Santa Cruz County

Openings, closings, alerts and local government updates across Santa Cruz County, California.

Latest stories

News · California

U.S. job postings rose sharply in September

Around town

A sharp September increase in U.S. job postings may give people seeking work more openings to consider.

Santa Cruz County California DeskNov 6, 2026

News · California

Zuniga moves ahead; Acosta keeps lead in Watsonville races

Local government

Angel Zuniga has moved ahead in one Watsonville City Council race, while Ed Acosta continues to lead another.

Santa Cruz County California DeskNov 5, 2026

News · California

How to check whether your 2026 ballot was counted

Around town

Voters need to check the official election record for their jurisdiction and follow its instructions if a ballot-status problem appears.

Santa Cruz County California DeskOct 28, 2026

News · California

SMU defeats Cal after second-half collapse

Around town

Cal’s upset bid against No. 23 SMU fell apart after halftime as the Mustangs took control of the game.

Santa Cruz County California DeskOct 27, 2026

News · California

Measure N appears on Santa Cruz Mountains ballots

Schools

Measure N is presented as a ballot measure supporting the Los Gatos-Saratoga Union High School District.

Santa Cruz County California DeskOct 26, 2026

News · California

San Jose State seeks end to 23-year road skid with freshman QB

Around town

San Jose State is trying to end a 23-year road losing streak while playing with a freshman quarterback.

Santa Cruz County California DeskOct 24, 2026

News · California

Pac-12 midseason awards span players, coaches and key games

Around town

The midseason review covers standout players and a coach, along with notable seats, setbacks, games and wins.

Santa Cruz County California DeskOct 20, 2026

News · California

Hollister lays off city staff, including police employees

Police, fire and courts

Hollister has laid off city employees, including police staff, as the city faces a financial crisis.

Santa Cruz County California DeskOct 17, 2026

News · California

Pac-12’s uncertain future leaves Oregon State and Washington State apart

Around town

Oregon State’s rise and Washington State’s fall reflect the uncertainty facing the Pac-12 in college football’s changing landscape.

Santa Cruz County California DeskOct 17, 2026

News · California

Cal’s Exhibition Plan Includes Blowout Loss to UCLA

Around town

Cal used exhibition play as part of its preparation, including a blowout loss to defending champion UCLA.

Santa Cruz County California DeskOct 16, 2026

News · California

Santa Cruz students gain, remain below state and pre-pandemic levels

Schools

Santa Cruz County students improved modestly in math and reading, but their results remain below state averages and levels recorded before the pandemic.

Santa Cruz County California DeskOct 16, 2026

News · California

Sentinel reporter wins Golden Quill Award for PVUSD coverage

Schools

A Santa Cruz Sentinel reporter received the California School Board Association’s Golden Quill Award for coverage of PVUSD.

Santa Cruz County California DeskOct 12, 2026

News · California

Santa Cruz Housing Growth Outpaces the Rest of the County

Housing and development

Housing development is advancing faster in the city of Santa Cruz than elsewhere in the county, but the reasons for the gap remain unclear.

Santa Cruz County California DeskOct 12, 2026

News · California

Trump says he will not stifle artificial intelligence

Around town

Donald Trump has pledged not to restrict artificial intelligence while industry executives have called for caution.

Santa Cruz County California DeskOct 1, 2026

News · California

Newsom signs two laws on California public defense

Around town

Gov. Gavin Newsom signed two laws intended to address weaknesses in California’s public defense system.

Santa Cruz County California DeskSep 30, 2026

News · California

Arts summit, Verve contract and Lookout List voting

Around town

A local arts economic summit, a tentative agreement for Verve workers and voting for the Lookout List are on this week’s business agenda.

Santa Cruz County California DeskSep 23, 2026