News & Announcements

• 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.