Santa Cruz County Local News

A summary of a September 25 online meeting with California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara and Bonny Doon homeowners impacted by the insurance crisis.

The Mercury News guide to the anti-crime and ant-drug dealing measure Proposition 36 on the November ballot.

Many California farmworkers have long lacked safe and affordable places to sleep — an issue thrown into sharp relief after last year’s mass shooting in Half Moon Bay, which left seven agricultural workers dead.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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.