As Santa Cruz weighs a major downtown expansion and a new housing measure, Mayor Fred Keeley faces a defining week. Years of planning come to a head as the city debates growth, change and what kind of future it wants to build.
Government
Posted inWatsonville / Pajaro
Watsonville appoints David Brletic new community development director
The City of Watsonville has tapped David Brletic as the new community development director. Brletic, who officially began his role Monday, will lead the city’s community development department which oversees planning, zoning and building projects.
Posted inCapitola & Soquel
In Capitola, city council resignations are rare. Two in one year is unprecedented.
In a town where mid-term resignations are rare, Capitola has seen two in five months. With tensions rising and a council seat now empty again, city leaders will soon have to decide how to move forward.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Laird walks tightrope with bill to limit financial fallout from sex abuse lawsuits
State Sen. John Laird is advancing a bill aimed at easing the financial burden of sexual abuse lawsuits on public institutions, while adjusting legal standards for older claims — an effort to balance justice for survivors with the stability of local budgets.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Addis’ ambitious bill would force oil companies to pay for historic, and future, climate damage
After a tenure marked by climate disasters, Assemblymember Dawn Addis is pushing bold environmental legislation — including a revived “Polluters Pay” bill that would charge oil companies for climate damages — as California seeks new ways to fund its climate resilience.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
‘This doesn’t end here’: Proposed layoffs, program cuts set off fight between the county and its largest union
As Santa Cruz County considers health department layoffs and service cuts, community members and staff warn of serious consequences — including risks to suicide prevention and recovery programs — setting the stage for a contentious budget process this June.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Santa Cruz County health director resigns following proposed layoffs
A day after news broke that Santa Cruz County’s largest department, the Health Services Agency, would propose layoffs and cuts to services and staffing positions, the agency’s director, Mónica Morales, abruptly announced her resignation.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Layoffs, staff and service cuts to lead county health department’s budget proposal
Santa Cruz County’s Health Services Agency is proposing major budget cuts that could mean layoffs, program reductions and the end of key services. A briefing Tuesday to the county board of supervisors will unpack the financial pressures behind the agency’s difficult decisions.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Santa Cruz officials get tough on downtown vacancies, approve a stimulus measure
The Santa Cruz City Council is taking action to address long-vacant downtown storefronts with the proposed Downtown Vibrancy Ordinance requiring upkeep plans, local management and city coordination. The broader resolution aims to boost downtown vitality through alleyway activation and business support.
Posted inHousing & Development
Texas-based developer’s eight-story proposal could kick off Santa Cruz’s downtown expansion
Downtown Santa Cruz is set for big changes in the coming years with a new, expanded downtown envisioned south of Laurel Street. A Texas-based developer wants to be the first one in the new neighborhood.