News & Announcements

• Department of Housing and Community Development awards $1 million in HOME Investment Partnerships Program grants to assist first-time homebuyers and low-income renters.
• "Lost Childhoods," an exhibit exploring the lives of local foster youths created in consultation with the Human Services Department, open through December at the Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History.
• The 2017 Santa Cruz County Homeless Census & Survey is now available here. The count of sheltered and unsheltered homeless individuals was conducted on January 23, 2017, and shows 1 in 120 county residents are homeless.
• Santa Cruz County has approved the 2017-18 Budget, which is available here. For supplemental recommendations, click here. View an interactive budget tool at sccbudget.com.
• The County of Santa Cruz is inviting interested parties to respond to a Request for Qualifications for a 3.7-acre mixed-use commercial development opportunity in Live Oak near 17th Avenue and Capitola Road. Responses due Aug. 4. view PDF
• After more than 30 years, Santa Cruz County, in partnership with the city of Santa Cruz, has improved the process for funding local community programs. To learn more and see a list of recommendations, click here.
• The U.S. Small Business Administration Disaster Loan Outreach Center is closed, and the deadline to apply was May 19. For further information, call SBA Disaster Assistance Customer Service at (800) 659-2955.
• The County has released a technical report for reuse of the Davenport Cemex site for public review, which includes current environmental, historic and infrastructure conditions. Visit our Cemex page to download a copy.
• The Twin Lakes Beachfront Improvement Project reached an important milestone May 2 when the realigned East Cliff Drive was repaved between 5th and 7th streets. Follow progress on our information blog
• The Santa Cruz County Parks Department is creating a strategic plan to help guide the next decade of county parks, programs and facilities. Click here for more information.
• The spring 2017 version of "County Currents," Santa Cruz County's quarterly newsletter, is out. Click here to read it.
• Every year, the County honors employees who have gone above and beyond the call of duty to serve the residents of Santa Cruz County. This year’s honorees recognize advancements in community-based policing, our 2016 presidential election team and work securing Davenport’s water future. Employee Recognition Awards 2016
• The County is in the beginning stages of an environmental review of a proposed cannabis cultivation ordinance, and wants your feedback. Visit sccoplanning.com to learn more and make your voice heard!
• Accessory Dwelling Units can help solve the County’s housing crisis. The County has set up a confidential survey for owners and builders to give us candid feedback and help set up a program encouraging ADUs. Responses are due by March 14.
• With more than 180 damage incidents and $80 million in needed repairs to local roads, the Department of Public Works has created an interactive map of storm damage throughout Santa Cruz County. Click here to view (use desktop computer).
• Due to an unstable road bed, Soquel-San Jose Road is closed indefinitely between Amaya Ridge Road and Olsen Road. No motorists should use the roadway. For more information on local road closures, go to http://www.sccroadclosure.org/.
• Supervisor John Leopold has been unanimously elected to lead the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors in 2017. Leopold succeeds Supervisor Bruce McPherson, who served in 2016.
• The 2010 closure of the Davenport Cement Plant impacted the Davenport community and the local economy.
  Click here to learn more about future plans for the site.
• The Monterey Peninsula Foundation recently donated $250,000 toward LEO’s Haven, an inclusive playground at Chanticleer Park. The County will match community donations up to the same amount. Go here for more info.
• For 27 years of leadership and excellence, County Administrative Officer Susan Mauriello was recently given the Distinguished Service Award by the County Administrative Officers Association of California. Click here for more.
• The County’s Human Services Department serves one out of every three Santa Cruz County residents. Watch a video of their annual report in English and Spanish.
• The latest edition of County Currents, the County’s newsletter, is out. Click here for the fall edition.
• The County is pleased to announce $3.1 million in grants from the Central California Alliance for Health to expand access to quality medical care for Medi-Cal patients. Click here to read more.
• The Board of Supervisors has expanded their sustainability efforts by adopting heightened standards for biodegradable and compostable materials, effective January 1. Click here to read more.
• 2015 Crop Report for Santa Cruz County shows increased production values, led by berries. Click here for the full report.
• For a limited time, the County is accepting registrations for cannabis cultivation sites in the unincorporated area. Go to santacruzcounty.us/cannabislicensingoffice for more information.
• The County of Santa Cruz is pleased to announce it has placed 8th in a national competition for digital-friendly counties held by the Center for Digital Government and the National Association of Counties. Click here for more info.
• Following a week of public hearings, on June 28 the County Board of Supervisors unanimously adopted the 2016-17 Budget, supporting critical functions such as public safety and safety net services while demonstrating sound fiscal policy. For more on the Budget, click here.
