solar projects face new federal hurdles
July 15 – Clean-energy projects have new deadlines for federal tax credits and limits on foreign parts, taking aim at California’s climate agenda. Eleven major solar projects and one onshore wind project now face potential delays or cancellation. Read the story from our partners at CalMatters.
ICE agents have visited Watsonville at least eight times since Trump returned to office, ‘courtesy calls’ to local police show
July 14 – The Watsonville Police Department has on eight occasions this year received courtesy notifications from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers that they are operating within city limits, according to records provided by the department. Read the story from Tania Ortiz.
Santa Cruz, Capitola and Watsonville pledged not to cooperate with ICE. A controversial license plate reader may be undermining that promise.
July 14 – Police in Santa Cruz, Capitola and Watsonville scan thousands of license plates daily thanks to a surveillance network that is used by hundreds of law enforcement agencies across the state, including at least one that has been found to be searching on behalf of federal authorities. Read the story from William S. Woodhams.
Local immigration advocates share tips on how to locate a loved one detained by ICE
July 9 – As federal officials continue to ramp up efforts to arrest and detain undocumented immigrants across the U.S., local immigration advocates share steps families can take to locate a loved one if they are detained. Read the story from Tania Ortiz.
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Higher premiums and lost coverage: How Trump’s budget will change health care in California
July 9 – Lower-income people will be the hardest hit by the new federal budget signed into law by President Donald Trump. Over the next 10 years, 3.4 million Californians could lose health coverage. Read the story from our partners at CalMatters.
County health care leaders decry ‘backward’ Medicaid cuts
July 8 – The bill President Donald Trump signed on July 4 is expected to cut more than $1 trillion in Medicare and food assistance spending over the next decade and leave more than 11 million people uninsured nationwide, according to the Congressional Budget Office. Read the story from William S. Woodhams.
Worksite immigration raids are supposed to free up jobs for citizens. Here’s what really happens
July 8 – Research shows worksite immigration raids can depress local economies as people stay home and stop spending money. So far, they aren’t known to free up jobs for citizens. Read the story from our partners at CalMatters.
Cleaning up smog is suddenly much harder. Reined in by Trump, what will California do next?
July 7 – With seven of the state’s most ambitious rules for cars, trucks and trains repealed, California officials now must find new ways to clean up the nation’s worst air pollution. But officials face growing pushback about affordability and costs. Read the story from our partners at CalMatters.
Trump withholds about $10 million from Santa Cruz County schools
July 3 – The Trump administration is withholding about $10 million in federal funding from Santa Cruz County schools as part of a broader freeze affecting over $6.2 billion nationwide. The cuts threaten key programs including migrant education, afterschool activities and support for English language learners. Read the story from Hillary Ojeda.
These 4 million acres of California forests could lose protection. Here’s what Trump’s ‘roadless rule’ repeal could do
June 26 – The land at stake ranges from dense, remote coastal forests in the far north, to alpine conifer forests in the Sierra Nevada, to Southern California’s great expanses of brush. Experts dispute whether revoking the two-decade-old rule would help prevent wildfires. Read the story from our partners at CalMatters.
Monterey Bay elected officials underline support for immigrant communities amid raid pressure
June 18 – Leaders from Santa Cruz, Monterey and San Benito counties gathered in Salinas on Wednesday to reaffirm their commitment to support immigrant communities as the Trump administration continues conducting immigration raids across California and the United States. Read the story from Tania Ortiz.
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Watsonville businesses struggle as ICE raids and protests intensify across the country
June 16 – Watsonville businesses, flea markets and food drives say they have seen sharp decline as immigration raids intensify nationwide, forcing immigrant community members to avoid busy public places. Read the story from Tania Ortiz.
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After Saturday’s nationwide wave of protest, it’s time for a new Woodstock to unite America
June 15 – After the nationwide “No Kings” political rallies, Wallace Baine writes, it’s time for the anti-authoritarians in the entertainment world to step up, with a concert so game-changing that people will be talking about 50 years from now. Read his commentary here.
