A good morning, one and all, and thanks for reading. It is Wednesday, April 23, with a mix of clouds and sun again the forecast around Santa Cruz County as temperatures head into the 60s.
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Christopher Neely is up first, reporting on a move by the Santa Cruz City Council to hold owners of long-vacant downtown storefronts accountable for what city leaders consider a drain on community vibrancy. The Downtown Vibrancy Ordinance is set for a final vote next month.
Wildly fluctuating stocks and other economic concerns didn’t tamp down local housing sales in March, Max Chun reports – but industry experts say they and buyers are keeping a wary eye on it all.
Jessica M. Pasko is in the mix with her weekly survey of local business, spotlighting the Pajaro Valley Chamber of Commerce’s Man and Woman of the Year and a Santa Cruz-based tech company helping businesses navigate the shifting tariff landscape.
A homebrew festival that ran for seven years before being derailed by the pandemic and other factors sprang back to life this past weekend, and Lily Belli was on hand at the Veterans Memorial Building to sample all manner of eclectic brews and otherwise soak in the vibe.
Wallace Baine, meanwhile, previews a Friday event at The 418 Project in Santa Cruz, an Oz-themed shindig that launches what the organization is calling “ally events” – opportunities for locals to meet, interact and get to know those who feel especially threatened by the Trump administration’s attacks on diversity, equity and inclusion policies.
The Wednesday headlines also include Wallace’s story on local museums scrambling after the Trump administration pulled funding – onward.
Santa Cruz officials get tough on downtown vacancies, approve a stimulus measure
The Santa Cruz City Council is taking action to address long-vacant downtown storefronts with the proposed Downtown Vibrancy Ordinance requiring upkeep plans, local management and city coordination. The broader resolution aims to boost downtown vitality through alleyway activation and business support. Details here from Christopher Neely.
A brew hope: Santa Cruz homebrew culture bubbles to life with return of community festival
More than 200 people gathered Saturday night at the Veterans Memorial Building for the revival of DIYine, a beloved homebrewing festival showcasing everything from prickly pear cider to blueberry mead and lemon wine. It was Santa Cruz County’s first major homebrew event in over five years, marking a revival of the local homebrewing scene after years of disruption from the pandemic, wildfires and business closures. Lily Belli was on hand.
DAILY DIGEST
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Now get out there and show Wednesday who’s boss.
Will McCahill