Santa Cruz’s plans to enforce strict parking restrictions to facilitate street sweeping face scrutiny from the California Coastal Commission on Thursday amid claims it unfairly affects those living in their vehicles. Proponents argue it’s a crucial environmental measure; critics warn it enacts “hostile architecture” against the unhoused.
California Coastal Commission
Posted inHousing & Development
Cruz Hotel will move forward after Coastal Commission gives it a green light
The California Coastal Commission last week approved the long-discussed and debated Cruz Hotel project proposed at the corner of Front and Laurel streets in downtown Santa Cruz. The project had been appealed to the Coastal Commission, as expected, following the Santa Cruz City Council’s 5-1 approval of the hotel in March.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Push to build more homes on California coast stifled after lawmakers derail housing bills
Several efforts to minimize the power and influence of the California Coastal Commission have stalled, with new bills either dead or so severely watered down that they no longer carry the promise of a more built-out coastline.
Posted inOpinion from Community Voices
Let’s get Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary done
Ocean activist Dan Haifley argues that Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary will help complete a zone of ocean protection along the California coast that stretches from Point Arena to the north to the Channel Islands to the south. The decision now rests with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the Biden-Harris administration and Congress.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
With Cummings leading, Coastal Commission gives Santa Cruz two-year extension — not five — of oversized vehicle ordinance
The California Coastal Commission scuttled the City of Santa Cruz’s plans to extend its controversial oversized vehicle ordinance to a five-year program. County Supervisor Justin Cummings, who sits on the commission, successfully pushed for a two-year extension instead to assess the OVO’s effects on coastal access during the peak tourist season.
Posted inLatest News
Carmageddon: West Cliff Drive could be open to traffic by year’s end
After nearly a year and a half, the Bethany Curve culvert repairs are finally getting underway Monday in Santa Cruz. The damaged section of West Cliff Drive between Columbia Street and Woodrow Avenue could reopen to one-way traffic within 10 weeks, opening the door for a fully drivable road for the first time in almost two years.
Posted inHousing & Development
Cruz Hotel gets final green light from city, but prospect of Coastal Commission appeal looms
The Cruz Hotel, developer Owen Lawlor’s latest local venture, cleared the Santa Cruz City Council on Tuesday with overwhelming support. However, the much-debated downtown hotel could still face another political hurdle if the project is appealed to the California Coastal Commission.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Fresh batch of YIMBY housing bills clash with coastal protections (again)
After a legislative victory last year, pro-housing legislators and advocates want to strip the California Coastal Commission of more authority in order to spur housing development.
Posted inAptos
On the fence: What homeowners, renters and neighbors are saying about Rio Del Mar HOA’s new coastal barrier
Lookout photojournalist Kevin Painchaud caught up with beachfront homeowners, renters and nearby residents to chat about a Rio Del Mar homeowners association’s decision to put up a large fence blocking access to a walkway along Seacliff State Beach.
Posted inLatest News
In the face of $4.8 million fine, Rio Del Mar HOA doubles down and erects a new coastal fence
What’s in a fence? For a Rio Del Mar homeowners association, state regulators and local residents, a brand-new barrier blocking the public from a beachside walkway represents the latest turn in a winding, yearslong battle around public access and private property rights.
