Non-English speaking immigrants face some of the biggest hurdles to receiving California rent relief. Advocates say informal leases, lack of technology access and language barriers are getting in the way.
COVID Economy
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Is downtown’s first hotel in nearly a century Cruz’n into town? What we know about the hot-button project
There are steps left to take if supporters of the for-now-called Cruz Hotel project are to get past loud opposition and become part of the overhaul of lower Pacific Avenue and the riverfront zone. It is one of six projects slated to be at least six stories in a downtown with few buildings that tall.
Posted inBusiness & Technology
Most Pacific Avenue businesses hoping outdoor dining, road closure will become permanent
Though the Santa Cruz City Council approved outdoor dining through the end of 2022, many businesses are hoping the pandemic-inspired venues can be made permanent. But it’s not unanimous, as others are raising concerns about safety and traffic flow.
Posted inHousing & Development
Today’s the final day of the eviction moratorium: Here’s what you need to know
California’s eviction moratorium expires today. Fortunately, there are options available for additional rental support — here’s how to find those resources and how to apply. Locally, there are millions left available to those who need it.
Posted inBusiness & Technology
How Delta upended California’s economic outlook — from ‘sizzling to ho-hum’
The coronavirus’ Delta variant has upended the calculations of economic forecasters at UCLA, who have dampened their expectations for economic growth in California and across the country.
Posted inCOVID 2022
Eviction moratorium ends Thursday; what Santa Cruz County tenants need to know
California’s eviction moratorium — meant to protect renters during the COVID-19 pandemic and implemented amid increased unemployment — is set to expire Thursday. Throughout the county, advocates such as the Community Foundation Santa Cruz County are working to inform those at risk about their options before the deadline.
Posted inCOVID 2022
California’s extra sick leave for COVID-19 is ending, but is it too soon?
A state law gives California workers as much as two weeks additional paid sick leave during COVID-19, but it’s ending as a federal tax credit that offsets the cost for employers also expires.
Posted inBusiness & Technology
Three key takeaways about broadband and California’s digital divide
Stakeholders across California participated in a moderated discussion about the state’s digital divide and its effect on small business.
Posted inHousing & Development
California risks forfeiting millions meant for struggling renters, auditor warns
Auditor Elaine Howle says delays in the rent relief program and uncertainty over federal rules raise concern that California won’t distribute $1.8 billion by Sept. 30.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Panetta urges passage of infrastructure bill at chamber event: ‘Important not to bargain against ourselves’
U.S. Rep Jimmy Panetta said the passage of a $3.5 trillion infrastructure bill is vital to the nation’s recovery and detailed some of his specific proposals. He spoke Thursday at a Santa Cruz Chamber of Commerce luncheon.