Capitola’s plan to fortify Cliff Drive against storms and sea-level rise will cost far more than expected — up to $80 million — forcing the city to phase construction over many years.
Government
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Battery storage developer aims to advance Watsonville project before next summer, regardless of Santa Cruz County’s rules
Santa Cruz County supervisors postponed battery storage rules until August 2026, a delay that could push developer New Leaf Energy to sidestep local review and seek faster state approval for its $200 million project.
Posted inHousing & Development
With thousands of new housing units on horizon, Santa Cruz looks to tackle looming parking squeeze
A statewide prohibition on parking minimums has placed cities like Santa Cruz in a tough spot as it prepares to permit thousands of new housing units over the next five years. This means more cars but not necessarily more places to fit them. Local lawmakers are now pushing for a way to mitigate what they worry will be a parking squeeze.
Posted inHousing & Development
One arrested as Santa Cruz breaks ground on long-sought downtown library and affordable housing project
Santa Cruz launched construction on its flagship downtown library and affordable housing project Wednesday, though protests erupted as Food Not Bombs founder Keith McHenry disrupted the event before being arrested by police.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Santa Cruz County plan to demolish abandoned, oversized vehicles stalls amid homeless concerns
Santa Cruz County’s effort to clear abandoned cars and RVs stalled Tuesday after backlash to a proposal letting tow companies immediately dismantle vehicles, raising concerns about displacing homeless residents relying on them.
Posted inHousing & Development
Downtown Plan Expansion — with 1,600 new housing units and pathway to new Santa Cruz Warriors arena — wins state’s OK
The California Coastal Commission has signed off on Santa Cruz’s Downtown Plan Expansion, clearing the way for taller buildings, up to 1,600 new housing units and a potential new Santa Cruz Warriors arena south of Laurel Street.
Posted inHousing & Development
Eight-story, 178-unit Clocktower Center clears final vote, capping Santa Cruz’s most polarizing development battle
The Santa Cruz City Council approved Workbench’s scaled-down Clocktower Center project — originally hailed by its developers as something “Santa Cruz hasn’t seen.” The vote ends more than a year of fierce public debate and cements the controversial development as a high-profile product of California’s pro-housing state laws.
Posted inBusiness & Technology
Santa Cruz County quietly abandons blockchain program once touted as bleeding edge
Santa Cruz County has shelved its ambitious blockchain wallet project after two years, citing complexity and low public adoption. Officials now plan to pursue simpler digital tools they say are better suited to resident needs.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Special interests pour $260,000 into competing Santa Cruz affordable housing measures so far
As the campaigns ramp up for the dueling affordable housing measures on the November ballot in the city of Santa Cruz, nearly all campaign cash has come from special interests — with everyday residents largely sitting out of the fight.
Posted inHealth & Wellness
Santa Cruz County taps Ventura assistant director to lead health agency
Connie Moreno-Peraza’s hire as HSA director comes amid a sea change that has taken shape in county leadership over the past year, from the sheriff to the county’s top bureaucrat.