Santa Cruz City Council to consider ending Flock Safety contract at Tuesday meeting
The Santa Cruz City Council will weigh pulling out of its contract with Flock Safety at its Tuesday meeting after several recent data breaches and sustained community pushback about the use of the company’s automatic license plate readers.
Hundreds of anti-ICE protesters fill Santa Cruz’s Ocean Street, remembering Renee Good
As hundreds gathered to protest the killing of Renee Nicole Good by a federal immigration agent in Minneapolis last week, organizers urged the public to get involved. ”Find a political home in Santa Cruz County,” one organizer told Lookout as ICE monitoring activity grows locally.
Carmageddon: Public works exploring options for latest West Cliff erosion; public hearing for 2050 regional transportation plan
While the latest erosion on West Cliff Drive isn’t endangering public access or infrastructure, the City of Santa Cruz is still looking at ways to handle the damage in both the short and long term. Meanwhile, the Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission will hold a public hearing on Thursday for its 2050 regional transportation plan.
Entering fourth term, Scotts Valley Mayor Donna Lind takes reins during time of significant change for city
Donna Lind has been a constant in Scotts Valley, having served the city in various roles for nearly 60 years. As she enters her fourth term as mayor, Scotts Valley faces major changes, largely in the form of state-mandated growth.
Residents gather in Watsonville to remember life of woman killed by immigration officer in Minneapolis
About 100 people gathered in Watsonville on Thursday evening to remember Renee Nicole Good, the 37-year-old woman shot and killed by a federal immigration officer in Minneapolis on Wednesday.
Latest version of county’s proposed battery storage rules includes water, soil monitoring, insurance bonds for developers
Santa Cruz County officials published an updated version of proposed regulations for battery storage facilities ahead of a second hearing on the proposed rules on Tuesday.
STATEWIDE UPDATES
How Californians can use a new state website to block hundreds of data brokers
A new tool called DROP lets California residents fill out a few forms to keep their personal data from being tracked or sold by data brokers.
Newsom proposes that governors control California Department of Education
In a shift, Gov. Gavin Newsom proposed that the state superintendent of public instruction have a different role, an “independent champion” and ombudsman for education. Numerous studies, including one last month, have recommended the idea.
California tax revenue getting a boost from AI boom — but for how long?
As talk of a possible artificial intelligence bubble grows, so does uncertainty around an important source of California tax money.
LOOKING AHEAD
Santa Cruz City Council: Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2:30 p.m. at Santa Cruz City Hall, 809 Center St., Santa Cruz.
- The Santa Cruz City Council is considering dropping its Flock Safety contract following several data breaches and sustained pushback from community members.
Santa Cruz City Planning Commission: Thursday, Jan. 15, 7 p.m. at Santa Cruz City Hall, 809 Center St., Santa Cruz.
- The commission will consider changes to accessory dwelling unit (ADU) rules to better align the municipal code with state laws.
Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors: Tuesday, Jan. 13, 9 a.m. at Scotts Valley City Hall, 1 Civic Center Dr., Scotts Valley.
- The board will consider regulations for battery storage facilities designed to monitor soil and water quality and provide emergency access. The supervisors delayed a vote in November in order to incorporate these safety recommendations from county staff.
Santa Cruz County Planning Commission: Wednesday, Jan. 14, 9:30 a.m. at County Government Center, 701 Ocean St., Santa Cruz.
- There will be a public hearing on a proposal to build a six-story building with 105 apartments at 3500 Paul Sweet Rd. in Live Oak.
Watsonville City Council: Tuesday, Jan. 13, at 5 p.m. at Watsonville City Hall, 275 Main St., Watsonville.
- The council will consider an ordinance that would ban oversize vehicles from parking on city streets, create a definition for these vehicles and exceptions, and move permitting and enforcement from the police department to the department of public works.
Watsonville Planning Commission: Next meeting is scheduled for Feb. 4.
Capitola City Council: Next meeting is scheduled for Jan. 22.
Capitola Planning Commission: Next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 15, at 6 p.m. at City Hall, 420 Capitola Ave., Capitola.
- Improvements to the field at New Brighton Middle School are on the consent calendar.
- A hearing is scheduled for an alcohol permit for a Capitola Mall restaurant.
County Latino Affairs Commission: Next meeting is scheduled for Feb. 4.
Scotts Valley City Council: Next meeting is scheduled for Jan. 21.
Scotts Valley Planning Commission: Next meeting is scheduled for Jan. 22.
