The National Weather Service is advising people to practice extreme caution through next week as sneaker waves, rip currents and high surf are likely on Santa Cruz beaches, as well as all Pacific Coast beaches.
Environment
Posted inLatest News
Scotts Valley Water District’s new well pumps 432,000 gallons per day
Scotts Valley Water District has added a new well to its water system. Sucinto Well is now operational and can pump up to 300 gallons of water per minute.
Posted inEnvironment
Cal Fire will require permits for backyard debris burns starting in December
Cal Fire San Mateo-Santa Cruz is changing its policy on burning debris in residential backyards. Effective Dec. 1, all residents of unincorporated areas of Santa Cruz County will need to fill out an online form and obtain a Cal Fire Residential Burn Permit in order to conduct backyard burning.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Santa Cruz County supervisors delay new battery storage law for up to three months, citing safety concerns
The Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors voted to put off passing new rules governing battery storage facilities for as long as three months, after several supervisors raised concerns with a proposed ordinance drafted by the county.
Posted inEnvironment
County publishes new draft battery storage rules ahead of first hearing on Nov. 18
After delays, Santa Cruz County officials publish more stringent plans to regulate battery storage facilities ahead of the first public hearings on on the proposed new rules Nov. 18.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Here’s how the federal shutdown is affecting Santa Cruz County governments, schools and nonprofits
Most Santa Cruz County agencies and nonprofits say they have monthlong buffers against the federal government shutdown, though some child care and agricultural programs could face threats if the impasse stretches well beyond October.
Posted inHousing & Development
One of the biggest obstacles to building new housing has now vanished
In a legislative battle a decade in the making, lawmakers just exempted infill urban development from the California Environmental Quality Act. That’s a big deal.
Posted inHousing & Development
In a boon to developers, California budget includes sweeping rollback to CEQA environmental laws
Major changes to the California Environmental Quality Act include an exemption for high-tech industrial plants and other projects. The move, fast-tracked under pressure from Gov. Gavin Newsom, sparked fierce pushback from environmental, community and labor groups.
Posted inLatest News
County dramatically increases illegal dumping fines
Fines for illegal dumping will go from $100 to $2,500 for first-time offenders. Second-time offenders will see a bump from $200 to $5,000 and for those who can’t get enough of illegal dumping, a third offense will go from $500 to $10,000.
Posted inRecreation & Sports
In Photos: Hundreds of volunteers give Santa Cruz County trails a makeover
More than 500 volunteers rolled up their sleeves on Saturday to work on more than 20 trails across Santa Cruz County for the third annual National Trails Day.