Santa Cruz, a sanctuary city since the 1980s, has traditionally recommitted to the policy when deportation rhetoric from the White House has ticked up. The city has so far kept quiet under the new Trump administration – and in mid-January held sanctuary city discussions behind closed doors.
Government
Posted inPolitics & Policy
In wake of battery plant fire, Santa Cruz County supervisors plan briefing; Central Coast lawmakers call for investigation
After last week’s fire at the Moss Landing battery plant forced evacuations and caused health and environmental concerns, calls for accountability have increased. The Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors will hold a briefing next week, while Central Coast lawmakers have called for a thorough and transparent investigation.
Posted inHousing & Development
Santa Cruz real estate lobby opposes proposed affordable housing tax measure
The Santa Cruz County Association of Realtors’ unexpected opposition throws shade over the proposed Workforce Housing Solutions Act, an affordable housing tax measure designed to raise $5 million annually through a parcel tax and a tax on sales of luxury homes in the city of Santa Cruz.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Moss Landing battery fire ignites frustration, throws skepticism over another battery facility eyed for Santa Cruz County
As flames continue to burn at Moss Landing’s battery facility, a proposed $200 million Santa Cruz County project faces heightened scrutiny. Local leaders have demanded stricter safety measures and accountability, and are questioning if the risks of an energy storage project outweigh its benefits.
Posted inCapitola & Soquel
Capitola will fill vacant city council seat through open application process after public pushback
Instead of choosing between two recently unsuccessful city council candidates, the Capitola City Council opted Thursday to switch gears and fill a vacant seat through an open application process. The council will make the final selection on Jan. 30.
Posted inScotts Valley
Scotts Valley City Council backs efforts to make community more autism-friendly
Scotts Valley officials voiced support for a plan to allocate funds for autism certification training for local businesses and community organizations, joining a broader movement to make Santa Cruz County more welcoming to neurodivergent visitors and residents.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Determining what went wrong during Santa Cruz Wharf collapse will be long process, city says
Santa Cruz officials are investigating the Dec. 23 wharf collapse, which caused nearly $19 million in damage. The city has approved a recovery package and is planning a structural analysis to determine future steps.
Posted inLatest News
Capitola City Council backs annual wharf fireworks show in permit struggle even as it ignites community debate
The Capitola City Council unanimously voted last week to support the continuation of the Monte Foundation fireworks show in the fall over the wharf.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
As soda tax lawsuit looms, Santa Cruz officials are trying to ‘build our war chest’
In Santa Cruz, triumphing against Big Soda to pass the country’s first sugar-sweetened beverage tax since 2018 was only the first hurdle. Now, the city faces a looming legal challenge, and financial backing isn’t as certain as some had hoped.
Posted inLatest News
Cal/OSHA confirms it is investigating Santa Cruz Wharf collapse
The state agency responsible for holding employers accountable for workplace safety has launched an investigation into the Dec. 23 Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf collapse, a spokesperson for Cal/OSHA confirmed.