Faris Sabbah: My family fled the Iraqi dictatorship; I’m worried about what Trump’s America is teaching our youth
June 15 – Faris Sabbah, Santa Cruz County’s superintendent of schools, fled Iraq at age 9 and is worried about the growing authoritarian tactics he sees in the U.S. He draws chilling parallels between his life under Saddam Hussein and current government immigration crackdowns. Read his Community Voices opinion piece here.
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At ‘No Kings’ protests in Santa Cruz and Watsonville, flags and slogans take on new dimension
June 14 – As many as 8,000 people attended the Santa Cruz event and about 1,500 turned out in Watsonville on Saturday. Organized by local chapters of activist organization Indivisible, the rallies were among hundreds across the U.S. to protest a military parade in Washington on President Trump’s birthday, along with a federal immigration crackdown and the decision to send National Guard troops and U.S. Marines to Los Angeles. Read the story from Wallace Baine, with photos from Kevin Painchaud and Cat Cutillo.
Deportation fears grow in Santa Cruz County as immigration raids, protests escalate across U.S.
June 13 – As immigration raids and protests continue to escalate in Los Angeles and spread across the country, Santa Cruz County leaders say they are doing their best to keep residents’ fears at bay. Meanwhile, an ICE spokesperson tells Lookout: “There’s no secret that we’ll be out in the field.” Read the story from Tania Ortiz.
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‘Outrageous’: California Democrats react to FBI agents handcuffing Sen. Alex Padilla
June 12 – FBI agents handcuffed U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla on Thursday after he interrupted a news conference on immigration enforcement in Los Angeles by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. Padilla is the first Latino to represent California in the U.S. Senate. Read the story from our partners at CalMatters.
Santa Cruz County residents share their fears of a national showdown on immigration
June 12 – Lookout photojournalist Kevin Painchaud hit the streets this week to speak with residents about the Los Angeles protests, Donald Trump’s military deployment and their fears about similar enforcement actions reaching their community. Here’s what they said.
‘No Kings’ and Juneteenth: Santa Cruz County’s eventful Saturday
June 11 – Santa Cruz County will do its part in nationwide “No Kings” protests with rallies in Santa Cruz and Watsonville. Meanwhile, the long-planned Juneteenth celebration will go on in downtown Santa Cruz. Read the story from Wallace Baine.
Santa Cruz County education leaders ‘fearful’ that Medicaid cuts may hurt mental health, special education
June 11 – Santa Cruz County education leaders warn that proposed federal Medicaid cuts could disrupt critical school-based services for low-income and special education students. With schools relying on Medi-Cal reimbursements for counseling, health screenings and therapy, superintendents fear the funding rollback will force service reductions. Read the story from Hillary Ojeda.
California Democrats push to block ICE from schools, hospitals and shelters
June 6 – Highly publicized immigration raids in the early months of Donald Trump’s second term have rattled California communities and prompted lawmakers to push for more laws protecting immigrants. Read the story from our partners at CalMatters.
Nearly 1,000 gather at Main Beach to create ‘Resist!’ human banner protesting Trump administration
May 31 – Around 1,000 people gathered Saturday morning at Santa Cruz Main Beach to spell out the word “Resist!” The event, organized by Indivisible Santa Cruz County, aimed to protest the Trump administration and celebrate Santa Cruz Pride’s 50th anniversary. Read the story from Tania Ortiz and Kevin Painchaud.
When are America’s artists going to answer the call to protest? June 14 would be a good time to start
May 31 – A small Santa Cruz theater troupe called Dangerous Neighbors is putting on a show of sketch comedy called “Deflating Fascism,” on the same day that Donald Trump will preside over a showy military parade on his own birthday. It’s a tiny step, but a sharp reminder that it’s time for America’s creative artists to stand against the country’s slide into authoritarianism. Read commentary from Wallace Baine here.
UC Santa Cruz international student who had visa revoked was told to leave ‘ASAP’
May 30 – A UC Santa Cruz graduate student from China was abruptly ordered to leave the U.S. in April after his visa and work authorization were revoked without explanation, one of hundreds of cases affecting international students nationwide. His status was restored by the end of the month, but he says the ordeal cost him thousands in lost income and legal fees. Read the story from Hillary Ojeda.
