Biden administration officials are attempting to tamp down any overly optimistic expectations following Ukraine’s significant gains against Russia in recent days. Ukraine claims to have retaken thousands of square miles of Russian-occupied territory in an offensive that began last week. Moscow acknowledged a “regrouping,” which others saw as a retreat. “The path to victory is […]
Government
Posted inEvents, Politics & Policy
‘Yoda on your shoulder’: Three times he was nearly murdered but a ‘cop whisperer’ brought him back
Not all brains require the post-traumatic stress gymnastics that Karen Lansing is able to put them through, but the ones that do need it desperately. Some officers — like Santa Cruz County sheriff’s deputy Alex Spencer, who was ambushed by Steven Carrillo on June 6, 2020 — find themselves suddenly thrust into a position where they must confront the unknowns of what just happened deep inside their mind. It’s a strange, emotional, highly necessary trip, Spencer relates.
Posted inLatest News
With gas-fueled car ban, California hopes to lead the nation. Can it deliver?
The state will need to make good on a number of other promises to achieve its climate goals. Here’s how California is faring toward those goals.
Posted inUncategorized
How much opposition will there be to a senior living facility planned along West Cliff Drive?
A bit different than some of the other recently proposed developments, the city of Santa Cruz initially received a pre-application in 2019 for an assisted living project adjacent to the Shrine of St. Joseph church. After the public raised concerns in 2020, the project’s size was reduced; a presentation is scheduled for the planning commission’s Oct. 6 meeting.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
California voters to decide on repeal of anti-public housing measure in 2024
The measure will ask voters to do away with Article 34 of the California Constitution, which requires voter approval before public housing is built in a community. Passed in 1950, the provision stymied low-income housing construction in California for decades and continues today to add to the cost and uncertainty of building affordable housing.
Posted inLatest News
Lawmakers approve $1.4 billion loan for PG&E to keep Diablo Canyon nuclear plant open
Gov. Gavin Newsom convinced California lawmakers to extend operations at the Diablo Canyon nuclear plant five years beyond its expected closure date and lend PG&E $1.4 billion to keep the facility open. The company had agreed six years ago to close the plant in 2025.
Posted inEvents, Watsonville / Pajaro
‘We should be perceived as a brand-new team’: CEO Steven Salyer outlines next steps for Watsonville hospital
After 20 years of struggling under for-profit ownership, Watsonville Community Hospital has returned to public hands as of Thursday. The Pajaro Valley Health Care District board and CEO Steven Salyer say they have a plan to make the hospital sustainable.
Posted inLatest News
Brutal heat wave will push California’s energy grid to limit during Labor Day weekend
Extreme heat expected from Wednesday through Tuesday next week is likely to lead to Flex Alerts and other emergency measures.
Posted inBusiness & Technology
California lawmakers pass new social media protections for minors
A pair of bills approved by California legislators would regulate how Facebook, YouTube and other platforms treat minors and seek to influence how they moderate extremist content.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
‘Extra gut punch’ no more: Children of fallen police officers like Sgt. Damon Gutzwiller will now get financial compensation
California Senate Bill 850 updates language to guarantee financial support for children of first responders who are killed in the line of duty, even if the parents aren’t married. The son and daughter of Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Sgt. Damon Gutzwiller and Faviola Del Real, along with the children of Santa Cruz Police Detective Elizabeth Butler, who was killed in 2013, will now be eligible to receive state compensation.