Santa Cruz mayoral candidate Ryan Coonerty wasn’t shy with expressing his disapproval of a proposed housing development at the intersection of Seabright Avenue and Soquel Avenue. His mayoral opponent, Ami Chen Mills, said she also disapproves of this development despite wanting to continue to build affordable housing.
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A significant story with interest across the county
Posted inBusiness & Technology
This week in Santa Cruz County business: Workbench files pre-application for new housing on site of Seabright business plaza; Joby makes moves in Texas
In her weekly look at local business, Jessica M. Pasko reports on a proposed six-story mixed-use development in Santa Cruz, Joby Aviation’s latest maneuvers and names, numbers and dates to know.
Posted inBusiness & Technology
Can steam replace chemical fumigants? Watsonville berry growers will put it to the test
The Santa Cruz County Agricultural Commission is testing out a high-temperature steam alternative to chemical fumigants on five berry fields in Watsonville beginning in September as part of a three-month pilot program.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
After Santa Cruz banned Flock cameras, activists push to expand fight against license plate readers
Local grassroots group Get the Flock Out was chosen to kick off the National Week of Action Against Automated License Plate Readers in the Bay Area with a rally this Sunday. It’s meant to celebrate the City of Santa Cruz canceling its Flock Safety camera contract earlier this year, and to call attention to the nearly 50 cameras still active in Capitola and Watsonville, the group said.
Posted inArts & Entertainment
From Texas censorship to UCSC: Silenced anti-ICE art exhibition celebrating dual identity finds a home in Santa Cruz
Earlier this year, Mexican-born, Texas-raised visual artist Victor Quiñonez had his new exhibition, which speaks to being an immigrant in America and to the harm U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has caused, pulled from two different galleries in Texas. It is now set to come in September to UC Santa Cruz, where Quiñonez hopes his art can continue to make an impact in a state and gallery that is more understanding of its impactful message.
Posted inFood & Drink
The best things I ate in Santa Cruz County in July
Peak summer flavors are on full display across Santa Cruz County, from Luna’s Borikén Bites’ vibrant Puerto Rican comfort food to a tomato-forward BLT at Other Brother Beer Co. and crispy fried green tomatoes at Pretty Good Advice.
Posted inHealth & Wellness
Every 56 days: Santa Cruz Parks & Rec aims to turn blood donation into a habit
The City of Santa Cruz Parks & Recreation department began hosting blood drives earlier this year, with the plan to hold three to five annually. Annalise Bryant, the recreation supervisor who pitched the idea, says it is perfectly in line with the department’s core values — and given that the Red Cross has declared a national blood supply crisis, the timing is right.
Posted inLatest News
Santa Cruz County homelessness rises 12% in 2026; still below 2022 peak
Santa Cruz County released its 2026 point-in-time count results on Wednesday, which show an increase in homelessness over 2025, but a level still well beneath the 2022 peak.
Posted inFood & Drink
Santa Cruz seafood entrepreneur’s stalking trial delayed to November
A Santa Cruz judge postponed seafood entrepreneur Clarice Owens’ felony stalking trial for a third time, pushing the start date from Aug. 17 to Nov. 30 after her attorney requested a delay.
Posted inEducation
Starting Wednesday, many Santa Cruz County students are heading back to school
Soquel Union Elementary School District students are first among the county’s public school students to start the 2026-27 school year.
