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I have recently visited what I still consider to be my hometown, Live Oak. I was not surprised at the cost of affordable housing in the area. I was priced out of the area by 1996.
And I saw population grow by eight times when I left. Santa Cruz had rentals for tourists and short-term renters. I’m getting Social Security now and would like to visit the area regularly to vend and sell my wearable art. Santa Cruz made me a working artist. I sold my jewelry in Germany while living in Live Oak. The downtown changes are upsetting the longtime residents.
I wish I had been able to afford to stay. I’m sad to know my only option is to visit as often as I can. Housing can’t just be for tourists and short-term renters. The people who support those rentals need homes, too. Most homes near the coast are owned by investors. I’m especially concerned about senior housing situation in Santa Cruz and where I now live in Mendocino County, too.
Gilda Jo Galbreath (Ifland)
Willits