Thursday, Aug. 14, has arrived, friends and neighbors, and the marine layer will be keeping things fairly mild around Santa Cruz County, with highs in the 60s by the bay and mid-80s in the mountains.
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The City of Santa Cruz’s long-sought plan to expand its downtown footprint cleared its final political hurdle on Wednesday, Christopher Neely reports, as the California Coastal Commission endorsed the plan to permanently change the look and scale of the city’s core.
The Pajaro Regional Flood Management Agency will begin a sweep of homeless encampments along the Pajaro River levee on Aug. 25, Tania Ortiz reports. But since it could be several months before a “tiny village” shelter opens in Watsonville that could house some of those displaced, it’s unclear where the dozens living along the levee will go.
Homelessness is also the focus in Lookout’s Community Voices opinion section, where a pair of Santa Cruz city and county leaders break down this year’s point-in-time count. The count showed fewer unhoused residents countywide, but a 31% increase in Santa Cruz – numbers that Robert Ratner and Larry Imwalle say tell only part of the story.
After a three-year hiatus, the Santa Cruz Film Festival is planning an energetic return in October, Wallace Baine reports. The revival aims not only to entertain and illuminate audiences, but also to build a viable film industry in Santa Cruz County.
How about some Thursday headlines?
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Downtown Plan Expansion — with 1,600 new housing units and pathway to new Santa Cruz Warriors arena — wins state’s OK
The California Coastal Commission has signed off on Santa Cruz’s Downtown Plan Expansion, clearing the way for taller buildings, up to 1,600 new housing units and a potential new Santa Cruz Warriors arena south of Laurel Street. Details here from Christopher Neely.
Imminent Pajaro River encampment sweeps will displace dozens of levee residents before ‘tiny village’ opening
The Pajaro Regional Flood Management Agency announced Wednesday it will move forward with scheduling its encampment sweep along the Pajaro River for the end of August, which will displace dozens of levee residents before temporary housing is available for them. Tania Ortiz reports.
DAILY DIGEST
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A pleasant Thursday to all, and thanks for reading.
Will McCahill