Local Politics · Santa Cruz County
On Nov. 3, Santa Cruz County voters will decide whether to prohibit new onshore facilities supporting offshore oil, gas, and seabed mining operations unless approved by a popular vote. Measure D updates the county's 1986 Measure A law, adding a seabed mining provision that would require voter consent for zoning and land-use changes needed to construct pipelines, processing plants, storage yards, or waste disposal sites associated with seabed extraction. The measure exempts existing facilities, power plants, and gas stations from new regulations and requires only a simple majority to pass. No organized local opposition has been filed against the measure on the ballot, and local election officials expect strong turnout.
Public Safety · Santa Cruz County
A wildfire named Buckhorn Fire was first discovered at 10:18 p.m. on Oct. 20, burning on private land in Santa Cruz County, California. Containment status and the cause of the fire were both undetermined as of publication. The report is sourced from the National Interagency Fire Center.
Social Events · Santa Cruz County
The 18th annual Santa Cruz Restaurant Week is underway through October 28, featuring fixed-price three-course meals at 26 participating restaurants across Santa Cruz County. Diners can choose from menus priced at $45, $55, or $65, with options including appetizers, entrees, and desserts. Participating establishments range from long-standing local favorites to new entries like Bittersweet Bistro and Makai Island Kitchen.
Community brief · Santa Cruz, CA
The Círculo de poetas & Writers Anthology will hold its second launch on Tuesday, October 27, at 7 p.m. at Satori Arts in Santa Cruz. The anthology features works by five poet laureates, including Marie Boucher and Victoria Bañales, alongside other regional writers. Attendees can hear readings from poets included in the book during this event.
