The Watsonville City Council on Tuesday is scheduled to revisit its contract with Atlanta-based tech company Flock Safety. Councilmember Ari Parker suggested bringing the issue back for a public discussion after hearing concerns from community members.
Government
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Proposed ballot measure requiring voter approval for AI data centers fails
A proposed ballot measure that would have required voter approval on artificial intelligence data centers failed to move forward at Tuesday’s Santa Cruz County supervisors meeting, with elected officials saying there is not an “urgent need” as there are no projects being proposed in the county.
Posted inHousing & Development
Watsonville rescinds approval for 21-unit housing project after airport safety lawsuit
Watsonville officials have rescinded approval of a 21-unit townhome development across from the municipal airport after a judge ruled that the city violated state airport safety and environmental laws in approving the development.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Amid fiscal crisis, Santa Cruz County supervisors table discussion of their own pay
Santa Cruz County supervisors have tabled until January a discussion on potential changes to how their salaries are determined, following concerns from several board members, who pointed out that bringing up the issue while the county faces budgetary issues is “not a good look.”
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Watsonville Flock debate gains momentum as councilmember rethinks support
After Santa Cruz ended its contract with Flock Safety, activists are stepping up efforts to persuade Watsonville to do the same — and at least one councilmember who previously supported the surveillance cameras is beginning to have second thoughts.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Panetta, local officials and nonprofit leaders vow to support immigrants as deportation fears persist
Local government and nonprofit leaders joined Rep. Jimmy Panetta Tuesday afternoon to reassure Santa Cruz County’s immigrant community that they are committed to supporting them as deportation fears continue.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Who’s running for Watsonville City Council? Four district races begin to take shape
In Watsonville, there will be four seats up for grabs in the November election — including a seat that will determine next year’s mayor. Here’s a roundup of who’s running, which includes some familiar faces.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
¿Quiénes se postulan para el Concejo Municipal de Watsonville? Cuatro contiendas distritales comienzan a tomar forma
En Watsonville habrá cuatro puestos del Concejo Municipal en juego en las elecciones de noviembre, incluido uno que determinará quién será el alcalde el próximo año. Aquí presentamos un resumen de los candidatos, entre los que figuran algunos rostros conocidos.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Santa Cruz County to put half-cent sales tax increase on November ballot, declares state of fiscal distress as federal cuts mount
The Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors voted Tuesday to put a half-cent sales tax increase on the November ballot and declared a state of financial distress amid ongoing challenges.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
State energy commission determines New Leaf Energy’s application for Watsonville project ‘incomplete’
The California Energy Commission has determined that an application from Massachusetts-based developer New Leaf Energy for its proposed battery storage facility located in Watsonville is incomplete following a 30-day review. The state energy commission finished its initial review of New Leaf’s application on July 8. It determined that the developers need additional information for more […]
