Lookout politics columnist Mike Rotkin comes out against an affordable housing proposal put forth by realtors to rival one proposed by local activists, saying it is an attempt to confuse voters and subvert the democratic process. It’s not about creating housing, he says. He calls on Santa Cruzans to channel the energy used to beat back Big Cola last November to reject this initiative. Signatures on the petitions for the rival initiatives are due May 9. They need 3,620 signatures to qualify for the November ballot in the city.
Housing & Development
Posted inFood & Drink
Downtown Santa Cruz farmers market will move to its new location on May 21
After more than 30 years in its familiar Cedar Street lot, the Wednesday downtown Santa Cruz farmers market will relocate one block away on May 21 to make way for the new library and housing project breaking ground in June. The market’s temporary new home — stretching along Cedar Street and around the Cruzio building — will host the weekly event for the next two to three years as the city and market leaders work toward a permanent, purpose-built site downtown.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Santa Cruz officials get tough on downtown vacancies, approve a stimulus measure
The Santa Cruz City Council is taking action to address long-vacant downtown storefronts with the proposed Downtown Vibrancy Ordinance requiring upkeep plans, local management and city coordination. The broader resolution aims to boost downtown vitality through alleyway activation and business support.
Posted inBusiness & Technology
This week in Santa Cruz County business: Pajaro Valley chamber’s 2025 honorees, Paystand’s new tariff features, downtown changes afoot
Jess Brown of the Santa Cruz County Farm Bureau and Laura Owen of Santa Cruz Community Credit Union are among those being honored by the Pajaro Valley Chamber of Commerce, Jessica M. Pasko reports in her weekly survey of local business, which also includes a tech company helping navigate tariffs and downtown Santa Cruz development.
Posted inOpinion from Community Voices
It’s time to retire outdated voices in Santa Cruz housing decisions
Darius Mohsenin says he goes to most Santa Cruz housing meetings and he’s tired of the “gray hairs,” who purchased their property decades ago, complaining. “Their objections follow a tiring, predictable pattern,” he writes, naming concerns about water, construction emissions, temporary disturbances to local wildlife, traffic congestion or simply aesthetic preferences about building heights. “These arguments ignore the reality that concentrating housing and traffic in our downtown core is precisely what sustainable urban planning calls for. It reduces sprawl, promotes walkability and creates vibrant community spaces.”
Posted inPolitics & Policy
In the Public Interest: Downtown Santa Cruz gets a hyperfocus
Inside Santa Cruz County politics & policy via Lookout correspondent Christopher Neely.
Posted inHousing & Development
Texas-based developer’s eight-story proposal could kick off Santa Cruz’s downtown expansion
Downtown Santa Cruz is set for big changes in the coming years with a new, expanded downtown envisioned south of Laurel Street. A Texas-based developer wants to be the first one in the new neighborhood.
Posted inOpinion from Community Voices
Nostalgia isn’t a housing policy – we need to build in Santa Cruz today because of past policies
Shebreh Kalantari-Johnson, vice mayor of the City of Santa Cruz, wants to set the record straight on the city’s housing policy and accusations that the city is selling out to developers. “What we’re doing now isn’t about chasing profits, it’s about making up for lost time,” she writes, including years of the city council saying “no” to new housing. “Let’s be clear: Building more affordable housing is not a betrayal of our community’s values,” she writes. “It’s a recommitment to them. It’s about inclusion, equity, and making sure this town doesn’t turn into a playground for the wealthy alone.”
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Closing a street to cars may feature in Santa Cruz City Council downtown economic plan later this month
Each week for nearly the past year, a grassroots group has met at a Santa Cruz beer house with one goal: closing some downtown Santa Cruz streets to cars. The group has gotten support from business owners, employees and downtown patrons, and now, city leaders are mulling whether to bring the idea up for a vote that could eventually reshape how locals and visitors experience the city center.
Posted inHousing & Development
Santa Cruz planning commission advances ambitious plan to reshape downtown with taller, denser buildings
More than four years in the making, Santa Cruz’s planning commission has advanced a sweeping proposal to extend the city’s downtown south of Laurel Street toward the coastline, an effort that aims to reshape the city’s urban core with new housing, taller buildings and walkable infrastructure. The proposal now heads to the city council.