How We Helped Create a National Monument

In their September 24 meeting, the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors approved a subcommittee to examine the increasing number of housing units not occupied by the owner, purchased for the purpose of short term rentals.

In their September 25 meeting, the Santa Cruz City Council approved an ordinance capping rent increases at the St. George Hotel and other local city-assisted housing.

Applications are open for seats on the Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission Elderly and Disabled Transportation Advisory Committee.

Applications are open through October 31 to Santa Cruz County residents for reimbursement of wood chipping costs under the Resource Conservation District of Santa Cruz County's Neighborhood Chipping Program.

A September 18 candidate forum in Felton featured Monica Martinez and Christopher Bradford who are running for the District 5 seat on the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors in the November election.

Starting September 29, the Bay Avenue/Porter Street onramp to southbound Highway 1 will be closed as phase 2 of Highway 1 construction continues.

Santa Cruz County released the 2023 agriculture report, which showed a hit to productivity from the winter and spring storms and flooding.

Santa Cruz County Office of Education's Career and Adult Learning Services is offering a paid instruction and apprenticeship program to help fill the need for dental assistants in the county.

Live Oak School District and Community Bridges signed a two-year lease allowing the nonprofit to continue running its Meals on Wheels program from district property on Capitola Road.

Volunteers came together to build a site-specific art work under the direction of a father and son team of artists on Cowell Beach.

A look at incumbent Trina Coffman-Gomez who is running for a new term on the Watsonville City Council in November.

In a webinar presentation on September 17, City of Santa Cruz Homelessness Response Manager Larry Imwalle gave a report on the progress of city homelessness programs, noting successes and addressing submitted community questions.

A groundbreaking was held on September 17 for the future Janus of Santa Cruz perinatal center on Pennsylvania Drive in Watsonville.

One September 17, a groundbreaking ceremony was held for the start of construction of a 120 unit supportive housing development in the Harvey West neighborhood in Santa Cruz.

Three community meetings will be hosted by the City of Santa Cruz as it develops a five-year roadmap for West Cliff Drive.

Despite concerns, the increase in use of e-bikes in Santa Cruz hasn't led to a significant uptick in serious accidents.

On September 12, the California Coastal Commission approved moving forward with a new hotel development on the corner of Front and Laurel Streets in downtown Santa Cruz.

Cal State officials are projecting a 2025-26 budget hole of about $400 million to $800 million. They are warning of layoffs and academic cuts.

Tenant advocates say giving renters 10 days to respond to eviction notices, up from 5, will help those who live in rural areas and have trouble finding legal help. Some landlords argue it will increase their costs.

Community colleges are designed to help students get an associate degree and transfer to a four-year university. Most community college students never graduate or transfer, a state audit found.

About 4 in 10 Californians are believed to be carrying medical debt, which can harm their chances of landing a mortgage or an apartment if it shows up on credit reports.

Jessica Alvarez Castañeda was sick of low-paying jobs. For years, the 39-year-old mother of four had been “breaking her back for almost nothing” as a cashier, nursing assistant, babysitter, house cleaner and cook.

After delays and mishaps, California announces $450 million for high school career pathways.

The UC Regents approved campus requests for more tools for UC police months after campus protesters clashed with law enforcement.

At a CalMatters event, California’s insurance commissioner says the changes he’s making will help homeowners and business owners. One idea: A state grant for those who spend money to protect their property from wildfires.

California is the seventh U.S. state to adopt mobile driver’s licenses for iPhones, part of a growing push by businesses and governments to make digital IDs commonplace.

The Sacramento Bee takes a look at the Proposition 33 rent-control measure on the November ballot.

Worries about retail theft and fentanyl deaths shaped a November ballot measure that would toughen some criminal penalties. Here are the facts about California crime trends.

The California Public Employees’ Retirement system is the nation’s largest state-backed pension fund. It awarded its chief executive $667,000 bonus after a successful investment year.

Over the last five years, the state government has spent some $24 billion to ameliorate homelessness, which, according to polls, is California’s most troublesome issue.

The California surgeon general is launching a campaign today to spread awareness about health conditions that contribute to pregnancy-related deaths, such as heart disease.

The Sacramento Bee explains the Proposition 4 climate resiliency bond measure on the November ballot.

The Sacramento Bee explains the Proposition 36 anti-crime measure on the November ballot.

The Sacramento Bee explains the Proposition 32 minimum wage measure on the November Ballot.

Failed legislative bills have attempted to create safe parking programs for students to sleep in their cars on California campuses while awaiting housing. Meanwhile, Long Beach City College allows homeless students to park overnight.

California’s new cap on health care cost increases is regarded as the most aggressive in the nation. It includes potential fines against companies that exceed the limit.