Local Politics · Santa Cruz, CA
Santa Cruz mayoral candidates Ryan Coonerty and Ami Chen Mills are actively campaigning ahead of the November midterm elections, engaging voters in small groups across the city. The race features contrasting backgrounds, with Coonerty leveraging his experience as a former mayor and county supervisor, while Chen Mills positions herself as a progressive challenger focused on issues like income disparity and corporate influence. Both candidates have addressed local concerns regarding development density and Silicon Valley's impact on the community. Voters are encouraged to review candidate platforms before casting ballots in the upcoming election.
Community News · Santa Cruz County
The new Sí Se Puede Behavioral Health Center in Watsonville is now open after more than a decade of planning, tripling residential treatment capacity from 10 to 30 beds and adding withdrawal management (detox) services for South Santa Cruz County residents. The center continues its 30-year tradition of culturally responsive, bilingual care for substance use disorder and mental health treatment. Separately, Cabrillo College is relaunching its child care reimbursement program for student parents after receiving state Student Support Block Grant funding; students must submit a reimbursement form with proof of payment to apply. The issue also highlights Santa Cruz Restaurant Week dining offerings and the city's competitive mayoral race between Ami Chen Mills and Ryan Coonerty.
Public Safety · Santa Cruz County
A wildfire named the Pine Fire was reported at 1:46 p.m. on October 21, 2026, in Santa Cruz County, California. The fire is burning on private land, with no current data available regarding containment status. Authorities have not yet determined the cause of the blaze.
