Santa Cruz-based nonprofit Senderos is holding its 20th guelaguetza on Sunday at the Branciforte Small Schools campus. The annual tradition, which brings a taste of the culture of the Mexican state of Oaxaca to the community, almost didn’t happen this year due to concerns after President Donald Trump returned to the White House.
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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 inArts & Entertainment
MAH, Children’s Museum face big federal budget cuts
Two prominent museums in Santa Cruz County are adapting to the announcement that federal funds they have depended on have been canceled by the Trump administration. The Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History and the Children’s Museum of Discovery are both facing significant cuts and are planning to turn to foundation and individual support to make up the shortfall.
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 inHealth & Wellness
At Watsonville Community Hospital, federal Medicaid cuts cast shadow over progress
Watsonville Community Hospital leaders reported improved finances and plans for upgrades and an expansion of the ER paid for by $116 million Measure N funds, while warning of threats from proposed federal Medicaid cuts during their first State of Hospital address.
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.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
After 22 years in Santa Cruz, deported handyman struggles to build a life in a Mexico he barely knows
Three months ago, Adolfo González, a 62-year-old handyman in Santa Cruz, was arrested and deported to Mexico. González was forced to restart a new life in Cuautitlán, outside of Mexico City, and the journey has not been the easiest.
Posted inWatsonville / Pajaro
Homicide investigation opened into death of Watsonville man found buried at Pajaro River levee
Monterey County detectives identified a body found on the Pajaro River levee as Jesus Alfonso Durate Figueroa, 36, of Watsonville. A Monterey County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson said the cause of death is still being investigated, but are treating the case as a homicide.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
A DHS vehicle spotted on Mission Street caused panic on social media. Only, it wasn’t ICE.
The false alarm over the DHS vehicle reflects a heightened state of vigilance that has persisted in the county since the Trump administration announced aggressive immigration enforcement policies, making even routine sightings of federal vehicles a source of community anxiety.