Plenty of challenges lie ahead as California mandates zero-emission cars, including cost and access to charging.
Government
Posted inWatsonville / Pajaro
‘Largest community fundraising campaign in county history’ nears finish line with Watsonville Community Hospital
Santa Cruz County staffers — including top county administrative officer Carlos Palacios — are helping with the complex transition from private to public for the hospital, as locals plan a celebration of the work. Meanwhile, Supervisor Zach Friend warns that the challenges aren’t over, just changing.
Posted inLatest News
Proposal to put abortion protections in California Constitution appears headed for victory
Eight in 10 California voters say abortion is an important issue when voting this year, while 71% say they plan to vote yes on Proposition 1, an amendment to enshrine reproductive rights in the state constitution.
Posted inHousing & Development
Redesigning Santa Cruz into 2030: City begins to tackle major rezoning and new design rules
As the state of California asserts itself in affordability planning, the city of Santa Cruz aims to regain some control over the nature of the projects to be built. At the same time, 387 parcels along Mission Street, Ocean Street and Soquel Avenue are up for rezoning, with the big goal in mind: more housing.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Justice Department memo attempts to rationalize lack of charges in Trump Russia investigation
A federal judge ordered the Department of Justice to release the memo because it was created after the decision not to charge Trump had been made.
Posted inLatest News
Biden will cancel $10,000 of student debt for many borrowers
President Joe Biden says he’s canceling $10,000 in student debt for those making $125,000 a year or less; people who received Pell grants to help cover the cost of college will be eligible for up to $20,000 in loan relief.
Posted inLatest News
Ask Lookout: What was that big helicopter going back and forth to the DeLaveaga fire recently?
Folks around downtown might have seen a new addition to Cal Fire’s air attack dipping into the San Lorenzo River near the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk to help fight a recent blaze. Here’s a closer look.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
California voters don’t want Biden or Trump to run in 2024, poll shows
Among the state’s Democrats, Gov. Gavin Newsom has the edge over Vice President Kamala Harris to be President Joe Biden’s successor in 2024.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
California’s fast food bill could link chains to wage theft and other workplace violations
Proponents say AB 257 could curb wage theft, but restaurateurs say it could raise costs and prices and fundamentally change relationships with fast food chains.
Posted inCoast Life
Beyond the Benchlands: Under lawsuit threat, Santa Cruz sets plan to clear homeless camp. What happens next?
Santa Cruz began clearing the Benchlands this week, but city leaders acknowledge that this could be a slow process depending on the number of shelter beds it can provide and the willingness of those in the encampment along the San Lorenzo River to relocate.