New Leaf Community Markets brand manager Lindsay Gizdich said the store is moving from Pacific Avenue in order to have…
Grace Stetson
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Q&A: Senior Planner Sarah Neuse on the future of multi-family development in Santa Cruz
Sarah Neuse, a longtime planner for the city as well as county of Santa Cruz, recently help complete a proposal for “objective standards” for multi-family housing. The rules, which still need to be approved by the Santa Cruz City Council, would govern, among other items, the design and neighborhood “fit” of local developments — potentially for decades.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Watsonville City Council special election window closes Tuesday — here’s what you need to know
Following the unexpected departure of District 2 Councilmember Aurelio Gonzalez in September, two people are vying in a special election to replace him on the Watsonville City Council: Francisco “Frank” Barba and Vanessa Quiroz-Carter. Early voting started last month, but ends on Dec. 7.
Posted inHousing & Development
City eyeballs the math for housing needs ahead: A staggering 3,400 more units required by 2031
The Santa Cruz City Council moved ahead on a regional housing needs allocation (RHNA) draft that spells out just how much housing — including 826 very-low-income units — must be built during the 2024-31 cycle. That represents a 457% increase over the current cycle.
Posted inHousing & Development
Interested in tiny homes? Santa Cruz County wants to hear from you
County officials are holding a series of public meetings, beginning Wednesday, to gather input on building and regulating tiny homes. While tiny homes are currently permitted as stationary dwellings, the county wants to establish development guidelines moving forward.
Posted inBusiness & Technology
Connection through comics: Atlantis Fantasyworld celebrates 45 years in Santa Cruz, cultivating community
The stalwart comic book shop has seen a lot over the years, from the rise of comics’ popularity with “Star Wars” to the 1989 earthquake to the rejuvenation of downtown business. On its 45th anniversary, owner and founder Joe Ferrara takes a moment to reflect on all that has made the store so vital, and to look at what is on the horizon.
Posted inPandemic Life
‘It’s OK that you’re not OK’: Gail Pellerin shares her pain of loss, wisdom on navigating the holidays
After retiring from her role as county clerk last year, Gail Pellerin is now focused on mental health advocacy and suicide prevention. She talked about the challenges people may face at this time of year, and how to support your loved ones during the holidays.
Posted inHousing & Development
Santa Cruz City Council rescinds denial, set to reevaluate 831 Water St. project
While the fate of Santa Cruz’s first SB 35 project could be legal entanglements for the city, there are signs that the…
Posted inCOVID 2022
COVID-19 Thanksgiving, Round 2: How to prepare, when to mask up … and what about those unvaxed relatives?
As we enter the second Thanksgiving in the midst of a global pandemic, many American families and friends are coming together to celebrate the holiday for the first time since 2019. How can they stay safe — and what precautions can they take to ensure they need to focus on only the meal? We asked Dr. David Ghilarducci.
Posted inLatest News
Sportfishing, whale watching charters endangered? Proposed new pollution standards focus on excursion boats
A proposal to require sportfishing and whale watching boats to use Tier 3 and 4 motors — the cleanest available — is causing concern among Santa Cruz captains, who say the replacement costs could put them out of business.