California’s eviction moratorium expires today. Fortunately, there are options available for additional rental support — here’s how to find those resources and how to apply. Locally, there are millions left available to those who need it.
Grace Stetson
Posted inHousing & Development
Habitat for Humanity opens applications for Live Oak project
The local chapter of Habitat for Humanity announced Wednesday that it is accepting applications for a six-unit project in Live Oak. As Family Services Manager Everardo Jaime Jr. — who was a recipient of the program in 2011 — said, “a lot of families would be surprised that they would be a fit — giving it a shot is important.”
Posted inLatest News
‘Your responsibility, your duty’: Board makes covenant tweaks; homeowners, realty experts still concerned
On Tuesday, the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors evaluated the findings from the Atkins Debris Flow-Flood Hazard study, addressing how the findings could affect the CZU Rebuild Directive as presented on Sept. 14 and the options for CZU families in the rebuilding process.
Posted inCOVID 2022
ANSWERED: When to wear a mask, when children can get the jab, and more from County Health Officer Gail Newel
Over the past few weeks, Santa Cruz County has seen an increase in vaccination rates and a decrease in daily COVID-19 case rates. But what does that mean for the county trends and how should residents prepare for the colder fall and winter months? County Health Officer Gail Newel has answers.
Posted inCOVID 2022
Eviction moratorium ends Thursday; what Santa Cruz County tenants need to know
California’s eviction moratorium — meant to protect renters during the COVID-19 pandemic and implemented amid increased unemployment — is set to expire Thursday. Throughout the county, advocates such as the Community Foundation Santa Cruz County are working to inform those at risk about their options before the deadline.
Posted inBusiness & Technology
Farmers market exec: Downtown redevelopment ballot initiative doesn’t represent our interests
Following last week’s announcement from Our Downtown on a proposed ballot initiative for the Santa Cruz library renovation plan, downtown farmers market director Nesh Dhillon told Lookout in an exclusive interview that the group — which purports to be an advocate for the market — has never reached out.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
‘We’re here to talk about it’: PG&E addresses community concerns over increased, prolonged outages across county
After an increasing number of both unplanned and planned outages countywide over the past few months, PG&E representatives hosted two virtual community forums to address customer concerns. With the new “fast trip” setting, some outages have been sparked by birds, squirrels and vegetation, leading to hours of no power and no explanation for customers.
Posted inCOVID Today
Vaccination rates are up, but Santa Cruz County sees another COVID-19 death
On Tuesday morning, Santa Cruz County announced an additional death related to COVID-19, the fifth since August. All were unvaccinated, something health officials said would have likely prevented the deaths. However, county vaccination rates have increased and the daily case rate has decreased.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Sowing the seeds of food security: Growing the Table collab acting upon the increased pandemic need
As food insecurity worsened during the pandemic, local advocates formed Growing the Table, a pilot program to distribute fresh produce to food-insecure families throughout the Central Coast. Since launching in May, the team has distributed nearly 6,000 boxes — and founder Kat Taylor hopes the organization will endure beyond COVID-19 to inspire further changes for those in need.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Heather Rogers sees natural fit as county’s first public defender: ‘I was immediately drawn to this work’
Heather Rogers, a Santa Cruz native who’s worked in public defense for over 17 years, has been selected as the county’s first official public defender. She comes from Biggam, Christensen & Minsloff, the law firm to which the county has outsourced its public defense work since 1975 and whose contract ends in June 2022.