Almost every day, we survey stories being published by newsrooms in 10 California counties to include in our News Digest. This practice gives us a uniquely advantageous view of trends in the news. Over the past year, we’ve witnessed big changes throughout the state, and today we present a quick look at a handful of some important ways California's civic landscape is shifting.
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By Eric Johnson
Published Dec 30, 2024
Water, and the complex infrastructure required to quench California's thirst, remained a key issue in 2024.
Image credit: Photo by Daniel Parks
CC BY-NC 2.0
The Trending Stories of 2024
Homelessness and Lawlessness
While most Californians continue to express compassion for their unhoused neighbors, for folks experiencing substance-abuse issues, and for the conditions that can lead a person to get in trouble with the police, we saw evidence in 2024 that may people's tolerance for disorder has worn thin. Squalid encampments, overdose epidemics, and thieving mobs led to a tipping point this year.
In the past couple of weeks, local officials began enforcing mandates created by Proposition 36, which made certain property and drug crimes felonies. At the same time, addicts who have been arrested multiple times are being sent to CARE courts. Two new phrases entered the public conversation: “forced treatment" and “coercive compassion."
From our archives, here’s how this legal and social shift occurred.
Newsom’s Prop 1: Revolution or Return to Reason?
Prop 1 was designed to help unhoused people get off the streets by forcing them into treatment. That’s one reason it took two weeks of vote-counting to pass.
Proposition 36, AB 2943 & 1179: California Cracks Down On Crime
Californians are fed up with flash-mob shoplifting, smash-and-grab theft, and an alarming uptick in Fentanyl deaths.
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Santa Cruz County's Homepage |
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Dams and the Tunnel
One of our favorite stories of the year came in October from our friends at Local News Matters. It deals with the most durable controversy in the state of California (and throughout the American West)—the use and abuse of our most valuable resource.
In this piece, the writer, podcaster, and video storyteller Ruth Dusseault places a troubling fact at the heart of her story: At the same time that a terrible water shortage is destroying California’s salmon fishery and threatening ecological and economic collapse, farmers are replacing drought-tolerant crops with almonds and other heavy water-users. This (and the still-growing poulation of Southern California) necessitates the construction of the most ambitious water project in human history.
Dusseault’s story, and Chris Neklason’s round up of news about dams throughout the state, deal with one of our favorite topics: resilience, and the infrastructure required to help our state thrive and grow.
From Local News Matters: Water War on the Delta
“This is a local story about a global issue, the future of water. In a three-part series of field reports and podcasts, Bay City News reporter Ruth Dusseault looks at the tunnel’s stakeholders, its engineering challenges, and explores the preindustrial Delta and its future restoration."
The Ups and Downs of California Dams
We check in on efforts to raise some dams in the state to store more water, and to raze some dams to to let water run free.
Recipe of the Week
Our friends at Sacramento Digs Gardening publish a recipe from their gardens every Sunday, which we feature here so you can start your week with some yum.
See more recipes in their Taste Winter! cookbook.
Persimmons put seasonal twist on California favorite
New! Persimmon date-walnut tea bread uses super-ripe fruit
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Santa Cruz Baroque Festival |
The Santa Cruz Baroque Festival has been active since 1974, presenting early music as it sounded in its own era. Members strive for artistic excellence while transmitting the joy of Baroque music to future generations.
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From Our Media Allies |
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Ups & Downs |
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The quaint little Santa Cruz we’ve known for decades has been booming in 2024, like no other time since the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake.It’s been a boom year for construction all over the county. It’s also been a boom for … |
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Trust in the Land |
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The Amah Mutsun Land Trust, an organization led by the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band, works to preserve and restore the lands of its ancestors. The nonprofit is participating in Santa Cruz Gives, a fundraising initiative created by Good Times in … |
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County Supervisors Declare Local Emergency |
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In a brief special meeting Friday, three Santa Cruz County Supervisors declared a local emergency, which will allow officials to request state and federal assistance for the damages from the heavy surf, winds and storm surge on Dec. 23 and … |
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Major Damage in Capitola Explosion, Fire |
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A powerful explosion and fire tore through a two-story apartment building in Capitola Village early Christmas morning. No injuries were reported in the 5:10am incident on the 100 block of Lawn Way. |
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A Mid-Century “Atomic” Vault in the Santa Cruz Mountains |
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In 1953, the Zayante Southern Pacific Railroad tunnel was purchased by the Western States Atomic Vault Corporation, touted for use as a storage place for vital documents and other priceless valuables in case of nuclear attacks. |
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State Announces New Pesticide Rule |
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The Department of Pesticide Regulation on Dec. 19 announced a new rule that will provide notice to the public in advance of applications of certain hazardous and drift-prone agricultural pesticides. |
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Trash Talkers: Keeping the County Clean |
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A group of city workers and volunteers spent the afternoon cleaning massive amounts of trash from a wooded hillside in Watsonville one sunny day in early December, hauling away several full dumpsters. |
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Pajaro Floods Two Years Later: Many Still Waiting for Recovery Funds |
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In 2023, the California legislature approved Assembly Bill 102—the Budget Act of 2023—which among other things allocated $20 million to Monterey County to help Pajaro recover from the flooding that occurred after the levee breached and caused widespread flooding. |
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Santa Cruz Wharf to Remain Closed After Damage |
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Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf will remain closed indefinitely after waves on Monday sheared off a 125-foot section that was already closed and under construction from storm damage in 2023. |
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Update: More Details on Santa Cruz Wharf Damage |
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Heavy surf on Monday smashed into the Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf, shearing off a 125-foot section off the end and sending an already-closed business into the ocean, along with a public restroom and two pieces of heavy construction equipment. |
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Recent Local News |
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• Some Watsonville Hospital Patient Information Hacked
Following the cyberattack on Watsonville Community Hospital, some patients are being notified that their personal information might have been compromised. Read on to learn more.
