About Felton — In Depth
Jail & Inmate Records
The primary detention facility serving the county is the Santa Cruz County Main Jail, located in the city of Santa Cruz. The booking process involves photographing, fingerprinting, and recording personal information of each arrestee. Families and attorneys can access inmate information through Santa Cruz County's online inmate locator tool. Visitation requires scheduling appointments in advance and following specific guidelines regarding dress code and conduct. In California, the bond or bail process allows for release pending trial, provided the court-set bail amount is posted.
Local specifics: Inmate lookups for individuals arrested in or near Felton can be conducted at www.santacruzcountyca.gov.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Santa Cruz County are maintained by the Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office. These records contain information about the arrest itself, charges filed, and booking details. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records through the Sheriff's Office by submitting a formal request, often requiring identification and a fee. The records typically include the individual's name, date of arrest, charges, and booking number. Access is governed by the California Public Records Act, which balances transparency with certain privacy protections.
Criminal Records
Santa Cruz County's criminal records system includes felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and a sex offender registry. To conduct a background check, individuals can request records from the Sheriff's Office or use the California Department of Justice's Criminal Records Review process. The California Department of Justice provides additional resources for residents seeking background checks, including fingerprint-based searches for employment or licensing purposes.
Local specifics: Statewide criminal background checks covering Felton residents can be requested through www.sdsheriff.gov.
Vital Records
Vital records for Felton, including birth certificates, death certificates, and marriage licenses, are handled by the Santa Cruz County Clerk's Office. Individuals can request copies of these important documents by submitting applications and providing the necessary identification and fees. The Clerk's Office maintains archives of vital statistics for Felton and the broader Santa Cruz County region.
Business & Licensing Records
Since Felton is an unincorporated community, business licenses, permits, and commercial documentation are handled through Santa Cruz County rather than a municipal Community Development Department. Entrepreneurs and business owners can access information about zoning regulations, permitting processes, and economic development initiatives through Santa Cruz County's online resources and by contacting the appropriate county offices.
Economy & Demographics
Felton's economy is largely driven by tourism and a range of small businesses. The city's proximity to the redwood forests and outdoor recreational opportunities of Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park make it a popular destination for visitors, who contribute significantly to the local economy through spending at hotels, restaurants, and shops. Felton is home to a mix of service-oriented businesses, light manufacturing, and professional services that cater to the needs of both residents and tourists.
Elections & Voter Records
Felton, Santa Cruz County, California residents vote in federal, state, and county elections administered by the Santa Cruz County Elections Department, located at 701 Ocean Street, Room 210, Santa Cruz, CA 95060; phone (831) 454-2060; website www.votescount.us. This office manages voter registration, candidate filings, ballot preparation, vote-by-mail processing, polling place assignments, and official election results for all of Santa Cruz County, including the unincorporated community.
California residents can register to vote online at registertovote.ca.gov; the deadline to register for an election is 15 days before Election Day, and California also offers conditional voter registration allowing eligible citizens to register and vote provisionally up through Election Day at designated locations. Voter registration requires providing a California driver's license or ID number, or the last four digits of a Social Security number, plus a residential address and date of birth. Because the area is unincorporated and has no city council, mayor, or municipal offices, residents do not vote in city or town elections; instead, their local representation comes from the five-member Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors, which governs the county and unincorporated areas. Local voters can find their assigned polling place and vote center through Santa Cruz County's online polling place lookup tool at www.votescount.us or by calling the Elections Department. California is a universal vote-by-mail state, every registered voter automatically receives a ballot by mail beginning 29 days before each election; ballots can be returned by mail (postage-paid), deposited in official drop boxes throughout Santa Cruz County, or voters may choose to vote in person at vote centers open before and on Election Day. Public election records available under California law include the voter registration roll (names and addresses, excluding confidential voters), campaign finance disclosure reports filed by candidates and political action committees (searchable at cal-access.sos.ca.gov for state races and through the county for local races), candidate statements, ballot measure text, and precinct-level election results published after each election. Candidate filing for county offices opens in early 2026 and information on candidates and local measures will be published by the Elections Department and in the official voter information guide mailed to all households. Residents seeking to run for county office or place a measure on the ballot can obtain candidate and initiative handbooks from the Elections Department or at www.votescount.us.