Medicaid work rules could leave a million Californians with no health insurance
May 30 – A proposal in Congress would require some adults to document 80 hours a month of work or school. Experts say the red tape and paperwork is so cumbersome that even people who work will lose their health insurance. Read the story from our partners at CalMatters.
Trump’s research cuts drive young UCSC astronomers to leave U.S. in search of academic careers
May 29 – Facing deep federal research funding cuts and a tightening academic job market under the Trump administration, several UC Santa Cruz astronomy Ph.D. graduates are heading abroad to pursue their careers — a shift that students and faculty say reflects growing fear and frustration within the U.S. scientific community. Read the story from Hillary Ojeda.
Watsonville resident detained by immigration officials outside home Tuesday, advocacy group says
May 27 – A Watsonville resident was arrested by federal immigration officials outside of their home Tuesday morning, according to grassroots organization Your Allied Rapid Response. The arrest did not appear to be part of a larger raid in the area. Read the story from Tania Ortiz.
County lawmakers bemoan erosion of social safety as state cuts, Trump’s ‘big, beautiful’ budget bill progress
May 21 – Santa Cruz County faces deep cuts to health and housing programs as state and federal budget proposals threaten critical funding, compounding local strains such as FEMA’s $90 million unpaid disaster tab. Officials warn more service reductions could follow later this year. Read the story from Christopher Neely.
Immigrants learn English for free at California colleges. Under Trump, some are skipping class
May 20 – California’s ESL courses gained 30,000 students over the past six years. As the Trump administration revokes student visas and escalates immigration raids, that growth is at risk. Read the story from our partners at CalMatters.
Local immigration advocates warn that Trump’s $1,000 self-deportation incentive sends misleading message
May 19 – The Trump administration announced it will be offering undocumented immigrants $1,000 to voluntarily leave the United States. Local immigration lawyers say the new policy sends a misleading message and is just another strategy to increase deportations. Read the story from Tania Ortiz here.
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How Trump’s proposed spending cuts could affect education funding in Santa Cruz County
May 15 – After President Donald Trump released his proposed federal budget, school officials across the country, and in Santa Cruz County, began estimating what services and programs they could potentially lose funding for. The federal budget won’t be finalized for months but the proposal presents a grim outlook. Read the story from Hillary Ojeda.
Researchers wanted to understand concerns with batteries in Moss Landing. Their funding just got yanked.
May 15 – Among the many federal grants canceled by the Trump administration are two related to the Central Coast community that hosts a huge energy storage facility. Read the story from our partners at Inside Climate News.
Proposed Medicaid changes could threaten care access for 80,000 in Santa Cruz County, health leaders warn
May 13 – 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. Read the story from Tania Ortiz.
Lawyer: Santa Cruz resident’s immigration case a ‘cautionary tale’ under Trump 2.0
May 10 – 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. Read the story from Tania Ortiz.
Trump’s planned AmeriCorps cuts threaten Santa Cruz senior volunteer programs that bridge generations
May 7 – 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. Read the story from Max Chun.
Santa Cruz County officials prepare for tourism pivot amid tariff and immigration concerns
May 7 – 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. Read the story from Jessica M. Pasko.
Days after cultural celebration, Trump administration revokes Senderos arts grant
May 6 – 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. Read the story from Tania Ortiz.
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A day of protest in photos: May Day rallies across Santa Cruz County
May 1 – Hundreds of demonstrators turned out across Santa Cruz County on Thursday for a series of May Day protests and labor actions in honor of International Workers’ Day. Photojournalist Kevin Painchaud captured the scenes from across the county.
Santa Cruz’s housing boom sees ‘significant slowdown’ as economic fears deepen
May 1 – 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. Read the story from Max Chun.
May 1 a day of political protest across Santa Cruz County
April 29 – On Thursday, political protests are planned from downtown Santa Cruz to UCSC and Watsonville. Read the story from Wallace Baine.
UC Santa Cruz chancellor joins national push against Trump’s education policies
April 29 – UC Santa Cruz Chancellor Cynthia Larive is among more than 400 campus leaders across the country who signed onto a group statement opposing the Trump administration’s efforts to exert increasing control over colleges and universities. It is higher education leaders’ most public pushback against the president since his return to office. Read the story from Max Chun.