(12/31/2024) → Lookout Local• Santa Cruz to Host MLK Parade
Learn more about the Santa Cruz County NAACP Branch commemoration of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with a march down Pacific Avenue in Santa Cruz and a resource fair at the Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium on January 20.
(12/31/2024) → Santa Cruz Sentinel• Santa Cruz County Mobile Crisis Response Teams Roll Out
Learn more about the Mobile Crisis Response Teams being deployed by Santa Cruz County to provide mental health services throughout the county.
(12/31/2024) → Santa Cruz Sentinel• Apply for Commercial Home Kitchen Permit
Applications are open for Santa Cruz County residents to apply for commercial home kitchen permits. Read on to learn more about this new program.
(12/31/2024) → Lookout Local• Spotlight on 2024 Santa Cruz County Homeless Count
A look at the shifting number and locations of homeless in the county in the last year.
(12/31/2024) → Santa Cruz Sentinel• Capitola Wharf Stands Strong
After closing in anticipation of the historic swells which damaged the Santa Cruz Wharf, an inspection revealed the Capitola Wharf had withstood the storm with minor damage and it reopened on December 30.
(12/30/2024) → The Mercury News• Update on Santa Cruz Harbor Damages
As efforts to clean up and take stock of damage to the Santa Cruz Harbor from the storm swells on December 23 continue, the estimate of damages stands at $26 million. Read on to learn more.
(12/30/2024) → Lookout Local• Questions Raised About Santa Cruz Wharf Collapse
Following the collapse of a 150 foot section of the Santa Cruz Wharf, questions about contributing factors are raised. Who or what is to blame? Read on to learn more.
(12/30/2024) → Lookout Local• City Officials Warn of Fundraising Scam Following Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf Collapse
City officials in Santa Cruz say swindlers claiming to represent businesses on the Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf are soliciting donations following the structure’s partial collapse. “This is a scam,” officials said on social media Saturday.
(12/30/2024) → Local News Matters• Spotlight on Bruce McPherson
Lookout Local profiles retiring county supervisor, state representative and newspaper editor Bruce McPherson. Read on to learn about his and his family's local legacy.
(12/28/2024) → Lookout Local• Santa Cruz Lifeguards Recount Wharf Collapse Rescue
An after-action interview with City of Santa Cruz lifeguards Isaiah Mullen and Sam Hofmann following their rescue of two construction workers when the end of the wharf collapsed.
(12/28/2024) → Santa Cruz Sentinel• Computer Models and a Historyof Tsunamis in Santa Cruz
UCSC Professor Gary Griggs recounts a histories of the tsunamis which have struck the City of Santa Cruz. Read on to learn more, and about his thought on tsunami risk computer models.
(12/28/2024) → Santa Cruz Sentinel• Santa Cruz Harbor Damages Top $20 Million
The damage assessment is still under way and have so far amounted to $20 million following the December 23 storm surge which smashed into the Santa Cruz Harbor, sinking several moored vessels. Read on to learn more.
(12/27/2024) → Lookout Local• Santa Cruz Wharf Structural Assessment Required
The mayor and city manager of Santa Cruz held a December 27 press conference and provided details about damage to the wharf, noting that a structural assessment would be required to determine when and if it would be safe to reopen. Read to learn more.
(12/27/2024) → Santa Cruz Sentinel• South Bay’s Mount Umunhum Offers Great Regional Views, Interesting Cold War History
A bit of Bay Area Cold War history and great Bay Area views await visitors to Mount Umunhum in the Santa Cruz Mountains above San Jose. At 3,486 feet, Mount Umunhum is among the highest peaks in the Bay Area.
(12/27/2024) → Local News Matters• Give Your Feedback on West Cliff Drive Roadmap
Read on to learn how you can give your feedback on the City of Santa Cruz 5-year West Cliff Roadmap.
(12/26/2024) → Santa Cruz Sentinel• Departing Supervisor Zach Friend’s Next Steps
Lookout Local looks back at the career of departing Santa Cruz County Supervisor Zach Friend and ponders what's in store for him in the days to come.
