Local News

Santa Cruz County expands language services ahead of the June 2 primary election. And, a bill moving through the California legislature aims to ensure new education programs—like transitional kindergarten—deliver on their promises.

The Santa Lucia Conservancy works to train up a local workforce focused on reducing wildfire risk on the Central Coast. And, primary election candidates in Santa Cruz County discuss their plans for housing.

The farm bill cleared the House of Representatives with little Democratic support, the Marina Coast Water District reactivates a desalination plant, how climate change affects California's native trees, and more in this week's local news roundup.

Central Coast Democratic Congressman Jimmy Panetta explains why he voted against the farm bill on Thursday. And, a state bill would offer safeguards for immigrant professors at California community colleges.

A U.S. Department of Agriculture judge ruled that the agency erred when it terminated a Cal State Monterey Bay grant last year. And, a preview of May Day events on the Central Coast.

The San Benito County Board of Supervisors extends a moratorium on battery energy storage systems. And, advocates fear federal policy will hurt undocumented people with California driver’s licenses.

The Marina Coast Water District is reviving an old desalination plant to boost water supply. And, the International Olympic Committee is reintroducing a mandatory genetic test for athletes competing in women's sports at the 2028 LA Games.

New UC Santa Cruz research shows climate change puts many California native tree species at risk. Plus, a state bill could help seniors and people with disabilities harden their properties against wildfire.

Poets and poetry lovers gathered in downtown Monterey over the weekend for the Monterey Poetry Festival. And, athletes braved the weather for the Big Sur Marathon on Sunday.

In this week's episode: environmental activist julia butterfly hill comes to Santa Cruz on Sunday, libraries across Monterey Bay celebrate National Library Week, the City of Marina rings in two decades of Earth Day festivities.