Santa Cruz County is set to allow cannabis lounges in unincorporated areas, offering a legal space for on-site consumption. While supporters see economic and social benefits, critics cite safety concerns. A final vote is scheduled for March 25.
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A significant story with interest across the county
Posted inHousing & Development
Seven-story Pacific Ave. housing complex on site of Andy’s Auto is latest example of a changing city
A new seven-story, 91-unit housing development proposed for Pacific Avenue would mean the demolition of Andy’s Auto Supply, a longtime family-owned auto shop with a rich history in Santa Cruz culture. A housing project taking its place both marks the end of an era and serves as the latest example of the big changes coming to Santa Cruz’s downtown.
Posted inLatest News
Carmageddon: Mountain roads will see traffic impact from pipeline projects aiming to improve reliability, water sharing
Two concurrent projects will affect traffic along Graham Hill Road and other roads in the Scotts Valley area as crews relocate, replace and construct pipelines in an effort to connect the public water agencies in Santa Cruz County and ensure reliability of the water supply.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Coastal Rail Trail vision delayed by local hurdles amid uncertainty over state, federal funding
A report detailing Santa Cruz County’s rail trail vision is delayed until at least the fall while officials tackle multiple challenges: mobile home disputes, possible bridge repairs and trail routing questions. The project faces additional uncertainty after the Trump administration paused federal infrastructure funding. Transit leaders are also considering a future ballot measure to help fund operational costs.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Justin Cummings’ future on powerful Coastal Commission uncertain as Speaker Rivas reopens application process
Santa Cruz County Supervisor Justin Cummings’ future on the California Coastal Commission is uncertain as Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas opens the application process for his seat. With political dynamics at play, Cummings must now reapply for his influential role.
Posted inHousing & Development
Downtown farmers market prepares for May move to temporary location two blocks away
This May, in preparation for the groundbreaking on Santa Cruz’s mixed-use library project, the weekly downtown farmers market will move from its current location to a site two blocks away along Cedar Street and Church Street. The market plans to stay at this temporary spot for two to three years while it looks at options for a permanent home downtown – possibly on the site of the current downtown library.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
‘A lose-lose situation’: Trump administration registry leaves Santa Cruz County’s undocumented community in a bind
The Trump administration announced last week that it will require all undocumented residents in the United States, age 14 and older, to register their fingerprints and address with the Department of Homeland Security. Local immigration lawyers say the new requirement puts undocumented residents in a tough position, whether or not they follow the law.
Posted inLatest News
Carmageddon: RTC hosting two upcoming rail trail-related info sessions
Two upcoming information sessions on some of the major components of the Santa Cruz Regional Transportation Commission’s Zero Emission Passenger Rail and Trail Project vision will give residents a chance to look at the latest on trail alignments, bridge replacements and preliminary cost figures as the agency moves closer to completion of its project concept report.
Posted inLatest News
Juror in Gonzalez trial urges reform of state bill that prevented him from being charged as adult, allows repeat chances for release
A juror who served in Adrian Gonzalez’s trial for release is speaking out against Senate Bill 1391, which barred the prosecution of people under the age of 16 as adults, and allows Gonzalez – who raped and murdered 8-year-old Madyson Middleton in 2015 – repeat chances at release. Joan Hoyt is urging state lawmakers to change the bill, and state Sen. John Laird says he intends to keep the conversation moving within the Legislature.
Posted inHousing & Development
Local housing, homeless service professionals want to work toward Housing First model. The main obstacle? Not enough housing
The Housing First model combats homelessness by getting people into housing first and providing basic necessities, setting them up for greater success in working on their own issues. Santa Cruz County housing professionals and homeless service providers say that while there is a will and interest to implement the model locally, there are big obstacles including funding and, most notably, housing.