Building homes inside a factory has long been seen as a way to revolutionize the American housing industry, ushering in a new era of higher-quality homes at lower prices. That dream has never quite panned out. Can California finally make it happen?
Housing & Development
Posted inHousing & Development
Road closures, loss of parking during downtown Santa Cruz library construction taking toll on surrounding businesses
Multiple downtown Santa Cruz businesses say foot traffic is down since the city broke ground on the new public library and affordable housing project last August, eliminating a parking lot for customers and visitors.
Posted inHousing & Development
Home sales dip, but new listings rise in January county housing market
Listings of homes for sale in Santa Cruz County more than doubled compared to December as real estate agents prepare for the market’s usual spring heat-up, with Silicon Valley trends pointing to a potentially busy spring.
Posted inLatest News
What’s going on with the Davenport cement plant? Pacific Elementary superintendent has a big idea
Pacific Elementary Superintendent Eric Gross is pitching an ambitious plan to purchase and redevelop the long-shuttered 172-acre Davenport cement plant into a new school campus with workforce housing and public safety facilities, backed by an anonymous local philanthropist willing to fund the acquisition and cleanup.
Posted inHousing & Development
Supervisors reject neighbors’ appeal of 57-unit Capitola Road project
The Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors has rejected an appeal filed by Live Oak residents to stop a 57-unit housing project that used the state builder’s remedy mechanism, which allows the project to override local approval.
Posted inHousing & Development
Council brings Santa Cruz ADU regulations into compliance with state law, holds off on another planning commission recommendation
The Santa Cruz City Council is bringing local regulations for accessory dwelling units into compliance with the latest updates to state law.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Ryan Coonerty announces run for Santa Cruz mayor, reentering electoral politics
About three years after he wrapped up his second term as District 3 county supervisor, longtime Santa Cruz politico Ryan Coonerty returns to electoral politics with a run for Santa Cruz mayor in 2026. He previously held the mayor position in 2008 and 2011, when it was a ministerial, rotating term among city councilmembers.
Posted inHousing & Development
Housing advocates still waiting for state-ordered stair report
California’s fire safety regulators were asked to study whether mid-rise apartments can go with a single staircase. They’re more than a month late.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Q&A: Matt Mahan on how growing up in Watsonville shaped run for California governor
San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, who was raised in Watsonville, says his working-class upbringing in the Pajaro Valley — shaped by immigrant farmworker communities, Catholic schooling and parents who lived paycheck to paycheck — informs his bid for California governor.
Posted inBusiness & Technology
Residents ‘vehemently oppose’ proposed Catalyst project as developers, city officials present plans
A Thursday meeting hosted by representatives from the City of Santa Cruz and the developer and architect of a proposed project that would demolish downtown music venue The Catalyst met with frustration and skepticism from residents and nearby business owners.