Federal cuts to affect health and child care services for thousands of local residents, nonprofit warns
April 29 – Santa Cruz County nonprofit Encompass Community Services is warning that proposed federal budget reductions will eliminate the Head Start program and cut Medicaid/Medi-Cal funding, slashing funds for local programs that provide health and child care services to thousands of local residents. Read the story from Jasmin Galvin.
Longtime Santa Cruz resident and green card holder detained by U.S. Customs and Border Protection at San Francisco airport
April 25 – Cliona Ward, a Santa Cruz resident for almost 30 years, was detained by U.S. Customs and Border Protection at San Francisco International Airport on Monday. Ward’s roommate told Lookout that authorities said they could not verify that previous criminal charges against Ward had been expunged. Read the story from Tania Ortiz.
After Trump’s crackdown on DEI in schools, judge rules he can’t cut off funding
April 25 – California receives $2.4 billion in federal Title I money for low-income schools, about $1.3 billion for special education and $250 million for after-school programs, among other grants. President Donald Trump had ordered schools to eliminate diversity programs or risk losing federal funding. Read the story from our partners at CalMatters.
Santa Cruz Oaxacan cultural celebration continues despite Trump immigration fears
April 24 – Santa Cruz-based nonprofit Senderos is holding its 20th guelaguetza on Sunday at the Branciforte Small Schools campus. The annual tradition, which brings a taste of the culture of the Mexican state of Oaxaca to the community, almost didn’t happen this year due to concerns after President Donald Trump returned to the White House. Read the story from Tania Ortiz.
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MAH, Children’s Museum face big federal budget cuts
April 22 – Two prominent museums in Santa Cruz County are adapting to the announcement that federal funds they have depended on have been canceled by the Trump administration. The Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History and the Children’s Museum of Discovery are both facing significant cuts and are planning to turn to foundation and individual support to make up the shortfall. Read the story from Wallace Baine.
Photo essay: Ocean Street protests and Earth Day celebrations converge in Santa Cruz
April 19 – In Santa Cruz, a protest against the Trump administration and Earth Day celebrations drew hundreds to parallel downtown events. Photographer Natasha Leverett was on hand to capture the community action.
Rising prices ‘inevitable’ as tariffs hit home at 29-year-old cookware store in downtown Santa Cruz
April 17 – Facing steep price hikes from global suppliers due to President Donald Trump’s tariffs on imported goods, downtown Santa Cruz cookware shop Toque Blanche warns customers of inevitable increases on imported kitchen staples. Owner Charles Nelson says the community’s support — sparked by his candid letter explaining the impact — is keeping his spirits high as he braces for more cost pressures by May 1. Read the story from Lily Belli.
Trump policy targeting immigrants shuts California students out of federal programs
April 17 – Federal programs offer financial aid and counseling to low-income and first-generation college students. California was allowed to include students without legal status, which the Trump administration is now ending. Read the story from our partners at CalMatters.
After 22 years in Santa Cruz, deported handyman struggles to build a life in a Mexico he barely knows
April 16 – Three months ago, Adolfo González, a 62-year-old handyman in Santa Cruz, was arrested and deported to Mexico. González was forced to restart a new life in Cuautitlán, outside of Mexico City, and the journey has not been the easiest. Read the story from Tania Ortiz.
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Pajaro Valley nonprofits launch public forums about federal funding cuts
April 15 – The Pajaro Valley Collaborative — a group of 23 nonprofits in south Santa Cruz County — is launching a series of educational public forums to inform the community about federal funding cuts and possible local impacts. Read the story from Tania Ortiz.
A DHS vehicle spotted on Mission Street caused panic on social media. Only, it wasn’t ICE.
April 11 – The false alarm over the DHS vehicle reflects a heightened state of vigilance that has persisted in the county since the Trump administration announced aggressive immigration enforcement policies, making even routine sightings of federal vehicles a source of community anxiety. Read the story from Tania Ortiz.
‘It’s pretty devastating’: UCSC biologist’s research upended by Trump NIH funding cuts
April 9 – Roughly 150 UC Santa Cruz protesters rallied against President Donald Trump’s cuts to research grants Tuesday, including biologist Alison Mills, who learned her research on cell division would lose NIH funding. Read the story from Hillary Ojeda.
