Bill to Reduce Cell Phone Robberies Step Closer to Becoming Law in California

The 'Cell Phone Kill Switch Bill' is meant to keep help keep smartphone owners from being mugged or robbed for their phones.

Paid Mug Shot Removal Targeted in Legislation

Some websites publish mug shots and then charge up to $1,000 to remove them. The bill's author calls that "extortion."

Annual Period to Appeal Property Tax Bill is Underway

Taxpayers wishing to appeal the assessed value of their property can do so by filing an Application for Changed Assessment in their county.

Should Your State Legalize Pot?

With the economical benefits of legalized marijuana working for Colorado, is your state the next in line?

California Non-Profit Hopes to Combat Government Dysfunction

PleaseGovern.org is a new organization that's using technology to mobilize voters.

'Whistleblower' Claims Spare-the-Air Days are Rigged

The man says he is a former employee of the Bay Area Air Quality Management District, the agency that calls the Spare-the-Air Alerts.

Angelcare Recalls Baby Monitor After 2 Deaths

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said Thursday Angelcare Movement and Sound Monitors with Sensor Pads have been recalled after two deaths by cord strangulation.

What Child Care Costs Mean for You and Your Family

Three Ways the Shutdown Hurt the Economy

A recent report from Washington lays out damage done by last month’s government shutdown.

FAA Allows Most Electronic Devices Throughout Flights

Dogs Dying From Jerky Treats, FDA Wants to Know Why

County Offers Free Flu Shots For Adults

There will be two opportunities to get a flu shot: one in Capitola and one in Watsonville.

Former Watsonville City Councilman Responds to City Staff

Emilio Martinez has some thoughts for Watsonville Economic Development Director Kurt Overmeyer changes downtown.

Gun Bills Approved, Vetoed by Governor

Eleven pieces of legislation include measures that require gun owners to keep their weapons safely locked away when sharing home with someone prohibited from owning gun due to criminal record or mental conditions.

Which Side Do You Think Should Surrender in the Budget Standoff?

Take this poll.

Covered California Call Center Helps Thousands

People are shopping for and enrolling in health insurance.

Passage of Trust Act Hailed as Step Toward Limiting ICE Deportations

Assembly Bill 1081, dubbed the 'Trust Act,' will limit deportations of illegal immigrants across the state.

New $100 Bill Released Tuesday

While we can't remember the last time we saw one of these (who uses cash anyway?) it's always fun to check out new bills.

Health Alert Issued For Foster Farms Chicken Products

The U.S. Department of Agriculture on Monday issued a public health alert after raw chicken products produced by three facilities of privately owned Foster Farms in California sickened hundreds of people.

Should Furloughed Federal Workers Get Back Pay When the Shutdown Ends?

A bill guaranteeing retroactive payment for 800,000 workers is finding bipartisan support in an otherwise fractious Congress.

Pajaro River Watershed Wins $7.6M Grant

More water storage will be built for Watsonville and Pajaro.

Live From the Capitol: CA Reps Tweet The Lockdown

Northern California's elected representatives took to Twitter to tell family, friends and constituents they were safe and to thank Capitol police.

New Law: Undocumented Immigrants Can Apply for Driver's License

Gov. Jerry Brown signed the bill, authored by local Rep. Luis Alejo, into law Thursday.

'Revenge Porn' Now Illegal in California

Publishing nude photos with the "intent to cause serious emotional distress" violates a "revenge porn" law signed Tuesday by Governor Jerry Brown and may result in up to six months in jail and/or $1,000 fine.

Santa Cruz Politicians and Health Workers Come out to Support 'Obamacare'

The start of the Affordable Care Act was celebrated Tuesday at the Santa Cruz County Courthouse

Got Health Insurance? If Not, Enroll in State's New Care Plan or Face a Fine

Covered California is one of the state-run health care marketplaces being set up around the U.S. as mandated by the act, passed by Congress in 2010.

Federal Government Shuts Down: What's Open? What's Closed?

There were more than 1,000 federal employees in Santa Cruz County last year.

Obamacare Call Centers Prepare to Answer Your Health Care Questions

To find out about your eligibility and coverage options or enroll in Obamacare, visit www.coveredca.com or call 888-975-1142.

Poll: Have You Changed Your Mind About Legalizing Marijuana?

A new initiative effort needs 504,760 signatures to get on the ballot.

Bay Area Chefs Say Fracking Damages Food Industry

Almost 100 chefs asked Gov. Jerry Brown to put a stop to the practice.

Highway Named After Ohlone People

Move Over Drivers: New Law Requires 3-Foot Passing Zone Around Bicyclists

Assembly Bill 1371 mandates that drivers maintain a three-foot buffer zone when passing bicyclists.

Sheriff to Speak on Immigration Reform

The event is Monday at Live Oak Elementary School in Santa Cruz.

Poll: Should Hunters Be Banned From Using Lead Bullets?

Gov. Jerry Brown may sign a bill aimed at preventing lead poisoning caused by buckshot.

Fewer People Seek Work in Santa Cruz County in August

The county's overall unemployment rate fell last month, but so did the number of people in the labor force.

County's Alternate Sentencing Option Praised

The Custody Alternatives Program recently won an award from the California State Association of Counties.

Watsonville Native, Pumpkin Farmer Joins County Supervisor Race

Jimmy Dutra will vie for the 4th District seat.

Capitol Dispatch: Laws for Undocumented Immigrants, the $600,000 Eyeball and More

Rep. Luis Alejo's (D-Watsovnille) bill to give immigrants a so-called "driver’s privilege card" may be signed by the governor.

Local Congressman Authors Law to Quash Online Puppy Mills

The feds are cracking down on breeders who sell dogs on the Internet, sight unseen.

Capitol Dispatch: Same-Sex Prison Marriages, Secession and More

Here's an update on the most interesting news from Sacramento.