Santa Cruz County Supervisor Justin Cummings’ future on the California Coastal Commission is uncertain as Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas opens the application process for his seat. With political dynamics at play, Cummings must now reapply for his influential role.
Government
Posted inLatest News
Public outcry grows as residents urge Santa Cruz County to halt battery proposal amid Moss Landing disaster
One month after a lithium-ion battery storage facility just south of the Santa Cruz-Monterey county line erupted into a dayslong blaze that sent plumes of toxic smoke into the air, residents from across Santa Cruz County say they are frustrated by the lack of information and engagement they’ve received from the local government. On Tuesday, several residents demanded a town hall meeting, and vocally opposed any progress on a lithium-ion battery storage facility proposed for outside Watsonville.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Federal cuts could rock ‘every social safety net program’ in Santa Cruz County
Carlos Palacios, the Santa Cruz County government’s chief executive, warns that proposed federal budget cuts could significantly affect local social safety net programs. With uncertainty surrounding Medicaid, food assistance, and FEMA reimbursements, county officials are preparing for potential financial strain and difficult decisions in the months ahead.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
No warning, no goodbye: ICE quietly deports Santa Cruz resident after 22 years
In what appears to be the first known case of a deportation in Santa Cruz County since Donald Trump returned as president, ICE agents last month arrested Adolfo Gonzalez of Santa Cruz, a handyman who had lived locally for 22 years.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Apocalypse When? How Santa Cruz County is preparing for the next disaster
When it comes to disaster preparedness, Santa Cruz County is employing not only a recently established Office of Response, Recovery & Resilience, but also a community nonprofit called CERT that deploys trained volunteers to help where needed. It’s all part of an effort to minimize loss and tragedy in the inevitable situations sure to come.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Margaux Morgan gets second shot at Capitola City Council with interim appointment
Margaux Morgan’s political fortunes have shifted once again. After losing her reelection bid in November, she returned to the Capitola City Council on Thursday, appointed to fill a lingering vacancy. Her comeback, met with both scrutiny and support, reshapes the city’s leadership and adds experience to a still-green dais.
Posted inLatest News
Cannabis lounges get initial nod from Santa Cruz County supervisors; final votes still to come
With a 3-2 vote by supervisors Tuesday, Santa Cruz County is moving toward legalizing cannabis consumption lounges, a decision met with both cautious approval and public health concerns. Supporters see a pragmatic step toward regulating an already widespread activity, while critics warn of normalization and secondhand smoke risks.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Amid national ‘sanctuary cities’ concerns, Santa Cruz City Council ponders what to do – privately
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.
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.