County of Santa Cruz Commentary Government Local News 

Why are So Many Frustrated with Local Government?

By Jayme Ackemann Stay with me. I promise to end this on a hopeful note. You probably overheard similar sentiments at holiday parties and family gatherings this past year – people groaning at any mention of Congress or scoffing at the ineptitude of local policy makers. Apathy is an adversary that we will need to expel in 2022 – there… Read More
PGE Wood Haul Program County of Santa Cruz Fire Recovery Local News 

PG&E Wood Haul Program 1/12 Meeting and 1/31 Deadline

PG&E will begin implementing their Wood Haul Program with an informational meeting on Wednesday, January 12. The program is PG&E’s solution to a PUC complaint in response to CZU fire victim outrage at the utility’s post-fire tree removal operations. The program is opt-in and application must be made by the property owner by January 31, 2022. Details on the program… Read More
County of Santa Cruz governmental building Government Local News 

County Urges Those with Mild COVID and Non-Serious Illness to Avoid Emergency Rooms

In light of a current 121% surge in coronavirus cases in Santa Cruz County, public health officials are requesting that residents with mild cases of COVID and non-serious seasonal illnesses avoid overburdening local hospital emergency rooms. A statement released on January 5 states, “Most individuals who contract COVID-19 do not need to visit the hospital’s emergency department and can effectively… Read More
winter chard Column: Josh Reilly Columns Farms Gardening 

While the Winter Garden Naps: Growing Community with the Homeless Garden Project

By Josh Reilly I know, I know. Last month I chided you for thinking you could spend the Winter curled up on the couch with a glass of wine and a stack of garden catalogs, planning your Spring garden. Now, here we are, several days into a glorious extended rainstorm and, well, there is little else to do. Too wet… Read More
Events 

2/5 Saving Imperiled Amphibians: A Community Science Story

Freshwater is a precious resource for humans and wildlife in drought-prone California. This is especially true for those species that depend on freshwater habitats. Come learn about the salamanders and frogs that live around us, and why these habitats are so important to them! Conservation scientists are using environmental DNA to better understand the distribution of our local amphibians, including… Read More