Santa Cruz County Local News


Curated Local News articles published by local newsrooms.

Yosemite National Park High Sierra Camps Remain Closed

05/15/2025

Because of a lack of availability of potable water and toilets, Yosemite National Park's High Sierra Camps won't be opened this year.

Democratic Candidates for California Governor Shy Away From State’s Anti-Oil Crusade

05/15/2025

The most interesting moment of Monday’s labor union-sponsored interrogation of seven declared Democratic candidates for governor was their response to a question from the union representing oil refinery workers.

Faced With Budget Woes, Gavin Newsom Wants More Tax Credits for Hollywood

05/15/2025

Gov. Gavin Newsom’s latest budget proposal lays out deep cuts to public universities and health care. It also seeks to more than double the tax credits for Hollywood studios — an expansion moving smoothly through the state Legislature.

Competing San Cruz Housing Measures Gather Signatures

05/15/2025

Backers of two competing housing measures to be decided by City of Santa Cruz voters in November have been submitted to the county voting department.

Regional Transportation Commission Pushes June 30 Mobile Park Deadline

05/15/2025

Residents of the Castle Mobile Home Estates and Blue and Gold Star Mobile Home Park in Live Oak must remove mobile homes and other structures which are on the designated Rail Trail route by June 30.

Newsom Moves to Close Another State Prison. That Makes 5 Since He Took Office

05/14/2025

California’s falling incarcerated population has allowed Gov. Gavin Newsom to close four state prisons. Now he’s calling for a fifth.

Is the Secret to Housing Affordability in California Buried in the Building Code?

05/14/2025

California lawmakers are considering a bill that would pause updates to state housing standards. Is the building code to blame for California’s housing crisis?

CHP Goes Stealth Mode

05/14/2025

The California Highway Patrol is introducing "discreet" Dodge Durangos into their fleet of patrol vehicles.

Fire Season Is All Year

05/13/2025

In a presentation to Nevada County supervisors, a CalFire fire chief said the three or four month fire season of the past was now "passe" as his department is making staffing plans for a 12-month fire season.

Moss Landing Battery Storage Facility to Restart

05/10/2025

The Moss Landing Battery Storage facility will resume operation on June 1, after being shut down in January due to a fire.

Santa Cruz Goes Ahead With Soda Tax in Defiance of State Law

05/09/2025

Last week the Northern California beach town of Santa Cruz enacted a tax on sodas, ice teas and other beverages with added sugar. Voters approved the 2-cent-per-ounce tax in November, despite the beverage industry pouring at least $1.2 million in opposition.

Public Hearing May 13: Santa Cruz Downtown Plan

05/09/2025

A public hearing will be held on May 13 at 7:00PM by the Santa Cruz City Council as it considers the plan to expand the downtown to the south of Laurel Street neighborhood.

Yosemite National Park Welcomes Spring

05/09/2025

An update on the reopening of Yosemite Park facilities and roads as the snow is cleared and spring takes hold.

How's the Water? Cold. Really Cold.

05/09/2025

As the warm weather season begins, a warning to beware of jumping into lakes, rivers and streams.

In Conversation: State Fire Marshal Daniel Berlant

05/09/2025

A conversation with State Fire Marshal Daniel Berlant about the new fire hazard maps and how local communities are preparing for widfires.

Floods Exposed Weaknesses in California Prisons’ Emergency Plans. They Still Aren’t Ready

05/08/2025

Earthquakes, wildfires and floods all could cause problems for California prisons. A new audit says they aren’t ready to quickly evacuate prisoners.

Regional Transportation Commission Workshops Open to Public

05/08/2025

The Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission is holding a number of public workshops this month in various county locations to present information about transportation projects and receive public feedback.

California Promised to Boost Mental Health in Schools. Why One Key Program Is Behind Schedule

05/07/2025

Only 14 school districts and county offices of education have begun billing for behavioral health services under the Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative Fee Schedule Program, according to state health officials.

Cliona Ward Released

05/07/2025

Long time Santa Cruz resident and green card holder Cliona Ward has been released from ICE custody following the order of a federal judge.

Santa Cruz Boardwalk Will Present Drone Light Show May 17

05/07/2025

Look to the skies over the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk as it debuts a drone light show on May 17.