In six months on the job as director of Santa Cruz County’s new Housing for Health division, Dr. Robert Ratner has seen plenty of interest and passion in the community around housing but perhaps not enough ways to channel engagement and elevate positive solutions.
Housing
Posted inHousing & Development
Sizzling Santa Cruz housing market, meet the overhauled Court of Mysteries: Iconic place up for $4.6 million
After an ambitious remodel since it most recently changed hands in 2016, the iconic property on Fair Avenue on the Westside is on the market for $4.625 million.
Posted inHousing & Development
Is union labor requirement in the way of easing California’s affordable housing crisis?
What is a skilled and trained workforce, and what could the labor requirement do to California affordable housing bills in the Legislature?
Posted inHousing & Development
Is California still facing an eviction tsunami when the moratorium ends?
CalMatters conducted a Q&A with housing researcher Carolina Reid, who has been tracking vulnerable renters throughout the pandemic. She says the state could help renters facing eviction — if enough money gets to them in time.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
State body probing conflict-of-interest claim against Santa Cruz vice mayor
Santa Cruz Vice Mayor Sonja Brunner is under investigation by the California Fair Political Practices Commission after a complaint alleged that she violated conflict-of-interest rules by voting on the since-scrapped Temporary Outdoor Living Ordinance.
Posted inHousing & Development
ADU changes head to County supervisors after planning commission OKs, with tweaks — what that means for you
With a few suggestions, the five-member planning commission voted unanimously Wednesday to recommend that county supervisors adopt the proposed ordinance on accessory dwelling units, which aims to address issues including the number of ADUs allowed on a single property, coastal parking requirements and owner occupancy.
Posted inBusiness & Technology
Santa Cruz County Business Council picks executive director with background in housing policy
The advocacy group representing many of the county’s largest employers announced Friday it has selected Emily Ham as its new executive director, citing her “expertise in public administration and understanding of Santa Cruz and the Monterey Bay’s unique policies and issues.”
Posted inHousing & Development
Important shovels in the ground: Sights of groundbreaking at Live Oak health care, affordable housing campus
Health care and affordable housing organizations came together with Santa Cruz County politicians, donors and community members Saturday to celebrate the groundbreaking at the campus at 1500 Capitola Road in Live Oak.
Posted inHousing & Development
The continuing push to streamline Santa Cruz County’s ADU regulations: Here’s what you need to know
Santa Cruz County is mulling changes to its regulations for accessory dwelling units, sometimes called “granny flats.” Seen by some as a tool to build up the housing stock, the proposed tweaks to the rules aim to further streamline ADU development and align the county with changes in state law.
Posted inHousing & Development
Cash to help California renters goes unspent with eviction protections expiring soon
With eviction protections expiring at the end of June, advocates say the state needs to do more to help low-income tenants get assistance.