After only four days on the market, a 328-square-foot home in Seabright sold for over $1 million, following five competitive offers and a packed open-house weekend. According to listing agent Walter Stauss, who’s sold homes in the area for nearly 25 years, it’s a sign of the demand vastly outpacing the supply: “There’s a huge pressure on the inventory.”
Grace Stetson
Posted inRecreation & Sports
Screamin’ in Santa Cruz: Halloween film recommendations to curdle that pumpkin spice latte
If there’s one holiday I always aim to celebrate to the utmost, it’s Halloween — and what better way to do so than with a movie? Luckily for us cinephiles, there are many spooky, horrifying and utterly delightful films to choose from this holiday weekend in Santa Cruz County.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Santa Cruz City Council bans overnight parking for RVs, aims to create alternatives
An ordinance banning oversized vehicles from parking on Santa Cruz streets from midnight through 5 a.m. passed 5-2 on Tuesday night after a contentious back-and-forth among councilmembers and vocal opposition from community members; if passed following a second reading, the city will create at least 30 parking spots and safe parking programs within four months.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
$800K federal grant bolsters county efforts to prevent domestic violence-related suicide
With Santa Cruz County’s suicide rate around 50% higher than the state average, the county will use the federal funds to collaborate with local partners to expand on services, including emergency housing assistance and counseling.
Posted inCoast Life
Sorting through the storm’s aftermath: No debris-flow issues make for a good ‘dry run’ before winter
While the Santa Cruz Mountains saw plenty of rainfall Sunday, it wasn’t at the rate and amount that experts believe will pose debris flow issues in the CZU fire burn scar. And it might have been good preparation for weather events ahead.
Posted inCOVID 2022
Q&A: Mimi Hall looks back as her time as health services director in Santa Cruz comes to a close
Mimi Hall, the county’s health services director for the past four years, is leaving the position at the end of this week to work for a nonprofit health exchange. In her Q&A with Lookout, she reflects on her time here as well as her two decades of public service.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Long time no see: Santa Cruz County’s international residents welcome loosening of travel restrictions
The U.S. State Department announced earlier this month that international travelers who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 will be eligible to enter the United States beginning Nov. 8. Locals who have family abroad are breathing a sigh of relief.
Posted inEvents, Housing & Development
Watching the sky warily: CZU fire families worry about rebuilds as rain starts
Santa Cruz County residents looking to rebuild after the CZU Complex fire last year are worried about how the rainy season will affect things. Making things more complicated, some are running up against insurance deadlines.
Posted inHousing & Development
‘This is going to solve the housing crisis’: Santa Cruz builder waxes on importance of ADUs
With home prices continuing to rise, Santa Cruz home designer Pat Powers thinks the solution lies with accessory dwelling units, or ADUs. Changes in state and local laws have made it easier to build the mini-homes, giving families more options on where to live.
Posted inHousing & Development
‘A costly mistake’ or still moving forward? After council rejection, future of 831 Water St. remains in flux
While the fate of Santa Cruz’s first SB 35 project could be legal entanglements for the city, there are signs that the developer might be working to satisfy the concerns raised by the city council on Tuesday.