UPDATE: The “temporary outdoor living ordinance,” known as TOLO, was suspended by the Santa Cruz City Council on Tuesday night amid outcries from all corners of the city. Most councilmembers struck an apologetic tone, expressing regret over the lack of effort put into gathering community input about the ordinance before it was passed.
Isabella Cueto
Follow Isabella Cueto on: Twitter. Isabella joins the Lookout team as a government accountability reporter, building on her experience covering local government for The State newspaper in Columbia, S.C.Before moving to South Carolina, Cueto was in her hometown of Miami. She served as editor-in-chief of the University of Miami’s award-winning student newspaper, and was an intern for WLRN public radio and Northwestern University’s Medill Justice Project, which investigates potential wrongful convictions. Cueto’s work has been recognized by the S.C. Press Association, the Society of Professional Journalists and the Florida Society of News Editors.She is bilingual, fluent in Spanish.Cueto understands how high-quality local journalism makes government more responsive and effective, its inner workings more accessible to the public. That is her aim as Lookout’s government accountability correspondent.“I’m thrilled to be a part of this visionary team and to build something special for the people of Santa Cruz,” she said.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Santa Cruz ordinance restricting where homeless people can camp likely ‘dead’ after widespread opposition
New Leaf Community Markets brand manager Lindsay Gizdich said the store is moving from Pacific Avenue in order to have…
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Water conservation measures, increased Main Beach parking rates coming to Santa Cruz
Before Santa Cruz City Council members on Tuesday tackled the sticky issue of where homeless people would be allowed to camp citywide, they handled other matters. Besides water conservation and parking rates, they moved forward with plans to rename the Louden Nelson Community Center. Here’s the rundown:
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Top Santa Cruz officials try to allay Seabright’s fears about homeless as camping ordinance revisions emerge
The big takeaway: Mayor Donna Meyers told frustrated Seabright residents that she would bring forth a proposal to place all commercial zones in the city, including in their neighborhood, off-limits for overnight camping. But a more nuanced discussion about homelessness took place as well.
Posted inEnvironment
Will climate change make water unaffordable in Santa Cruz? The city’s water director weighs in
Lookout sat down with Rosemary Menard, the longtime water director for the city of Santa Cruz, for a discussion on climate change and the need for investment in water infrastructure here and throughout the state.
Posted inUncategorized
New design for ‘Pac Station North’ unveiled as Warriors outline vision for ‘do-it-all’ arena
New Leaf Community Markets brand manager Lindsay Gizdich said the store is moving from Pacific Avenue in order to have…
Posted inPolitics & Policy
COVID-spawned budget woes will force shutdown of River Street homeless shelter next month
The River Street facility, located on the campus of Housing Matters, is set to close May 1, with its occupants to be moved into permanent housing or to other shelters. Still, the move is raising concerns.
Posted inHousing & Development
After intense backlash, Santa Cruz mayor to propose striking Seabright from areas where homeless can sleep
After much community backlash, Santa Cruz Mayor Donna Meyers said she will bring forth a proposal to remove the industrial zone of the Seabright neighborhood from places where overnight camping is allowed on public property.
Posted inPandemic Life
Skating through a pandemic, finding joy on the other side — and sharing it on Instagram
UC Santa Cruz student Elise Dauterive, 20, has come a long way in one year of roller skating — a journey that’s taught her a lot about vulnerability, the kindness of others and even race relations. Want to join along? Check out her Instagram.
Posted inLatest News
Racist messages on rocks, flyers shock Santa Cruzans as propaganda uptick mirrors state, nation
The community is planning counterprotests and pleading with public officials to do more to intervene in the face of…