Dozens of veterans packed Tuesday’s meeting of the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors to protest the firing of Veterans Services Officer Xavier Bianchi, a Purple Heart recipient praised for his dedicated, hands-on approach to helping fellow veterans.
Today’s Top Story
A significant story with interest across the county
Posted inPolitics & Policy
No test, few arrests: Law enforcement officials diverge over county’s cannabis lounge plans
As the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors considers allowing cannabis consumption lounges, impaired driving and public safety have become central concerns for some community members. Police officers throughout the county have different opinions on just how big an issue high driving really is.
Posted inBusiness & Technology
As Murray Street Bridge project breaks ground, harbor businesses worry about impact
With the huge Murray Street Bridge retrofit project about to commence, effectively turning the corridor into a construction site for nearly the next three years, some Santa Cruz Harbor businesses are getting increasingly worried about how the long project will affect their livelihoods.
Posted inLatest News
RTC backs plan to explore intercity passenger train, seeks trims to $1 billion bridge work price tag
Members of the Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission voted 9-1 to pursue countywide intercity passenger rail service, despite facing nearly $1 billion in bridge repairs. RTC staff have said the intercity plan is the best shot at getting state and federal dollars for the rail project.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
‘A slap in the face’: As local realtors launch a dueling housing measure, Santa Cruz mayor accuses group of dirty play
A political firestorm is brewing in Santa Cruz as realtors launch a rival housing initiative to one put forward earlier this year by Mayor Fred Keeley and housing groups. Keeley and his allies say they were blindsided by the move.
Posted inLatest News
In Santa Cruz County, day laborers find fewer jobs and growing fears
Day laborers in Santa Cruz County say they have been struggling to find work lately thanks to President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown and the rising costs of materials squeezing the construction industry.
Posted inLatest News
Ask Lookout: What happened to the walking path on Capitola’s Depot Hill?
Capitola residents and pedestrians likely noticed that a significant portion of the Grand Avenue walking path on Depot Hill has been shut down to foot traffic due to a crumbling pathway. As many in Capitola know, it’s far from the first time this path has seen issues.
Posted inLatest News
Carmageddon: Murray Street Bridge retrofit project begins next Monday. Here’s what the current schedule looks like
The long-awaited Murray Street Bridge project will break ground next Monday, March 24, bringing significant traffic impacts to the crosstown artery. Here is the plan and schedule thus far.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
‘It’s a terrible idea’: County plan to allow cannabis lounges draws mixed reviews in the cities
While cannabis lounges received support from Santa Cruz County supervisors on Tuesday, the issue has divided mayors and councilmembers in the county’s four cities.
Posted inLatest News
Planned passenger rail faces nearly $1 billion price tag to replace or repair dozens of Santa Cruz County bridges
In an information session Wednesday evening, the Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission and engineering consultant firm HDR, Inc. recommended replacing 28 of 33 rail bridges in Santa Cruz County — an effort they estimate could cost $980 million. The agencies will determine a more exact figure moving forward in preparation for the RTC’s passenger rail project concept report, expected in the fall.