Santa Cruz wineries say Trump’s tariffs will ‘wreck’ industry and stifle small businesses
April 9 – Local wineries in Santa Cruz are grappling with the fallout from President Donald Trump’s tariffs, which have led to canceled international orders and rising costs for materials. Winery owners argue that the tariffs will hurt smaller businesses and fail to boost domestic wine sales, further exacerbating the industry’s already dire struggles. Read the story from Lily Belli.
Santa Cruz County election officials sound alarm over Trump voter registration overhaul
April 9 – A proposed federal overhaul of voter registration rules could force all Santa Cruz County residents looking to register to vote or update their registration, to do so in person, with proof of citizenship. Local officials warn the measures risk disenfranchising voters and exposing election workers to criminal liability. Read the story from Christopher Neely.
Trump administration cancels three UC Santa Cruz student visas
April 7 – UC Santa Cruz officials announced on Sunday that the Trump administration cancelled the F-1 visas of three international students. UCSC joins a list of California universities who in the past week learned about the federal government’s cancellation of dozens of student visas. Read the story from Hillary Ojeda.
‘So Many Issues, So Little Cardboard’: Thousands turn out waving flags and signs for ‘Hands Off’ rallies in Santa Cruz and Watsonville
April 5 – A gathering at the county courthouse drew an estimated 4,000 people in Santa Cruz, while another 300 converged on Watsonville’s downtown plaza to protest the actions of President Donald Trump’s second administration. Read the story from Wallace Baine and Tania Ortiz.
Local philanthropy looks to step up as federal cuts hit Santa Cruz County nonprofits
April 4 – As nonprofits continue to navigate the sudden loss of federal grants, Community Foundation Santa Cruz County CEO Susan True thinks donations from the community will help provide some relief to organizations facing financial challenges during the second Trump administration. Read the story from Tania Ortiz.
At January 6 event in Salinas, America’s political chasm takes center stage
April 3 – Six of the men convicted then pardoned for crimes involving the Jan. 6, 2021, events at the U.S. Capitol came to Salinas on Thursday, to a small band of supporters and a loud chorus of detractors. Read the story from Wallace Baine.
In Santa Cruz and Watsonville, anti-Trump activists prepare for what could be ‘largest mass movement in recent history’
April 2 – Chapters of the progressive activist group Indivisible in Santa Cruz and Watsonville will be part of a nationwide rally Saturday against the moves of the Trump administration. The “Hands Off” rallies are expected to unfold in 1,200 towns and cities across the U.S., including outside the county courthouse in Santa Cruz and in Watsonville’s downtown plaza. Read the story from Wallace Baine and Tania Ortiz.
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County hands out $200,000 in grants for legal services for immigrants, resources for LGBTQ+ community
March 27 – Santa Cruz County officials announced grants for several nonprofits that serve the county’s immigrant and LGBTQ+ communities to further fund legal and support services. The county board of supervisors allocated $200,000 from the county’s general fund in February. Read the story from Tania Ortiz.
California not backing down on trans student privacy — despite Trump’s threat to yank funding
March 27 – Last year, California passed a law that prohibits schools from requiring staff to notify parents if a student identifies as transgender. The U.S. Department of Education alleges the law violates parents’ rights and is threatening an investigation. Read the story from our partners at CalMatters.
After sudden $700K drop in funding, Second Harvest calls for community support
March 24 – Second Harvest Food Bank Santa Cruz County is facing a sudden loss of over $700,000 in federal aid and a potential $400,000 state funding cut, threatening its ability to provide more than 3 million meals to tens of thousands of residents. In response, the food bank has launched “Operation Bridge the Gap” to encourage community support through donations, volunteering, and advocacy while seeking answers and solutions from policymakers. Read the story from Lily Belli.
‘Punched in the nose’: Local Canadians try to make sense of a new U.S.-Canada cold war
March 23 – Canadians living and/or working in the Santa Cruz/Monterey area are trying to comprehend a sudden shift in the historically placid relationship between Canada and the U.S. And they have as many questions as Americans do. Read the story from Wallace Baine.
