KAZU - Listen Local Podcast

In today's newscast, both lanes of the Santa Cruz harbor bridge are closed from now until February 2026. And, Central Coast Congressmember Jimmy Panetta has introduced a bill to preserve language learning in the military.

Local advocates are denouncing proposed healthcare cuts in the California state budget that include freezing Medi-Cal enrollment for those without legal status.

In today's newscast, KAZU's former News Director shares excerpts of her new podcast, Senseless, which deals with gun violence and the pain of losing her father to a mass shooting. Plus, California Sen. Alex Padilla and Rep. Jimmy Panetta have condemned President Donald Trump's decision to bomb Iran without first seeking congressional approval.

In today's newscast, California lawmakers introduced a bill that would ban law enforcement face coverings and the City of Santa Cruz looks for ways to spur economic development. Plus, Santa Cruz has lost a long-time public servant and activist.

The manager of a Pacific Grove Restaurant remains in Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody in Texas, and local county leaders hold a press conference in solidarity with and support of immigrants.

A local fire official urges Monterey Bay communities to become more fire-safe as the season takes off this summer. And, California's biggest source of state homelessness funding faces cuts.

In today's newscast, Monterey County libraries have kicked off their summer reading program. And, in light of increasing numbers of Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids, local attorneys are offering advice and resources to residents who are worried about their safety.

Santa Cruz city council moves to ban the sale of tobacco products with plastic filters and state budget cuts could end a popular library program.

Federal dollars that help small growers experiment with climate-smart agricultural practices are drying up. One Aromas farmer has seen the benefits and wants to find ways to keep her land nourished despite precarious funding.

People in Monterey protested on Wednesday evening against the deployment of military forces in Los Angeles. Plus, the Monterey Bay Fisheries Trust launches the third annual effort to get fresh local fish to food banks.

Monterey County recognizes the 50th anniversary of a landmark farmworker rights legal case that banned the use of a harmful farming tool. And, immigration courts in San Francisco and Concord close early as Immigration and Customs Enforcement activities ramp up.

In today's newscast, the Santa Cruz Civil Grand Jury has released its report on the county's climate adaptation and mitigation progress. And, nine forest resilience projects will soon get underway in Santa Cruz County. The Resource Conservation District has received a $7 million grant from Cal Fire to better prepare the region's forests for a changing fire landscape.

In today's newscast, volunteers repainted the "Black Lives Matter" mural in downtown Santa Cruz. And, a state bill to limit workplace surveillance is one step closer to becoming law.

Extreme rowing teams embarked out of the Monterey Harbor for the third year in a row this morning. One of the rowers is making history.

People rallied outside the office of California State Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas in opposition to Gov. Gavin Newsom's proposed Medi-Cal cuts. And, residents spoke up about the Monterey City Council approving a rainbow crosswalk downtown.

The Salinas City Council repealed four ordinances related to tenants' rights that went into effect in January. And, a lawyer wants to move a lawsuit against PG&E, Vistra Energy and construction and chemical companies over the Moss Landing fire back to state court from the federal court.

Pacific Gas and Electric is delaying the reopening of its Moss Landing battery energy storage plant. And, white South Africans are coming to the United States as refugees claiming racial persecution. A local expert explains why that doesn't add up.

The percentage of homeless students in Monterey County is the highest in California. And, the county says it has corrected its online dashboard of test results following the Vistra fire.

In today's newscast, Sunday marked the 50th anniversary of Pride in the City of Santa Cruz. For many, it's a protest as much as a celebration.

Since the Trump administration cancelled thousands of international students' visas, Cal State Monterey Bay staff and students have worried about what could happen to them.

UC Santa Cruz Institute of the Arts and Sciences opens its "Weather and the Whale" exhibit. And, after noticing fewer Canadians coming to town, See Monterey seeks visitors from Asia, the United Kingdom and other parts of the world.

The City of Santa Cruz is getting $30 million for a new behavioral health treatment center. And, the National Weather Service warns that June could bring above average fire danger to California.

In today's newscast, as federal funding opportunities slip away for small-scale farmers, local conservation districts are trying to find money elsewhere—primarily, from the State of California. And, it's Pride Week in the City of Santa Cruz.

In today's newscast, the Santa Cruz City Council begins work on a $532 million budget, in the face of massive funding cuts from the Trump administration. Plus, bots are applying to community colleges in California—and getting in, allowing scammers to collect millions in student aid.

Agriculture is a nearly $60 billion industry in the state, but many local farmworkers rely on food donations to feed their families.

In today's newscast, Watsonville gets new affordable housing units, and Gov. Gavin Newsom's budget proposal could put foster family services in danger.

