The City of Scotts Valley has secured $1 million funding promised by the federal government last year to help develop the Town Center property, marking a milestone in the 30 years of attempts to develop the former Skypark Airport.
Government
Posted inPolitics & Policy
When momentum meets politics: How Pajaro River levee funding is struggling for priority in Trump’s Washington
Despite bipartisan support and urgency following the 2023 breach of the Pajaro River levee, phase-two funding for its $600 million replacement project was omitted from federal budgets, raising concerns over delays and political interference.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
A Santa Cruz feud sparked a bill to stop homelessness ‘dumping’; San Francisco’s own busing program stalled it
Assemblymember Gail Pellerin’s bill to ban homeless relocation without coordination stalled amid concerns it could affect San Francisco’s busing programs. She plans to amend and reintroduce it in 2026.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Addis bill to force California’s biggest polluters to pay climate disaster reparations is on ice, for now
A bill by Assemblymember Dawn Addis to make fossil fuel companies pay for climate disasters stalled amid heavy industry lobbying and opposition. It’s delayed until 2026 but remains “viable.”
Posted inLatest News
RTC’s rail trail deadline arrives, but mobile home parks haven’t moved, likely spurring at least one lawsuit
The Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission’s June 30 deadline for removing encroachments on future trail land is here. While the owners and residents of one Live Oak mobile home park are discussing alternatives, those from the other park will likely face legal action.
Posted inHousing & Development
County planning department resolves to overcome its ‘culture of no’
After fielding heavy criticism over the past several years, Santa Cruz County’s planning division is considering a major overhaul of its processes.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
‘It takes over your life’: County CEO Carlos Palacios on duty, disaster and the decision to step down
After more than eight years leading Santa Cruz County through disasters, budget battles and political shifts, CEO Carlos Palacios prepares to retire, reflecting on service, sacrifice — and what comes next.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
As top bureaucrat retires, Santa Cruz County’s ‘generational shift’ deepens for local government
As Carlos Palacios steps down from his post as Santa Cruz County’s executive officer, a national search will begin for his replacement.
Posted inWatsonville / Pajaro
Watsonville police overuse handcuffs, detentions for minor crimes, county watchdog says
A new Santa Cruz County Civil Grand Jury report found that the Watsonville Police Department handcuffs, detains and transports more people for misdemeanors, such as theft, trespassing and DUIs, than other local law enforcement agencies.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
County executive Carlos Palacios to step down in December
Carlos Palacios, Santa Cruz County’s top government executive, will retire in December after nearly a decade at the helm.