For some Santa Cruz County health care workers facing layoffs, the long wait for a final budget decision felt like a slow unraveling, leaving dedicated government employees in a state of helplessness and anxious anticipation.
Government
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Most health agency layoffs delayed after county lawmakers eke out budget compromise
Santa Cruz County lawmakers put off impending layoffs for at least three more months after they reached an agreement to extend some health care services that were proposed for closure.
Posted inHealth & Wellness
‘People will die’: Local doctors, clinicians say Santa Cruz County health cuts pose big risk
Santa Cruz County doctors warn closing public lab and radiology services could endanger vulnerable patients, worsening chronic conditions and increasing ER visits. Despite pleas from front-line providers, Tuesday’s budget vote could cut vital safety-net health care infrastructure with little transition planning.
Posted inHousing & Development
Vote clears way for Clocktower Center construction – but balcony disagreement could spell trouble
The Santa Cruz Planning Commission unanimously approved the downtown Clocktower Center project Thursday, but its rejection of developer Workbench’s request for more balcony space on lower floors opened the door to litigation.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
As budget clock ticks, still no plan B to Santa Cruz County’s proposed layoffs and health service cuts
With a final budget vote looming for Santa Cruz County supervisors, the only health services funding proposal on the table so far is the original, which includes 12 layoffs as part of the elimination of more than 74 full-time positions, service reductions and closure of medical facilities.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Cities across Santa Cruz County confront looming budget deficits as costs rise and revenues slow
Santa Cruz, Watsonville, Scotts Valley and Capitola all face mounting budget pressures, with several cities predicting budget deficits now and into the future. The cities are pinning their hopes on development projects, from luxury hotels to new downtown construction, as pension costs rise and sales tax revenues plateau.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Santa Cruz’s soda tax to be decided by court following lawsuit
The American Beverage Association filed a lawsuit Wednesday challenging the city of Santa Cruz’s new, voter-approved sugar-sweetened beverage tax, setting the stage for a court battle that could determine the fate of similar taxes across the country.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
For Santa Cruz’s most vulnerable, this peer-run clubhouse is a lifeline. Now the county could take it away.
The Mental Health Client Action Network has, for decades, helped people reclaim their lives through a peer-run, clubhouse-style service center. Now, MHCAN might not make it through summer as a tight budget has the Santa Cruz County government threatening to pull funding, a decision that would permanently shutter the organization.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Filling second vacancy stirs Capitola City Council as process moves forward
Capitola will again fill a vacant city council seat by appointment — not election — following Alexander Pedersen’s resignation amid a residency controversy. Applications open Tuesday, with a council vote set for June 12.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
‘The governor is running for president’: Newsom’s homelessness critique finds few fans in Santa Cruz County
Gov. Gavin Newsom wants local jurisdictions to “take back the sidewalks” from homeless encampments; leaders in Santa Cruz County have largely pushed back against what they say is mostly talk from the state’s top political leader.