What’s happening, Lookout peeps? It’s Friday, Feb. 13, and a partly sunny, highs-in-the-60s day is on tap around Santa Cruz County as we head into the Presidents Day long weekend – but rain is forecast to return Saturday night, and looks like it could stay for a while.
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Construction of the new downtown Santa Cruz library and affordable housing project has so far been detrimental for a number of surrounding businesses, Lillian Schrock-Clevenger reports. Parking is gone on Lot 4 and parts of the streets bordering the work site, making it tougher for patrons to find a spot, and street closures have put a dent in foot traffic, too.
The Capitola City Council approved $1.7 million for work on 41st Avenue at its Thursday meeting, Max Chun reports. Stabilizing worn pavement is a top priority, and there will be striping and other features to boost safety for cyclists and pedestrians – including lane delineators that will prevent hurried commuters from exiting southbound Highway 1 and crossing 41st to get back on the freeway.
Cecilia Schutz and Kevin Painchaud were on hand Thursday afternoon as the downtown Santa Cruz clock tower got a new American flag ahead of the Presidents Day weekend. A police honor guard folded the tattered old flag and presented it to a Marine veteran, for disposal by Veterans of Foreign Wars.
The Friday headlines also include some Central Coast mountain lions being designated a threatened species by the state, plus our cheat sheet for the long weekend ahead. Let’s go.
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Road closures, loss of parking during downtown Santa Cruz library construction taking toll on surrounding businesses
Multiple downtown Santa Cruz businesses say foot traffic is down since the city broke ground on the new public library and affordable housing project last August, eliminating a parking lot for customers and visitors.
Lillian Schrock-Clevenger reports.
Capitola City Council greenlights improvements to 41st Avenue
The Capitola City Council approved plans for pavement rehabilitation and various striping and multimodal improvements to 41st Avenue at its Thursday meeting. The work is expected to cost $1.6 to $2.1 million. Details here from Max Chun.
DAILY DIGEST
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May your Friday be a good one, and have a safe, relaxing long weekend. I’ll see you Tuesday.
Will McCahill