Residents of cities like Pacifica want to limit the presence of visitors and corporations. Companies like Airbnb want to keep their lucrative coastal listings. That tension has led to increased attempts to influence a small but powerful committee.
California Coastal Commission
Posted inLatest News
California officials allow plans for the country’s biggest kelp farm to move forward
The California Coastal Commission voted Wednesday to allow a plan to build the United States’ largest kelp farm 6 miles off the Ventura County coast to move forward as the Trump administration seeks to ramp up aquaculture in the Pacific Ocean.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Trump administration ratchets up its fight to get more oil flowing from California
The Trump administration’s latest salvo in its efforts to get more crude flowing through the Golden State is a federal review of California’s coastal management program, which is run largely by a state commission that has had a powerful role for decades in shaping development along the coast.
Posted inLatest News
City of Santa Cruz eyes 2027 construction for partial West Cliff Drive roadway, path relocation
The City of Santa Cruz is working to wrap up permitting and land acquisition processes for a project that involves relocating a section of West Cliff Drive farther inland to improve public safety and coastal access well into the future as coastal erosion remains a chief concern.
Posted inFood & Drink
Santa Cruz’s Homeless Garden Project takes major step toward buying longtime farm
Homeless Garden Project is one step closer to owning its longtime Natural Bridges Farm after years of regulatory hurdles, with a key zoning decision this week that, if approved, would clear the way for the nonprofit to purchase the 4-acre property and begin construction on a permanent home as early as 2027.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Should coastal commission get more power over rebuilding after wildfire? Some lawmakers say yes
A new proposal considers giving the powerful California Coastal Commission more oversight over homes destroyed by natural disasters.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
A Carlsbad homeowner is fighting a multimillion dollar fine over beach access and a pickleball court. Does he stand a chance against the Coastal Commission?
Carlsbad homeowner John Levy is challenging a $2.4 million fine from the California Coastal Commission over alleged beach access and environmental violations, arguing that while the underlying disputes are typical, the commission’s power to impose massive penalties without court oversight violates due process.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
California’s last nuclear power plant faces renewed scrutiny as it gains latest permit
The California Coastal Commission is requiring the state’s last nuclear power plant – Diablo Canyon, near San Luis Obispo – to conserve 4,000 acres of surrounding land to keep operating until 2030.
Posted inHousing & Development
More housing on the California coast? Changes at this agency signal a pro-building shift
Three new pro-development appointees at the powerful California Coastal Commission are trying to remedy its poor reputation among housing activists and Democratic leaders.
Posted inHousing & Development
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.
