Santa Cruz citizens and neighbors are summoning new energy and vision to “Save West Cliff.” The iconic 2.7-mile promenade that presents stunning, unimpeded views of the ocean has meant so much to so many for so long. With climate change now accelerating its challenges, citizens and the city now also step up their work and advocacy. Next up: a Feb. 13 “community conversation” about West Cliff Drive.
Storms 2023: Road to Recovery
Posted inLatest News
Road, transit projects face delays and millions in storm damage, but rail trail avoids major impact
January’s storms have delayed work on Highway 1 and the Coastal Rail Trail, while roads, walkways, bridges and more Santa Cruz County infrastructure got hit hard. It could cost nearly $60 million in total, the Regional Transportation Commission estimates.
Posted inLatest News
San Lorenzo Valley Water District digs into nearly $3 million in storm repairs
It’s a mix of immediate and long-term fixes for the San Lorenzo Valley Water District as it continues to struggle with road closures and infrastructure damage in the wake of January’s storms.
Posted inLatest News
Federal climate scientist estimates California suffered more than $1 billion in damage from winter storms
If anyone knows what goes into calculating the cost of natural disasters, it’s Adam Smith, an applied climatologist with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration who has tracked more than 300 different billion-dollar storms dating back to 1980.
Posted inLatest News
Capitola Village restaurant repairs moving along; some aiming to reopen within weeks
The timelines vary for Capitola Village restaurants’ reopening, but the work is under way, and some look to open within weeks.
Posted inLatest News
SC County Community Foundation gives $100K in storm relief grants to Capitola restaurants
The Community Foundation Santa Cruz County issued $100,000 in small business grants to food service businesses that have closed because of losses and storm damages.
![FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell [second from right] views damage to Seacliff State Beach with state and local officials.](https://i0.wp.com/lookout.co/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/urlhttp3A2F2Flookout-local-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com2F152F522F4259b26b416c9ef9b4f4da12953c2F97a2656.jpg?resize=872%2C490&ssl=1)
Posted inLatest News
With FEMA back, Santa Cruz County asks: Where is the $68M reimbursement for pandemic, CZU fire expenses?
Still waiting for $68 million in FEMA reimbursements from the pandemic and CZU fire, Santa Cruz County has had to take out nearly $50 million in loans to cover basic operations.
Posted inLatest News
Lookout launches ‘Storms 2023: Road to Recovery’ section
The storms leave many challenges and questions for Santa Cruz County in their wake. Who will pay for the repairs to public infrastructure and private property? Will those financial resources be distributed equitably across the county? As climate change alters our weather patterns, how can we make our communities more resilient to future natural disasters? What does it mean to build back better? And we all need regular updates on road reopenings and infrastructure repairs, resources for residents and businesses affected by the storms and opportunities to donate or volunteer. Our new “Storms 2023: Road to Recovery” is a one-stop shop to find it.
Posted inOpinion from Community Voices
A Lookout View: ‘Build back better’ sounds great. But who is paying and when?
Editorial: Yes, Santa Cruzans are resilient, but this next recovery is fraught with challenges and questions. They begin with money, but now include lots of questions driven by climate change and equity.
Posted inLatest News
Santa Cruz wraps up emergency repairs to West Cliff Drive, San Lorenzo River levee
The city has finished emergency repairs to West Cliff Drive and the San Lorenzo River levee. As design plans for final repairs get underway, officials still hope to begin construction on the rest this summer.