County officials work to secure nearly $13M in flood recovery for Pajaro Valley; levee project gets additional federal boost
Santa Cruz County officials say they’re applying for state funding to help support infrastructure improvements following intense storms in 2023, affecting residents around the Pajaro Valley.
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In final State of the City address, Keeley lauds Santa Cruz’s progress on housing and homelessness
In his State of the City address Thursday, Mayor Fred Keeley looked back on the city’s progress with building housing and cutting down homelessness, and discussed how city council districts have affected city government.
Watsonville Vets Hall receives $1.2M federal grant to increase accessibility for disabled veterans
The Watsonville Veterans Memorial Building received $1.2 million in federal funding to support improvements to increase accessibility for veterans and community members with mobility issues.
➤ Para leer el artículo en español, haga clic aquí.
Judge rules for Watsonville pilots in yearslong airport land-use lawsuit
A Santa Cruz County judge sided with the Watsonville Pilots Association, finding that the City of Watsonville violated state aviation safety and environmental review guidelines when elected officials approved a 21-unit housing development near the city’s airport in 2021.
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Santa Cruz County Youth Civics Summit aims to reinforce civic learning and election engagement
About 200 students from all high schools in Santa Cruz County will attend the Santa Cruz County Youth Civics Summit on Friday at Cabrillo College.
STATEWIDE UPDATES
U.S. Supreme Court strikes down Trump’s tariffs. Here’s how they’ve affected California
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled Friday that President Donald Trump does not have the authority to impose broad tariffs under the emergency act he has cited. Tariffs have affected California ports, farms, businesses, workers and consumers.
Bernie Sanders warns of ‘billionaire class’ as California wealth tax fight intensifies
“They believe they have the divine right to rule,” U.S. Sen Bernie Sanders told a crowd in Los Angeles on Wednesday night. A proposed ballot measure would tax billionaires’ net worth by 5% for health care and schools, but top Democrats say it will drive them away.
Gubernatorial candidates due in Monterey for March debate
Xavier Becerra, Ian Calderon, Matt Mahan, Tom Steyer and Betty Yee are slated to be on hand March 12 at the Hilton Garden Inn in Monterey for the only gubernatorial debate currently scheduled for the Central Coast.
Factory-built housing hasn’t taken off in California yet, but this year might be different
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?
LOOKING AHEAD
Santa Cruz City Council: Next meeting is Tuesday, Feb. 24, at 2 p.m. at City Hall, 809 Center St.
- The Santa Cruz City Council will consider recommendations to coordinate with state and regional partners to discuss speed and age limits for e-bikes, expand e-bike safety campaigns and seek outside funding for e-bike education efforts.
Santa Cruz City Planning Commission: No meeting scheduled for this week.
Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors: Next meeting is Tuesday, Feb. 24, at 9 a.m., 701 Ocean St., Santa Cruz.
- The Housing Authority of Santa Cruz County will share a report on how federal funding cuts will affect emergency housing vouchers. The program established in 2021 is running out of money sooner than expected. Without additional funding, the rental assistance it provides will end in December.
Santa Cruz County Planning Commission: Meeting canceled; next meeting is scheduled for March 11.
Watsonville City Council: Next meeting is Tuesday, Feb. 24, at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall, 275 Main St.
- Councilmembers will receive a midyear budget report from city staff. The fiscal year ends on June 30.
- City Councilmember Eduardo Montesino is scheduled to present a proposal to extend the current term limits for city councilmembers, who are currently termed out after two terms. This would require voters to approve a change to the city charter.
Watsonville Planning Commission: Next meeting is scheduled for March 4.
Capitola City Council: Next meeting is Thursday, Feb. 26, at 6 p.m. at City Hall, 420 Capitola Ave.
- Councilmembers will receive a midyear budget report from city staff and consider amending the budget.
Capitola Planning Commission: Next meeting is scheduled for March 5.
County Latino Affairs Commission: Next meeting is scheduled for April 1.
Scotts Valley City Council: Next meeting is scheduled for March 4.
Scotts Valley Planning Commission: Next meeting is scheduled for April 9.
