After weeks of saying a mask mandate would not be effective, Santa Cruz County Health Officer Gail Newel reversed course and issued the reinstated order to go into effect at midnight tonight. Why the change — and what could this mean about Delta’s future in Santa Cruz?
Grace Stetson
Posted inBusiness & Technology
Foodie firsts: Mentone, Alderwood garner Michelin recognition for Santa Cruz County
Santa Cruz will be represented for the first time ever with September’s release of the Michelin Guide to California. Meanwhile, Soquel’s Discretion Brewing has gotten another honor, this time as Small Business of the Year in Assemblymember Mark Stone’s district.
Posted inCOVID Today
Masks officially back in style in Santa Cruz: Newest indoor order will take effect on Friday
County Health Officer Gail Newel announced a mask mandate beginning Friday, Aug. 20 at 11:59 p.m. That puts Santa Cruz County in line with most other neighboring counties of the Bay Area.
Posted inCOVID Today
Santa Cruz County COVID watch: The latest from Newel about Delta, at-home testing, booster shots and more
Though COVID cases have slowed countywide, they are slightly up statewide, almost all coming from the highly contagious Delta variant, said public health officer Gail Newel. Since Santa Cruz stats have historically lagged three weeks behind the state data, local health officials are urging continuing caution and vigilance.
Posted inCoast Life
The Scotts Valley Art, Wine & Beer Fest is this weekend: Here’s what you need to know
On Saturday and Sunday at Siltanen Park, the festival — organized by the Scotts Valley Chamber of Commerce — will feature more than 23 local wineries and craft brewers, 12 food trucks and food vendors, and more than 100 local and nationally known artists.
Posted inBusiness & Technology
Jab steps: Here’s where to get vaccinated throughout Santa Cruz County
With the Delta variant sparking a COVID-19 surge that’s expected to continue through August, just under 60% of Santa Cruz County’s total population is fully vaccinated. Here’s how to add yourself or someone in need of a vaccine to that number.
Posted inHousing & Development
‘It’s just too big’: 831 Water Street development draws massive amount of public comment
The current proposal is for two buildings at four and five stories, with 149 units on 19,033 square feet. Some nearby neighbors say putting a 60-foot building so close to 20-foot homes is “not neighborly.” A city council meeting on Sept. 14 will allow more discourse about the main concerns: shade, density, traffic and water.
Posted inCOVID Today
Here’s how Gail Newel deals with indoor masking: That and other takeaways from her chat with Zach Friend
Says Santa Cruz Public Health Officer Gail Newel: “I really think that a mask mandate is not going to increase mask-wearing in our county. I am open to hearing otherwise.” That was one topic of discussion when she sat down with Santa Cruz County Supervisor Zach Friend on Friday.
Posted inHousing & Development
Seeing ‘What’s already here’: Santa Cruz YIMBY group’s ‘missing middle’ tour points to past for solutions
Leaders from the Santa Cruz YIMBY chapter led a group on an hourlong tour of homes along the city’s downtown grid that represent what they believe is an important missing piece to the affordability crisis. And they believe it could return with the passage of Senate Bill 9.
Posted inCOVID Today
What we learned from county health officers Thursday about Delta variant, vaccine rate, etc.
Compared to the novel coronavirus, the Delta variant has presented differently in those affected. County health officer Gail Newel cited sniffles, sore throat, and irritated eyes as signs of the variant, with sneezing being the most common symptom for fully vaccinated people with breakthrough cases.