Turns out the universe has a lottery, and today I’m holding the winning ticket, both soaking in the hot springs and washing dishes, at this Nirvana on a hot edge of the Pacific. This is a peak experience for those with aging, worn-down bodies, and I’m thinking of all those who may have trod these paths and seen these sights. Did Alan Watts or Joseph Campbell stand in this spot and admire this view? Did Ram Dass or Aldous Huxley sit on this grass?
Housing
Posted inPandemic Life
New ultra-contagious Omicron subvariants BA.4, BA.5 worsening California coronavirus wave
Subvariants BA.4, BA5 are ultra-contagious and capable of reinfecting those who have survived earlier Omicron infection
Posted inHousing & Development
After 11 years of rising Santa Cruz home prices, ‘we’re in a dip at the moment’
Home prices in Santa Cruz County have flattened and even begun to drop in recent months, as they have across the country. Will it last? Experienced realtors say it’s too early to say.
Posted inHealth & Wellness
Santa Cruz’s flavored tobacco ban: County now leads the state in latest regulations
As Big Tobacco fights California’s statewide actions, Santa Cruz becomes the first bigger county to ban those products with “a taste or smell other than tobacco.” Scotts Valley’s new ordinance, to take effect July 15, completes city and county action intended to reduce fast-growing use among young people.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Going to bat for affordable housing: In passionate tug of war over Soquel project, supporters get loud
While vocal neighborhood opposition turned out at Cabrillo College on Monday night, so did a fervent cast of believers in affordable housing projects such as the Project Homekey development on Park Avenue on the border of Aptos, Soquel and Capitola. That project has received a $10.7 million grant from the state to add 36 units to an area that, like much of Santa Cruz County, is unaccustomed to growth.
Posted inCoast Life
When great white season meets summer beach season: The latest on ‘Shark Park’ from scientists, responders
With a shark attack in Pacific Grove last week the latest scare in Monterey Bay and Fourth of July weekend ahead, many might be nervous as they hit the beach. Lookout talked to those who monitor the area between Aptos and New Brighton State Beach known as “Shark Park” to find out the latest on what they’re seeing.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Soul-searching in Scotts Valley: Flag flap highlights ongoing community issues around diversity and inclusion
The flag controversy — possibly equating a gay pride flag with that of the NRA or KKK — simply reflected Santa Cruz’s least diverse city coming to grips with new realities. An active Facebook group, with 230 members, is pushing forward on diversity and equity while Scotts Valley leaders candidly confront their city’s issues.
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Yes, the market is changing: A look at the data in Santa Cruz County
You may have heard; the real estate market is changing. The feds’ interest rate hikes have had their intended effect of slowing the market. Rising interest rates mean less buying power and fewer interested buyers. It may also mean that buyers have an opportunity that hasn’t been present in two-plus years; increased leverage. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=atxrZA5d5RE While […]
Posted inPolitics & Policy
‘I’m the one who had to bury my son’: Scotts Valley mom fights for change in wake of bullied child’s suicide
Scotts Valley High freshman Mateo Deihl was different, his family and friends say, in wonderful ways. A traumatized product of the foster care system, he had compassion for others and tried to be nice to all. It made him an easy target for bullying. When his mother stepped in to try to help affect change, she says her attempts went unheeded at the middle school and high school. Mateo took his own life in February and now his mom, Regina Deihl, a longtime lawyer in the juvenile justice system, must decide what path to take in honoring his legacy.
Posted inCoast Life
‘I do belong here’: A community leader explains how the outdoors can feel like a scary, non-inclusive place
Says local United Way head Keisha Browder: “We went to Natural Bridges and then to Henry Cowell. And it was like, ‘Wow.’ So beautiful. And I’m saying, ‘I do belong here.’” She is participating Sunday in the second annual Liberation Paddle Out, part of Santa Cruz’s celebration of Juneteenth.