Santa Cruz education leaders respond to Trump’s order to dismantle Department of Education
March 21 – While Santa Cruz County education leaders anticipated President Donald Trump’s executive order to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education, it’s nonetheless a major cause of concern for them. Read the story from Hillary Ojeda.
Here’s how Trump’s education cuts are starting to affect Santa Cruz County schools
March 20 – Santa Cruz County officials say at least one federal program is ending that will reduce funding for food programs at five local school districts. Some superintendents said they’re concerned about every single federal dollar being pulled back in the future. Read the story from Hillary Ojeda.
Federal funding freeze hits program that helps Santa Cruz County residents become citizens
March 20 – President Donald Trump’s federal funding freeze is affecting grants to a longstanding citizenship program in Santa Cruz County, threatening services that have helped hundreds of immigrants navigate the naturalization process. Read the story from Tania Ortiz.
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UC Santa Cruz faces fresh round of austerity measures with systemwide hiring freeze
March 19 – UC Santa Cruz officials say they are reviewing the possible impact of a systemwide hiring freeze announced Wednesday by UC President Michael Drake as the university system contends with state budget constraints and funding challenges from the Trump administration. Read the story from Tamsin McMahon and Hillary Ojeda.
In Santa Cruz County, day laborers find fewer jobs and growing fears
March 19 – Day laborers in Santa Cruz County say they have been struggling to find work lately thanks to President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown and the rising costs of materials squeezing the construction industry. Read the story from Tania Ortiz.
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Santa Cruz County agriculture industry faces uncertainty over Trump’s looming tariffs
March 19 – With President Donald Trump’s tariffs on Mexico and Canada set to go into effect next month, Santa Cruz County agricultural leaders are struggling to predict the consequences for the region’s farming sector. Read the story from Jessica M. Pasko.
‘Unclear and stressful’: Restaurants, craft breweries brace for tariff increases on essential products
March 18 – Santa Cruz County food and drink businesses are facing significant price increases due to tariffs imposed on imports from Mexico, Canada and China, affecting essential ingredients such as produce, seafood, grains and aluminum. Local establishments such as Gayle’s Bakery, Charlie Hong Kong and Fruition Brewing are already seeing rising costs, forcing them to consider price adjustments and menu changes while grappling with inflation and supply chain challenges. Read the story from Lily Belli.
UCSC looks to cut grad student admissions, alter funding guarantee
March 18 – UC Santa Cruz is reducing how many graduate students it admits for the upcoming 2025-26 academic year, mostly due to President Donald Trump’s attempts to slash federal funding to schools across the country. Faculty and students say reductions to graduate student classes will damage research and undergraduate education. Read the story from Hillary Ojeda.
Economic uncertainty begins to seep into Santa Cruz County housing market
March 17 – Data from January and February showed familiar numbers for Santa Cruz County’s housing market, but economic uncertainty introduced by the Trump administration is finding its way into conversations among real estate agents, mortgage advisors and clients. Read the story from Max Chun.
Locals’ hard-learned, oft-repeated lessons from 1940s Japanese American experience relevant again as Trump invokes Alien Enemies Act
March 16 – Santa Cruz County activists Mas Hashimoto and Jeanne Wakatsuki Houston spent their lives telling the story of Japanese American internment during World War II. Now that both are deceased, and in the face of Trump administration immigration policies, their stories need to be remembered. Read more from Wallace Baine.
Fear and fallout: California officials scramble to counter Trump’s anti-Coastal Commission agenda
March 11 – California lawmakers and Coastal Commission officials are taking the Trump administration’s threats seriously, as federal pressure to overhaul the agency could affect Los Angeles wildfire aid. With tensions rising, officials are mobilizing to protect the state’s coastal policies from political interference. Read the story from Christopher Neely.
‘Illegal, backwards and wrong’: Hundreds decry federal funding cuts, firings in Stand Up for Science rallies
March 7 – Climate change, managing fisheries, cancer research and training young scientists were just some of the major issues Santa Cruz protestors raised in two of the more than 30 such science-focused gathering around the country on Friday. The rallies UCSC’s main and coastal campuses focused on Trump/DOGE cuts to federal funding and workforces and drew public impact connections to Santa Cruz. Read the story from Max Chun, Hillary Ojeda and Kevin Painchaud.
