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.
Murray Street Bridge
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.
Posted inFood & Drink
Eaters Digest: Support your favorite Seabright or harbor restaurant
Beleaguered businesses on either side of the closed Murray Street Bridge could use a shot in the arm, and Lily Belli has plenty of suggestions for where to get your food & drink on.
Posted inFood & Drink
Murray Street Bridge closure delivers fatal blow to Seabright Social
After five years, Seabright Social will serve its last meal at the end of the month, with owners citing the Murray Street Bridge closure as the clear cause of a 30% drop in business.
Posted inBusiness & Technology
‘This is an emergency’: Seabright and harbor business owners demand relief from Murray Street Bridge closure
At a tense and emotional Santa Cruz City Council meeting Tuesday, Seabright and harbor-area business owners warned they are on the brink of shutting down due to the Murray Street Bridge closure.