A campaign funded by some of the country’s biggest soft drink companies to defeat Measure Z, a proposed sugary drink tax in the City of Santa Cruz, has spent more than $1.2 million so far, according to campaign finance reports filed this week. With less than two weeks before the Nov. 5 election, supporters of the measure had reported spending only $43,000.
Government
Posted inPolitics & Policy
City of Santa Cruz defends efforts to prevent and track sexual assault and domestic violence
The Santa Cruz City Council has filed a formal response to a civil grand jury report criticizing the city’s efforts to prevent and track sexual assault and domestic violence, disagreeing with most of its conclusions and rejecting more than half of the report’s recommendations.
Posted inHousing & Development
Watsonville OKs development of 14 affordable single-family homes
The Watsonville City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to approve two new housing projects, on Evan Circle and Airport Road. The projects would develop a total of 18 new homes in Watsonville — 14 of which will be affordable housing.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Santa Cruz hopes to trade deeply affordable housing for height limits in downtown expansion
The Santa Cruz City Council endorsed a plan on Tuesday that would offer developers incentives to limit building height to 12 stories in the South of Laurel neighborhood, including reducing the number of units developers are required to offer to very low-income renters.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Neighbors fight ‘tiny village’ as Watsonville struggles to help homeless
Neighbors are fighting a 34-unit “tiny village” shelter for the homeless proposed for land at Westview Presbyterian Church in Watsonville, saying they already fear “homeless-related crime” in the area. The church’s pastor believes the shelter will keep people off the streets and eliminate some of the impacts from the homeless that residents are concerned about.
Posted inLatest News
Santa Cruz police to up downtown patrols for Halloween
From the evening of Thursday, Oct. 31, to the morning of Monday, Nov. 4, more than 100 uniformed officers from the Santa Cruz Police Department and other neighboring agencies will be patrolling the area around downtown, which typically draws large Halloween crowds.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
In Watsonville, Tamara Vides takes reins of a city government she’s spent a career supporting
The Watsonville City Council voted 4-1 in August to elevate Tamara Vides from interim to permanent city manager. Her appointment marks the first time a woman has held the position. Vides has worked for the City of Watsonville for more than 25 years in various positions, including assistant city manager and budget analyst for the parks department.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Neighbor appeals approval of ‘tiny village’ housing for Watsonville homeless
A Watsonville neighbor’s appeal is asking the city to rescind approval of the zoning application for a “tiny village” project that would provide housing for the homeless on land at Westview Presbyterian Church. City officials approved the application by Santa Cruz and Monterey counties despite concerns by members of the city council, saying a state law promoting affordable housing growth supersedes local control over the project.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
‘Not a normal campaign’: Santa Cruz’s Measure Z soda tax tests the limits of grassroots vs. industry titans
Santa Cruz’s Measure Z proposes a 2-cents-per-fluid-ounce tax on sugar-sweetened beverages that could bring in an estimated $1.3 million in revenue, but it’s drawn a fierce battle between Big Soda opposition and local supporters. As the city tests the limits of California’s tax laws, broader implications could follow for other communities.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Santa Cruz City Council rejects plan to loosen accessory dwelling rules
The Santa Cruz City Council voted against easing restrictions on accessory dwelling units Tuesday, fearing lax ADU rules could invite investors, increase demand and drive up prices. Some councilmembers argued that the changes were needed to provide more flexibility amid a housing affordability crisis, while others demanded more data on the potential impacts before proceeding.