Community Pulse
What residents are talking about in Santa Cruz public meetings, ranked by community engagement.
32 topics in development
Metro center and downtown development
Multifamily design guidelines
Oral communications / military frequency weapons and development
Housing and Health Concerns
TDM ordinance / school district housing
In-person council meetings / affordability
Seabright Plaza development / healthcare capacity
Seabright Plaza development
Overdevelopment and EV Charging / Permit Parking
Development moratorium / meeting times
Housing affordability
Overdevelopment near universities
Farewell remarks / state housing law
405-417 Pacific Avenue project
Downtown development
900 High Street
Multifamily housing design guidelines
220 National Street Demolition and New Large Home
Prohousing application
District elections and downtown development
201 Front Street project
Local Preference Policy (Ordinance 2026-11)
Downtown Plan Expansion
Demolition permits and sewer laterals
Local preference policy
HUD Annual Action Plan
Consent agenda transparency and local preference policy
407-415 Pacific Avenue demolition
Development pace and Moss Landing fire
Historic Seabright
Measure C / Affordable Housing Trust Fund
Running for City Council
In the News
12 articlesRecent coverage of Santa Cruz from local and regional media.
29 new businesses have opened in downtown Santa Cruz since 2025. Here’s why.
29 new businesses have opened in downtown Santa Cruz since 2025. Here’s why.
Casey Clark, Ed Acosta hold slight leads in preliminary Watsonville City Council results
With the first round of results posted at approximately 8:15 p.m., incumbent City Councilmember Casey Clark and newcomer Ed Acosta held slight edges over their opponents in the two contested Watsonville City Council elections.
Nov 4, 2026Santa Cruz County News Briefs: November 4, 2026 | Good Times
Moss Landing Shootings Multiple people were killed and others injured in a shooting early Monday morning along Jetty Road in Moss Landing, the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office said.According to Sheriff’s Office...
Nov 4, 2026Santa Cruz County sales tax increase Measure E leads in early results
SANTA CRUZ — Early tabulation numbers showed Santa Cruz County sales tax increase Measure E appeared to be on track to reach the simple majority threshold required to pass in Tuesday’s election. The measure led...
Nov 4, 2026Letters to the Editor | Oct. 31, 2026
Editor’s note: Additional election-related Letters to the Editor can be read at santacruzsentinel.com/opinion/letters-to-the-editor. For the Editorial Board’s election recommendations go to santacruzsentinel.co...
Nov 1, 2026Guest Commentary | Measure E will help systems of public healthcare and recovery
“As leaders who care deeply about the health and well-being of Santa Cruz County, we proudly support Measure E, a temporary half-cent local sales tax measure designed to protect Santa Cruz County’s healthcare,” write Janus r…
Nov 1, 2026Controversy stirred over candidate TJ Welch’s letter to 2022 Capitola City Council
Over the past month, county-wide controversy has been stirred up over a 2022 letter written by Capitola City Council candidate TJ Welch, which ommunity members have called out as being anti-LGBTQ+.
Nov 1, 2026Guest Commentary | More on PVUSD, Watsonville council, Measure E votes
By Jane Barr Politics can be very curious. Both the Santa Cruz County Democratic Party and the Republican Party endorsed Ed Acosta for the Watsonville City Council. Per a Public Records Act request, Santa Cruz ...
Oct 31, 2026How Prop. 45 could reshape California’s fight over data centers
California voters considering Proposition 45 will decide the fate of a sweeping infrastructure measure that opponents warn could render the state’s brand-new data center laws virtually toothless.
Oct 31, 2026PVUSD school closures: What families need to know about the district’s plans
Pajaro Valley Unified School District’s school closure advisory committee is expected to present recommendations in December, but members say they need more time. The district has yet to clarify when the governing board will vote or how much money school closures could save.
Oct 30, 2026Guest Commentary | No on 45: State has already streamlined CEQA
By Sarah Newkirk, Chris Wilmers and Noelle Chambers In 2025, California confronted a real problem: the need to build more housing and infrastructure, faster. The Legislature responded with significant reforms t...
Oct 30, 2026Construction begins on roadway improvements near Pajaro Valley High School
The city of Watsonville has begun construction on an $11.7 million project to widen the Harkins Slough overpass to add bike lanes, a concrete barrier to separate pedestrians and cyclists from vehicular traffic and a wider sidewalk overall.
Oct 30, 2026