A new dashboard combines data about the Moss Landing Vistra fire from multiple agencies into one interactive map. And, San Benito County explores new affordable housing options.

In today's newscast, a special report on climate research at Monterey's Naval Postgraduate School.

In today's newscast, federal funds to support broadband services continue to dwindle. And, an update on an attack at a fertility clinic in Southern California.

In today's newscast, the Salinas Union High School District will use a $15 million state grant to expand community schools programs such as literacy classes, trainings for parents or whatever individual schools decide would serve families. And, the Sempervirens Fund celebrates 125 years of protecting redwood forests.

A Monterey County Health Department spokesperson says Governor Newsom's proposal to freeze Medi-Cal benefits for undocumented immigrants would hurt 43,000 residents. And, the Salinas city council moves to repeal four new tenant protection and rent stabilization laws that took effect in January, after backlash from developers and landlords.

In today's newscast, California's senior Senator, Alex Padilla, D-CA, has reintroduced a bill to invest in housing solutions. And, several Monterey Bay area groups and local governments are receiving grants in the first round of a behavioral health infrastructure program funded by last year's Proposition 1.

In today's newscast, a Monterey supervisor says weak California laws allow PG&E to propose a June 1 reopening despite not submitting a new fire emergency plan. And, a middle schooler in Santa Cruz has organized this evening's We Will Not Be Erased march.

In today's newscast, multiple meetings about sections of the Coastal Rail Trail aiming to connect residents throughout Santa Cruz County are happening in Watsonville. And, California voters passed two laws to expand certain health insurance coverage plans to include in vitro fertilization and hearing aids for children. Now, the state needs approval from the federal government to make that happen.

In today's newscast, an immigration lawyer who helped a Santa Cruz woman return home after being detained cautions others about travel. And, Monterey County is conducting new environmental tests nearly four months after the fire at a Moss Landing battery storage plant.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement just released a green card holder who has lived in Santa Cruz for decades from a Washington state detention center. And, three parks in the Monterey Bay area are on the California State Parks Foundation's first "best of" list.

In today's newscast, a new bill would make some state homelessness funding available to places with sober living requirements. Plus, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has cancelled two programs that helped schools and food banks buy local produce.

In today's newscast, county supervisors across the Monterey Bay area raise awareness of the prevalence of mental health struggles. And in Santa Cruz, officials urge greater caution near the ocean after a swimmer went missing Sunday night.

In today's newscast, the Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History kicks off a celebration of Black pioneer London Nelson's legacy. Plus, tree work in Monterey this week will close some off ramps on Highway 1.

In today's newscast, a researcher from Cal State Monterey Bay scrambles after a U.S. Department of Agriculture grant she was awarded was cancelled. And, two unions went on strike at UC Santa Cruz yesterday after the UC declared a system-wide hiring freeze.

Singer-songwriter Taylor Rae returns home to Santa Cruz for an album release concert.

In today's newscast, a University of California union group is observing May Day by organizing strikes across UC campuses, laboratories, and medical centers. And, Santa Cruz County supervisors face potential budget cuts to the health care services agency after peeking at the proposed budget for the next fiscal year.

In today's newscast, the Middlebury Institute of International Studies will disband its office of Institutional Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion. And, Lake San Antonio will be partially closed starting Thursday for a festival and triathlon.

In today's newscast, speed limits could come down on some rural state highways if a state bill passes. Plus, Santa Cruz County could lose more than 70 positions from its health services agency. Supervisors will hear budget proposals in their meeting today.

In today's newscast, Monterey County has opened a second round of beautification grants for business owners in Pajaro. And, energy reform advocates are pushing the legislature to act on bills they say would help Californians keep the lights on.

In today's newscast, the California Supreme Court will consider potential adjustments to February state bar exam results. And, a Monterey-based local business feels ripple effects from President Trump's tariff policies.

The owner of Monterey coffee shop and roasting company Captain + Stoker discusses the challenges of navigating unpredictable tariffs.

In today's newscast, Monterey County supervisors and members of the public are frustrated at the slow pace of cleanup from the January battery plant fire in Moss Landing. And starting this week, Californians can buy the drug Naloxone at a discount on a state-run website.

The Pure Water Soquel project will divert a quarter of the water coming out of the Santa Cruz Wastewater treatment plant to an advanced water purification facility. From there, injection wells will pump treated water back into the ground.

In today's newscast, a local chaplain highlights the legacy of Pope Francis. Plus, California engages in more international trade than most states, leaving it especially vulnerable to the effects of tariffs.

Back under public ownership, Watsonville Community Hospital is ready to design its expanded emergency room. And, the Capitola City Council has rejected a proposal to build part of the Coastal Rail Trail on Park Avenue near the Capitola Trestle.