What’s up, friends and neighbors? It is Wednesday, Dec. 11, and it’s a last mostly-sunny-and-60s day for Santa Cruz County before we shift back into precipitation mode – forecasters see rain chances picking up overnight and continuing right through the coming weekend.
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As expected, the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors voted Tuesday to end the county’s contract with a firm that’s been helping CZU fire victims navigate the rebuilding process, Christopher Neely reports. The move came despite some worries over whether stretched-thin county staff can handle the additional workload.
Last month was a busy one for the local housing market – the busiest November in three years, Max Chun reports. Dry weather, the Fed’s fall rate cut and less overall uncertainty post-election are among the factors, those in the industry say.
Hillary Ojeda has a preview of Wednesday night’s meeting of the Pajaro Valley Unified School District governing board, which will get a look at plans for workforce housing and new arts center – all to be funded from the $315 million bond measure voters approved in November.
Jessica M. Pasko has a full quiver of Santa Cruz County business news, this week leading off with another big funding round for Westside-based Capstan Medical as it prepares for patient trials for its heart valve disease treatment technology.
The Wednesday headlines also include a brief shutdown of Highway 1 in Davenport on Tuesday afternoon, plus the latest local food & drink tidbits from Lily Belli, and you’ll find that and more on the other side of this view through the lens of Lookout photojournalist Kevin Painchaud.
Photo of the day
Outgoing Santa Cruz County Sheriff Jim Hart hugs his wife, Jackie, during a ceremony honoring his 36 years of service at the Tuesday’s meeting of the County Board of Supervisors. Hart, who has been the county’s top law enforcement official for the past decade, retired Dec. 6. He was replaced by his former undersheriff, Chris Clark. As each county supervisor spoke, sharing fond memories of working with Hart, the outgoing sheriff appeared overwhelmed by emotion and gripped his wife’s hands tightly. Hart told the room full of supporters, including his parents, how much he loved his job and serving the community.
Despite staffing concerns, supervisors vote to bring CZU rebuild permitting program under county auspices
Santa Cruz County supervisors voted Tuesday to end a costly third-party contract for wildfire rebuild permitting, shifting responsibilities to a county staff who said they were already stretched. With hundreds of homes still unfinished, questions linger about whether the county can handle the workload without derailing recovery for CZU fire victims. Christopher Neely reports.
Pajaro Valley Unified School District eyes workforce housing, arts complex after $315 million bond win
Pajaro Valley Unified School District is set to review plans on Wednesday to build teacher housing and a new performing arts center after voters approved a $315 million bond measure in November. The district will discuss two feasibility studies for an apartment complex that could be built at one of seven school sites, with costs ranging from $52 million to $87 million, alongside plans for a new performing arts center that could cost $24 million. Hillary Ojeda previews the meeting.
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Be good, and I’ll see you next time.
Will McCahill