(12/25/2024) → Lookout Local• Santa Cruz Takes Stock of Damage
Learn more about how officials describe the damage from ocean swells to the municipal wharf and harbor.
(12/24/2024) → Santa Cruz Sentinel• Search For Mother’s Memorial Bench Underway
A daughter is working to recover her mother's memorial bench which was on collapsed wharf.
(12/24/2024) → Lookout Local|
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Recent Statewide News |
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• Protect Your Cats from Bird Flu
Following news of the death of pet cats from eating bird flu infected raw food or raw milk, CapRadio has information about how to protect your feline friends.
(12/26/2024) → CapPublicRadio• Legal Battles and Funding Woes: California Housing 2024 Year in Review
California officials continued to fight with cities that don’t want to build more housing and everyone struggled to find more money to pay for new housing.
(12/26/2024) → CalMatters• California’s Economy of Ups, Downs and Uncertainty: 2024 Year in Review
Despite a budget deficit and continued high costs, there was good news and bad news for the California economy in 2024. The next year will depend in part on what the Trump administration does.
(12/26/2024) → CalMatters• California Stiffened Penalties for Theft — And More Changes Are Coming
Californians accused of certain drug and retail theft crimes may already be facing stiffer penalties under an initiative voters passed this year, alongside related bills Gov. Gavin Newsom signed into law.
(12/26/2024) → CalMatters• New Law Doubles Eviction Response Time, Giving California Tenants Leeway to Fight Back
Tenant advocates suffered a big defeat this fall when California voters decided against expanding cities’ ability to limit rent increases. But a state law set to take effect Jan. 1 will give renters facing eviction a little more breathing room.
(12/26/2024) → Local News Matters• Community Volunteer Program Helping Reach Zero Recidivism Among Parolees in California
COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERS ARE proving that they play a vital role when it comes to public safety in California. The California Reentry Institute, directed by Collette Carroll to help potential parolees, has graduated more than 230 incarcerated individuals in San Quentin Rehabilitation Center.
(12/26/2024) → Local News Matters• Number of Registered Lobbyists Jumps to a Record High in California
The increase in lobbyists means there’s now at least one lobbyist for every legislative staff member.
(12/26/2024) → CalMatters• 2024 Year in Review: How Did California Pay for Everything?
The California state budget has been a rollercoaster over the past few years. Big deficits generally mean cutting plans and programs.
(12/25/2024) → CalMatters• Get Up to Speed Fast on These New California Laws Taking Effect in 2025
Here are some of the most noteworthy 2025 laws that go into effect on Jan. 1.
(12/25/2024) → CalMatters• Most Medical Debt Can No Longer Hurt Your Credit Score Under New California Law
A new state law will keep medical debt off your credit report, sparing a hit to your all-important credit score. This is a big deal for California where millions struggle with unpaid medical bills. It takes effect Jan. 1, 2025.
(12/25/2024) → CalMatters|
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Government Announcements |
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County of Santa Cruz (12/30/2024) Severe Weather Emergency Shelter to Open |
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County of Santa Cruz (12/30/2024) Abrirá Refugio de Emergencia por Clima Severo |
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County of Santa Cruz (12/30/2024) Severe Weather Emergency Shelter to Open |
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County of Santa Cruz (12/30/2024) Abrirá Refugio de Emergencia por Clima Severo |
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City of Watsonville (12/28/2024) Improving Pedestrian Safety with Daylighting Crosswalks |
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United States (12/27/2024) Braga Fresh Issues Voluntary and Precautionary Advisory Due to Possible Health Risk |
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Soledad, Calif. - Dec. 27, 2024 - Braga Fresh is voluntarily issuing a precautionary advisory of a single production lot of washed and ready-to-eat 12oz Marketside Broccoli Florets with best if used by date.
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United States (12/27/2024) Gardners Candies Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Tree Nuts in Cappuccino Meltaway® Bars and Gardners Meltaway Treat Boxes Containing Cappuccino Meltaway Bars |
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Gardners Candies of Tyrone, PA is recalling its 1.25 ounce packages of Gardners Candies brand Cappuccino Meltaway Bars because they may contain undeclared tree nuts (cashews). People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to tree nuts run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction
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City of Watsonville (12/24/2024) WPD to hold a DUI Checkpoint |
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City of Capitola (12/24/2024) Village Closed - No Access due to High Tide |
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The Capitola Village is Closed to Pedestrian and Vehicle Traffic Until Further Notice.
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Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission (12/23/2024) Climate Adaptation Vulnerability Assessment and Priorities Draft Report Now Available for Public Comment |
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The Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) had released the Draft Climate Adaptation Vulnerability Assessment and Priorities (CAVA) Report for public review and comment. The RTC, the County of Santa Cruz Department of Community Development & Infrastructure and the Santa Cruz County Office of Response, Recovery & Resiliency partnered to develop the CAVA Report [...]
The post Climate Adaptation …
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