‘This caught everybody off guard,’ fired Santa Cruz NOAA employee says
March 5 – Jerimiah Oetting believes he was the lone Santa Cruz-based employee affected by mass layoffs at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration last week. A communications worker with NOAA Fisheries’ Santa Cruz laboratory, he and others affected by the Trump administration’s federal workforce cuts worry about the future of the agency and its ability to carry out its important work. Read the story from Max Chun.
‘Will I be safe?’ Transgender California youth feel threatened by Trump’s executive orders
March 5 – Calls to LGBTQ crisis lines spiked after President Donald Trump’s election. His policies target health care for young transgender people, creating uncertainty for a vulnerable community. Read the story from our partners at CalMatters.
First wave of NOAA layoffs raises familiar feelings in Santa Cruz County: confusion and uncertainty
March 4 – As a wave of layoffs hits the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the effects on the local operations of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary and National Weather Service remain largely unclear. Although most of the sanctuary staff are permanent employees, and the firings appear to cover only workers with probationary status, the Monterey Bay chapter director says the agency is expecting local cuts — which could have immediate impacts. Read the story from Max Chun.
‘A lose-lose situation’: Trump administration registry leaves Santa Cruz County’s undocumented community in a bind
March 4 – The Trump administration announced last week that it will require all undocumented residents in the United States, age 14 and older, to register their fingerprints and address with the Department of Homeland Security. Local immigration lawyers say the new requirement puts undocumented residents in a tough position, whether or not they follow the law. Read the story from Tania Ortiz.
➤ Para leer el artículo en español, haga clic aquí.
Unbeknownst to the public, Santa Cruz joins lawsuit against the Trump administration
March 3 – The City of Santa Cruz has joined a lawsuit against the Trump administration over its threats to withhold federal resources from sanctuary cities. Originally filed by attorneys representing Santa Clara County and San Francisco, the suit claims the administration’s attempts to force local jurisdictions into compliance with its immigration policies are unconstitutional.
Yet, there is no public record of the city council voting to join this specific lawsuit. According to city attorney Tony Condotti, the vote occurred at the Feb. 11 meeting — the same meeting where the city council reaffirmed its commitment to its sanctuary city policy — behind closed doors during an executive session. This is not uncommon: The law allows — but, importantly, does not require — city councils to discuss, and even vote to join, litigation away from public view; it’s part of the power voters bestow upon their elected representatives.
From funding to free speech, local non-commercial radio reckons with Trump 2.0
March 2 – Two prominent non-commercial radio stations in the Monterey Bay area – KAZU and KSQD – are facing the second Trump administration with different concerns, the former with the threat of the withdrawal of federal funding, and the latter with worries about free speech. Read the story from Wallace Baine.
A California sheriff is planning to break the state’s sanctuary law. Here’s how
Feb. 28 – California passed a sanctuary state law to protect immigrants during the first Trump administration. Now, Amador County’s sheriff wants to test it at the beginning of the second. Read the story from our partners at CalMatters.
Uncertain times as Trump layoff axe looms over local federal agencies, employees
Feb. 26 – The threat of mass firings of federal workers has a number of industries concerned about the future of their services, even if many in Santa Cruz County say they have not heard of any local layoffs. Read the story from Max Chun.
California Democrats grow quieter on ‘sanctuary’ for immigrants as Trump promises mass deportation
Feb. 26 – Eight years ago, California Democrats adopted “sanctuary” policies to protect immigrants from President Donald Trump’s deportation plans. But now, as Trump ramps up threats against sanctuary states and cities, Democratic leaders have taken on a softer tone. Read the story from our partners at CalMatters.
The protest movement is coming together, but is it up to the task?
Feb. 23 – National protests against the Trump administration came to Santa Cruz on Monday, thanks largely to the local chapter of the group Indivisible. But progressive protesters have a long way to go before their dissent can become effective. Read the story here from Wallace Baine.
Food, toiletries distribution for undocumented ag workers continues amid deportation fears; first under Trump sees lower numbers
Feb. 21 – 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. Read the story from Tania Ortiz.
➤ Para leer el artículo en español, haga clic aquí.