• On Aug. 28, bring the family and the family dog to Simpkins Family Swim Center for food, craft beer and wine, music, activities and a dog-gone good time at the 2nd annual Parks & Rex “Pool Party” FUNdraiser! Proceeds benefit local children and shelter animals. For tickets and more information, click here: https://www.facebook.com/events/1137043093018659.
• The County of Santa Cruz is collaborating with the City of Salinas and others in seeking a consultant to help prepare a study of and action plan for farmworker housing in the Salinas Valley and Pajaro Valley. Click here for info on the request for proposals.
• On June 29, the County Board of Supervisors voted to place a ½-cent sales tax on the November ballot to support local road and highway improvements, the Sanctuary Scenic Trail, Metro bus service, wildlife crossings and more. For more information on the proposal, visit the Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission.
• On June 12, County parks officials and others, including the Potts family, gathered at Simpkins Family Swim Center to unveil the plans and fundraising effort for the inclusive playground LEO’s Haven at Chanticleer Avenue Park. To learn more or make a donation, go to santacruzplaygroundproject.
• On June 14, the Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to pursue a framework agreement with PG&E on the proposed removal of 300 trees meant to address pipeline safety. Click here to read more about the proposal.
• Good news! The County’s Health Services Agency has secured more than $3 million in health care grants to support a range of services for Santa Cruz County residents. Click here to read more..
• On Tuesday, May 10, the Santa Cruz County Board took historic steps to begin the process of licensing medical cannabis suppliers within County jurisdiction.Click here for more info.
• Santa Cruz County’s 2016-17 Proposed Budget has been released, and will be considered by the Board of Supervisors during budget hearings scheduled for June 20-28. Click here for a copy.
• On Wednesday, April 27, the County of Santa Cruz and its partners celebrated the groundbreaking of a 700-square-foot restroom and concessions building at Polo Grounds County Park. The long-sought project fulfills the original vision of Polo Grounds, one of the County’s most heavily used and multi-faceted parks. Event Info.
• Registration for 2016-2017 activities is now open through the Santa Cruz County Department of Parks, Open Space and Cultural Services. Go to www.scparks.com .
• May 1-7 is Wildfire Preparedness Week. Always maintain defensible space around your property and make sure your family is prepared for emergencies. For more information, visit the County’s Office of Emergency Services.
• In partnership with the Sempervirens Fund, the County of Santa Cruz has begun the process of recruiting a consultant to work in conjunction with the partners, the community and ownership on a reuse plan for the decommissioned Davenport cement plant. The County expects to have the consultant in place in June. Press Release.
• On Tuesday, April 5, the County opened the last module at Buena Vista Landfill, signaling the beginning of the end for local solid waste operations as we move toward a “Zero Waste” future. Visit our Facebook for more info.
• Electronic parking kiosks are now available for visitors to the main County Governmental Building and County Courthouse. Up to two hours are still free, and click here for instructions if you plan to stay longer.
• Our Spring 2016 County Newsletter is out, with information on March storms, a new youth center, Employee Recognition Awards and more. Click here to get a copy.
• With a generous grant from the Sempervirens Fund, the County is spearheading a $425,000 study on the reuse of the Davenport cement plant, including a possible visitors center. Click here for more information.
• On Feb. 9, the County Board of Supervisors unanimously passed the Housing Element, a state-required plan to address the housing needs of the community and help address the housing crisis. Click here for a press release or go to sccoplanning.com/ for more information.
• Our winter newsletter is available here. Happy New Year!
• Get ready for winter with our handy El Niño guide. Learn how to prepare your family and your property at www.santacruzcounty.us/elnino.
• 2015-2016 Santa Cruz County Adopted Budget
• Four Convenient Ways To Pay Your Property Taxes
• 10/21/2015 - County hires Kenneth “Andy” Constable as Economic Development Manager.
• Our newsletter is out! Click here for the fall edition.
• The Justice Department awarded $1 million to fund Project Thrive, a new county partnership with the Youth Violence Prevention Task Force that will deploy outreach workers to help break the cycle of youth violence. Click here for more information.
• Attention Santa Cruz County residents! Head out to one of your amazing Santa Cruz County Parks and snap a photo - send it in for a chance to win!
  click SC Parks Photo Contest for details:  
• 07/20/15 - The County's draft is available for public review and comment. For information contact Sarah Neuse of the Planning Department: Housing Element 2016-2023 .
• West Nile virus has been detected in mosquito and bird samples collected on the West Side of Santa Cruz. Please help minimize the spread of the disease by making sure your property is free of standing water using this helpful checklist. For more, go to www.santacruzcounty.us/mvc.html.