A Silicon Valley developer has proposed demolishing the historic downtown Santa Cruz home of The Catalyst nightclub and erecting a new seven-story, mixed-use building, Jessica M. Pasko reports in her weekly survey of local business. She’s also got news from the Westside, on the local wine industry and more.
Murray Street Bridge
Posted inBusiness & Technology
From steelhead to sewer lines: Why the Murray Street Bridge rebuild can’t move faster
Construction on the Murray Street Bridge has disrupted traffic and strained nearby businesses, but Santa Cruz officials say the three-year timeline can’t be shortened, in part because of strict environmental regulations.
Posted inLatest News
Santa Cruz City Council tosses plan to build temporary path along rail line next to Murray Street Bridge
The Santa Cruz City Council voted Tuesday to scrap plans for a temporary bicycle and pedestrian path over the rail line next to Murray Street Bridge, with councilmembers pointing to too many legal and engineering obstacles, along with a lack of available funding.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
In the Public Interest: Tuesday hearing on battery storage ordinance a crucial green energy test
A busy week in Santa Cruz County politics and policy kicks off with the county’s proposed ordinance on battery energy storage systems is set for a hearing before supervisors Tuesday. The Santa Cruz City Council revisits a temporary path to help businesses and residents around the Murray Street Bridge, and Capitola holds a catch-all town hall.
Posted inLatest News
Carmageddon: To ease Murray Street Bridge closure, RTC pushes ahead with biking, walking path over harbor
Transit officials are proposing an 8-foot trail over the Santa Cruz Harbor rail bridge between Seabright Avenue and 7th Avenue that could be used by as many as 450 cyclists and pedestrians daily.
Posted inBusiness & Technology
This week in Santa Cruz County business: Business owners’ input sought ahead of 2026 sporting events; Seabright Social files for bankruptcy
In her weekly survey of local business, Jessica M. Pasko notes Santa Cruz County’s efforts to attract some of the visitors headed to nearby Santa Clara for next year’s Super Bowl and World Cup, bankruptcy for a business affected by the Murray Street Bridge closure and much more.
Posted inFood & Drink
Lily Belli on Food: Split first impressions at La Bahia; Verve ditches service fee; free Seabright parking to boost businesses
In her Tuesday newsletter, Lookout correspondent Lily Belli relays her food & drink experience at the newly opened La Bahia Hotel & Spa, notes some turmoil at Verve Coffee Roasters and plenty more from the Santa Cruz County scene.
Posted inLatest News
Carmageddon: City council’s Murray Street Bridge rescue plan could take years, with uncertain benefits
The Santa Cruz City Council’s plans to fix problems caused by the lengthy Murray Street Bridge closure could face a long, costly road ahead, city officials say, with no guarantee they will significantly ease congestion.
Posted inLatest News
City council OKs relief plan for Seabright, harbor businesses hurt by Murray Street Bridge closure
Santa Cruz city officials approved a plan to explore multiple aid measures for businesses affected by the three-year Murray Street Bridge construction, from free parking and business loans to a new bus route and a possible bike path on the nearby rail line.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
In the Public Interest: The lost summer: City scrambles to make it up to Seabright businesses
Around Santa Cruz County politics and policy with Lookout correspondent Christopher Neely.