To date Santa Cruz County has funding secured through September for a 275-unit emergency shelter program that reserves hotel and motel rooms for people experiencing homelessness. Additional federal funding that could soon come the county’s way should help officials keep about 100 units operational for another three months.
Civic Life
Posted inPolitics & Policy
6 takeaways from President Biden’s address to Congress
President Biden, in his address to Congress, frames a vast expansion of government as crucial to democracy’s survival.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
California lawmakers mum on eviction moratorium extension as renters seek more time
With two months left before California’s eviction moratorium ends June 30, political momentum isn’t on the side of tenants for an extension.
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Rail Trail coming to a head: Supporters make big push to keep rail on track heading into Thursday RTC meeting
In a last-ditch effort to get the rail momentum back on track, proponents of having rail and trail down the coast of Santa Cruz County rallied Wednesday in Aptos, forming a human train along the tracks to show public support for the project.
Posted inLatest News
Santa Cruz Main Beach parking rates to increase Sunday as city prepares for tourist season
Base parking meter rates in and around the beach will increase from $1.80 per hour to $2.25 per hour — a 25% increase — starting May 1. It’s the first rate increase since 2019.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Big companies donate millions on Newsom’s behalf, raising concerns about corporate influence
State records show that so-called “behested payments” spiked in 2020 compared to the year prior, when companies gifted $12.1 million on Gov. Newsom’s behalf.
Posted inLatest News
Outrage grows as new video shows Latino man dying after Bay Area police pin him for 4 minutes
Mario Gonzalez can be heard saying, ‘I didn’t do nothing, OK?’ before losing consciousness. Family members compare his death to George Floyd’s.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
A one-way West Cliff Drive? Remove iceplant? Inside the plan to fix Santa Cruz’s iconic, eroding street
A plan to adapt 3-mile-long West Cliff Drive to prevent erosion and other environmental challenges won city council approval Tuesday. It lays out a litany of projects — totaling some $20 million — to be done by 2036 to keep the street safe, and also details potential work beyond that.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
How much will the Newsom recall cost, who’s running, when is it — and other election questions, answered
As the effort to recall California Gov. Gavin Newsom moves forward, candidates are lining to replace him. But there are host of questions about the process. Here’s your guide.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
‘It’s the right time.’: Ryan Coonerty in his own words about choosing not to run for reelection
Santa Cruz County Third District Supervisor Ryan Coonerty announced to his constituents in a newsletter Tuesday that he won’t be seeking reelection in 2022 for a third term. Here’s the full text of what he wrote.