Santa Cruz County Elections & Politics Articles

In concert with scores of protests, marches and rallies around the globe on May Day—or International Worker's Day—Watsonville and Santa Cruz took to the streets in solidarity with workers, and to show displeasure with the Trump administration.

More than 100 people lined up along Main Street in downtown Watsonville Saturday as part of a nationwide protest against President Donald Trump.

The Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday unanimously agreed to voice their opposition to proposed federal legislation that would require voter ID and retool voter eligibility requirements nationwide, which County Clerk Tricia Weber says would make it harder …

Thousands of people took a message to the streets of downtown Watsonville Saturday that they are not happy with President Trump and Elon Musk as part of the nationwide “Hands Off!” protests.

This compilation of audio impressions reflects the sentiments of the people gathered with estimated 8,000 others to protest the takedown of our government by Musk and MAGA.

Proposed cuts by the Trump administration would be devastating for new mothers, children, immigrants, seniors and lower- and middle-class community members, Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-19th District), who represents much of Santa Cruz County, told a packed town hall meeting Friday.

Dr. Carmin Powell talks about threats to health care at a March 28 town hall meeting at Cabrillo College. (Tyler Maldonado — Santa Cruz Local)
APTOS >> Federal lawmakers have proposed $880 billion in cuts to Medicaid over the next …

Proposed cuts by the Trump administration would be devastating for new mothers, children, immigrants, seniors and lower and middle class community members, Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-19th District), who represents much of Santa Cruz County, told a packed town hall meeting …

Microbiology professor Karen Ottemann addresses a crowd of students, faculty and other supporters at a Stand up for Science rally Friday at UC Santa Cruz. (Jesse Kathan — Santa Cruz Local)
SANTA CRUZ >> A de facto funding freeze on …

We hear from the singing group, the Ukes of Bonny Doon, Suzanne, Laurie, Rizzie and Becca, who recently returned from singing and playing at a protest at the state capital. Then, an interview with Amanda Harris Altice and Jenny Evans …

In a time of unprecedented polarization, Braver Angels encourages citizens to do something completely revolutionary: listen to each other.

More than 1,000 students at Watsonville High School hit the street Thursday morning in a boisterous protest against the Trump administration’s immigrant deportation policies.

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On February 17th, thousands of people around the country expressed their anger and disgust with Elon Musk and Donald Trump's lawless actions. In Santa Cruz over 1000 people came out in force. The event was organized by 50501 …

With the overwhelming approval of Measure Q, formally known as the “Santa Cruz County Safe Drinking Water, Clean Beaches, Wildfire Risk Reduction and Wildlife Protection Act,” County staff and partners are establishing the structure necessary to fulfill voters’ vision, including …

Bodie Shargel interviews two of the organizers behind the Workforce Housing Solutions Act, which kicked off its signature-gathering effort last week. Andrew Goldenkranz, the current chair of the County Democratic Party and Grace Stetson, signature gathering coordinator discuss the details …

Hundreds of people came to Santa Cruz Monday to honor Martin Luther King Jr., many waving signs, chanting and singing as they made their way down Pacific Avenue. Their message was one of community, activism and support.

Elaine Johnson, executive director of Housing Santa Cruz County, speaks at a Jan. 16 event for a campaign to fund affordable housing. (Jesse Kathan — Santa Cruz Local)
SANTA CRUZ >> A signature-gathering effort kicked off Thursday to put a …

In Hollister, a nonprofit newsroom keeps local residents apprised of momentous changes.

The Pajaro Valley Unified School District Board of Trustees will appoint a new member to replace outgoing Trustee Kim De Serpa, rather than hold a costly special election.

With the recent election results now clear, the Encompass Community Services Board of Trustees has announced that its CEO, Monica Martinez, will be transitioning from her role at Encompass as she steps into her new position as Santa Cruz County …