‘Afraid to go to school’: Immigrant families in the Salinas Valley are gripped by fear
Feb. 21 – 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. Read the story from our partners at CalMatters.
Federal cuts could rock ‘every social safety net program’ in Santa Cruz County
Feb. 20 – 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. Read Palacios’ Q&A with Christopher Neely.
‘We’re not in violation of the law’: Santa Cruz County schools respond to memo to end DEI initiatives or risk losing federal funding
Feb. 20 – 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. Read the story from Hillary Ojeda.
After vehicle vandalism, Santa Cruz County Trump supporters say they live ‘with a lot of fear’
Feb. 20 – 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. Read the story from Christopher Neely.
About 200 undocumented UCSC students and supporters march against Trump immigration policies
Feb. 18 – 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. Read the story from Hillary Ojeda.
1,000 turn out in Santa Cruz to protest Trump, Musk and what is being done in Washington
Feb. 17 – 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. Read the story from Wallace Baine and Kevin Painchaud.
Santa Cruz reaffirms its status as a sanctuary city
Feb. 14 – The Santa Cruz City Council voted this week to reaffirm its sanctuary city policy, a largely symbolic show of support to the local immigrant community, as reports swirl of U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement agents conducting deportation operations within city borders. Read the story from Christopher Neely.
How Trump’s drastic K-12 plans will — and won’t — change California schools
Feb. 14 – From private school vouchers to threats over “woke” curriculum, the Trump administration has launched a slew of reforms intended to reshape K-12 schools. But it’s still too soon to determine how — or if — those efforts will play out in California, experts say. Read the story from our partners at CalMatters.
Local lawyers speak to immigrant fears, the rights they have — and what they should do right now
Feb. 13 – Santa Cruz County immigration lawyers and public defenders have their hands full with cases and frequent changes to immigration enforcement as the Trump administration continues to target undocumented immigrant communities across the country. They say that, despite the concerning situation, undocumented people have rights and ways to be prepared for anything. Read the story from Max Chun and Tania Ortiz.
➤ Para leer el artículo en español, haga clic aquí.
Fewer California high school seniors are applying for financial aid. Some blame Trump’s immigration policies
Feb. 13 – Applications for financial aid by high school seniors in California are down 25% compared to this time last year. Although financial aid application information has not been shared with immigration or other agencies in the past, many fear that will change. Read the story from our partners at CalMatters.
New Lookout impact coverage: The Trump presidency and Santa Cruz County
Feb. 12 – 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. Read more from Lookout CEO Ken Doctor.
No warning, no goodbye: ICE quietly deports Santa Cruz resident after 22 years
Feb. 12 – In what appears to be the first known case of a deportation in Santa Cruz County since Donald Trump returned as president, ICE agents last month allegedly arrested Adolfo Gonzalez of Santa Cruz, a handyman who had lived locally for 22 years. Read the story from Christopher Neely and Tania Ortiz.
➤ Para leer el artículo en español, haga clic aquí.
➤ Know your rights: Guidance for interactions with ICE, in Spanish and English
‘It was just a regular morning’: Californians picked up in recent ICE raids include kids, volunteers
Feb. 11 – 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. Read the story from our partners at CalMatters.
‘United we can do many things’: Protesters advocate for immigrant rights in Santa Cruz and Watsonville
Feb. 3 – Hundreds of community members in Santa Cruz and Watsonville took part in protests advocating for immigrant rights as President Donald Trump attempts to make sweeping changes to immigration policies. Read the story from Tania Ortiz.
➤ Para leer el artículo en español, haga clic aquí.
Dozens of businesses close countywide to protest Trump immigration policies
Feb. 3 – 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. Read the story from Lily Belli.
‘Everyone’s scared’: Watsonville businesses see sharp drop in customers amid Trump immigrant threat
Jan. 30 – 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. Read the story from Tania Ortiz.
Santa Cruz County officials scramble to assess impact of Trump’s federal funding freeze
Jan. 29 – Santa Cruz County officials and nonprofit leaders were rushing to understand the local implications of President Donald Trump’s federal funding freeze. Millions of dollars for local programs are under threat from the pause, which has been temporarily blocked by a judge. Read the story from Hillary Ojeda.
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