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.
Government
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.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Closing a street to cars may feature in Santa Cruz City Council downtown economic plan later this month
Each week for nearly the past year, a grassroots group has met at a Santa Cruz beer house with one goal: closing some downtown Santa Cruz streets to cars. The group has gotten support from business owners, employees and downtown patrons, and now, city leaders are mulling whether to bring the idea up for a vote that could eventually reshape how locals and visitors experience the city center.
Posted inHousing & Development
Santa Cruz planning commission advances ambitious plan to reshape downtown with taller, denser buildings
More than four years in the making, Santa Cruz’s planning commission has advanced a sweeping proposal to extend the city’s downtown south of Laurel Street toward the coastline, an effort that aims to reshape the city’s urban core with new housing, taller buildings and walkable infrastructure. The proposal now heads to the city council.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Justin Cummings has shored up unparalleled support for a Coastal Commission reappointment. Will it be enough?
Santa Cruz County Supervisor Justin Cummings has unanimous regional support to remain on the powerful California Coastal Commission. But the decision is up to Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas — whose political calculations could complicate what looks to many like a clear choice.