Public Records Resources for Felton, California
Official government websites for Felton, California and the surrounding area. We prioritize official government sources (.gov.us.mil) and supplement with verified municipal, county, or statewide portals (.org.com) where the agency uses a non-government domain.
- California Criminal Self Service CenterHow to see or get a copy of records from criminal cases.
- California Department of Justice Background ChecksBackground criminal record searches of individuals as a pre-employment requirement, fingerprinting, foreign adoptions, licensing, certification, condition of residency and more. Online criminal history checks, applicant fingerprinting and processing.
- California Inmate LocatorLocate inmates held in California correctional facilities. Obtain an inmate's contact information including the current facility and location where the prisoner is held. Research statistical information about parolees and inmates. View reports about.
- California Sex OffendersInformation provided by criminal justice departments and local police agencies. Daily updated list of persons required to register in California as sex offenders. View detailed profiles on all registrants. Publication directory of reports to.
- California Wanted AlertsSearch for fugitives wanted by the California department of Corrections. The state's wanted person's online database to the public will show photo, age, physical description, offense, bulletins, warrant date and crime information.
- California Criminal History Request and ReviewInformation of arrests and convictions in California
- California Highway PatrolLook up current arrests, CIG alerts (radio stations broadcast of warnings regarding unusual or hazardous traffic conditions) and hot spots.
- California Department of Fish and GameFishing licenses, hunting licenses and more.
- California Attorney GeneralCalifornia office of the attorney general.
- Commission On Peace Officer Standards and TrainingCalifornia law enforcement training academy and more.
- California Property RecordsObtain property tax info by contacting the county assessor.
- Unclaimed Property SearchDatabase of unclaimed property reported by various financial institutions, insurance companies, corporations and associations. Search can be conducted by individual owner's name, business name, government entity or property. Query results show.
Nearby Cities in Santa Cruz County, California
Search public records in neighboring cities within the same county:
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I register to vote in Felton, California?
To register to vote in Felton, California, residents can register online through the California Secretary of State's website, by mail, or in person at the Santa Cruz County elections office. California requires voters to be U.S. citizens, at least 18 years old by Election Day, and residents of the state. The standard online and mail registration deadline is 15 days before an election; conditional voter registration is available after that deadline and on Election Day at county election offices and vote centers. Voters can verify their registration status and find polling locations through the California Secretary of State's voter lookup tool. For local county and state elections (Felton is an unincorporated community in Santa Cruz County and does not hold municipal elections), contact the Santa Cruz County Clerk's office for schedules and ballot information.
How do I look up property records in Felton, California?
Property records for Felton, California are maintained by the Santa Cruz County Assessor's Office and the Santa Cruz County Clerk and Recorder. The Assessor's Office is responsible for discovering, listing, and valuing all taxable property within Santa Cruz County, including parcels in Felton. Records available include property ownership, assessed values, legal descriptions, parcel maps, and tax history. The Santa Cruz County Clerk and Recorder maintains recorded documents including deeds, mortgages, liens, and easements. Many California counties provide online property record searches through their county websites. The Santa Cruz County Treasurer handles property tax payments and tax sale information.
How do I get a birth or death certificate in Felton, California?
Birth, death, and marriage records for Felton, California residents are available through both county and state offices. The California Department of Public Health, Vital Records, located in Sacramento, maintains statewide vital records and can issue certified copies of birth and death certificates for events occurring anywhere in California. Orders can be placed online, by mail, or in person. Locally, the Santa Cruz County Clerk's office issues marriage licenses and maintains marriage records for Santa Cruz County. Birth and death certificates may also be available through local vital records offices. Requestors typically need to provide valid photo identification and proof of their relationship to the person named on the record. Processing times and fees vary by office and record type.