Researchers from San Jose State University’s Moss Landing Marine Laboratories found high levels of nickel, manganese and cobalt in soil at the Elkhorn Slough Reserve following the fire that sparked Jan. 16 at a battery storage facility in Moss Landing.
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Posted inBusiness & Technology
Theft concerns, retail’s downward national trend make Rip Curl latest downtown Santa Cruz closure
Rip Curl joined O’Neill, Forever 21 and New Leaf among retailers vacating Pacific Avenue locations in recent months. A Rip Curl manager cited local safety issues, while others pointed to national trends. “These are the headwinds we’re facing,” one downtown Santa Cruz owner said. “If you don’t support your local businesses, they will close.”
Posted inFood & Drink
‘Scarier than COVID’: Wharf collapse cost nearby restaurants hundreds of thousands of dollars
The Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf reopened on Jan. 4, 12 days after its partial collapse, but wharf restaurants said that for them, the damage is ongoing. The owners of Stagnaro Brothers, Firefish Grill and Woodies Café lost hundreds of thousands of dollars, in addition to damages from food waste, lost hours and employees. Some restaurants are still listed on Google as “temporarily closed,” leaving owners frustrated.
Posted inLatest News
Moss Landing fire impact: Officials offer reassurance as some locals worry and wonder
Almost a week after the fire at a power plant and battery storage facility in Moss Landing, officials say air quality in nearby northern Monterey County and southern Santa Cruz County is safe and do not see any health risks. Vistra, the facility’s owner, says it is conducting its own investigation into the fire.
Posted inHousing & Development
Santa Cruz real estate lobby opposes proposed affordable housing tax measure
The Santa Cruz County Association of Realtors’ unexpected opposition throws shade over the proposed Workforce Housing Solutions Act, an affordable housing tax measure designed to raise $5 million annually through a parcel tax and a tax on sales of luxury homes in the city of Santa Cruz.
Posted inLatest News
Carmageddon: When will Santa Cruz Metro’s new hydrogen buses be road-ready?
The 53 new hydrogen-fuel cell buses will slowly trickle in to Santa Cruz Metro throughout the year, but each must go through a testing process before it is ready to hit the road. The agency is also working out plans for fueling stations and maintenance facility upgrades necessary for the new vehicles.
Posted inLatest News
Evacuation orders lifted as Moss Landing Power Plant fire continues to burn
Firefighters were allowing a large blaze at a power plant and battery storage facility in Moss Landing to burn itself out, as Monterey County officials lifted evacuation orders for nearby neighborhoods Friday afternoon. Highway 1 remained closed indefinitely in area around the power plant.
Posted inLatest News
Reimagine Metro hits speed bump due to aging buses, but expansion plans on tap for fall, CEO says
The major service changes to Santa Cruz Metro are still doable, said CEO Corey Aldridge, even if few of the transit agency’s new hydrogen buses are road-ready. Additional maintenance staff and shifts will help turnaround on the current aging fleet’s repairs, and Metro is confident it can complete its service changes by September.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Determining what went wrong during Santa Cruz Wharf collapse will be long process, city says
Santa Cruz officials are investigating the Dec. 23 wharf collapse, which caused nearly $19 million in damage. The city has approved a recovery package and is planning a structural analysis to determine future steps.
Posted inLatest News
Central Fire District Captain Steve Ramirez brought joy and compassion to a demanding profession
Central Fire District Captain Steve Ramirez died unexpectedly this weekend while on duty at his station. The 54-year-old served with the district for 24 years, and is remembered for an upbeat, joyous personality that lifted his colleagues up during even the most difficult circumstances, and as a man who loved his family and friends more than anything.