Phil Kramer, executive director of Housing Matters, wants to take the compassion and love Santa Cruz County used to get through 2020 and keep it flowing to help the homeless next year. A $2.5 million grant from an organization overseen by Jeff Bezos is sure to help.
Recovery & Reopening
Posted inPolitics & Policy
21 for ’21: Rabbi Paula Marcus on the art of staying hopeful — and connected
As senior rabbi at Temple Beth El and one of Santa Cruz County’s most high-profile religious leaders, Paula Marcus has had to learn a few lessons in adaptability and vulnerability amid the pandemic.
Posted inEnvironment
Restoration of Big Basin’s ancient redwoods begins: Park gets $500,000 for initial wildfire recovery cleanup
Two groups that have supported California’s oldest state park since its formation in 1902 have pledged $543,000 to help the ancient redwoods forest in the aftermath of the CZU Lightning Complex fire.
Posted inCOVID 2022
Residents of Dominican Oaks in isolation after person tests positive for COVID-19
An administrator of the retirement community near Dominican Hospital in Santa Cruz told residents this week that “a community member” had tested positive but offered few other details.
Posted inHealth & Wellness
Fauci: Vaccines should allow California colleges to teach in-person next fall
While coronavirus cases are surging across California and overwhelming intensive care units, the country’s top infectious disease expert said today he’s “cautiously optimistic” that college students can return to campus in the fall.
Posted inCOVID 2022
The wealthy scramble for COVID-19 vaccines: ‘If I donate $25,000 … would that help me?’
As California faces a surge in coronavirus cases, vaccines may be weeks away with three drug companies reporting…
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Sheriff: No ‘heavy discipline, termination’ for officers after gathering may have led to jail COVID outbreak
Santa Cruz County Sheriff Jim Hart has set a Jan. 6 deadline to complete an investigation into whether a large gathering led to a coronavirus outbreak among correctional officers. Hart called it a “learning moment” for the people involved, “for them to understand that their actions impact more than just themselves.”
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Santa Cruz to close San Lorenzo Park, citing problems with homeless encampment
The city’s emergency executive order cites crime, trespassing, graffiti, social distancing issues and trash as reasons for the park’s temporary closure.
Posted inBusiness & Technology
‘I’m upset. I’m sad. I’m nervous.’: Service industry reels as another stay-at-home order kicks in
From hair salons to the outdoor dining, small business owners are struggling. Stranded Beauty Bar in Seabright and Venus Spirits on the Westside are two examples of businesses pushed to the brink.
Posted inCOVID 2022
Congressional leaders close in on virus aid deal with another possible stimulus check, unemployment aid
New Leaf Community Markets brand manager Lindsay Gizdich said the store is moving from Pacific Avenue in order to have…