The National Weather Service has expanded a red flag warning indicating critical fire weather conditions to include all of Santa Cruz County, beginning Thursday night and lasting through Saturday afternoon. With windy conditions forecast throughout Central and Northern California, Pacific Gas & Electric listed Santa Cruz County among areas for precautionary power shutoffs Friday and Saturday, with 132 customers possibly affected.
Today’s Top Story
A significant story with interest across the county
Posted inHousing & Development
Fall housing market off to slow start, but rate cuts prompt some buyers to jump in
The Santa Cruz County housing market saw slightly less activity than usual in the early fall months, but real estate agents expect that to pick up as October continues. The Federal Reserve’s decision to cut short-term rates in September has brought in some prospective buyers.
Posted inLatest News
Defendants in murder of Tushar Atre will be tried separately
The four men charged in the 2019 kidnapping and murder of tech and cannabis entrepreneur Tushar Atre in Pleasure Point will each have their own trial after a Santa Cruz County Superior Court judge agreed that it was the best way to give each defendant a fair trial. The men are due back in court on Dec. 10.
Posted inLatest News
Carmageddon: As West Cliff repairs continue, crews call scale of work ‘unprecedented’
A project area tour of West Cliff Drive showed the progress that crews are making on major storm repairs as winter draws closer yet again — and highlights the “unprecedented” amount of work happening on the scenic coastal road.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
‘Not a normal campaign’: Santa Cruz’s Measure Z soda tax tests the limits of grassroots vs. industry titans
Santa Cruz’s Measure Z proposes a 2-cents-per-fluid-ounce tax on sugar-sweetened beverages that could bring in an estimated $1.3 million in revenue, but it’s drawn a fierce battle between Big Soda opposition and local supporters. As the city tests the limits of California’s tax laws, broader implications could follow for other communities.
Posted inFood & Drink
Once endangered, Pacific bluefin tuna rebounds as a sustainable choice in Santa Cruz County
Despite a previous endangered status, Pacific bluefin tuna numbers are bouncing back ahead of schedule due to successful conservation efforts, and the fish are now migrating annually off the coast of Santa Cruz County. Under the blessing – and watchful eye – of scientists, local sustainable seafood markets have begun to offer this prized fish to restaurants and retail customers.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Santa Cruz City Council rejects plan to loosen accessory dwelling rules
The Santa Cruz City Council voted against easing restrictions on accessory dwelling units Tuesday, fearing lax ADU rules could invite investors, increase demand and drive up prices. Some councilmembers argued that the changes were needed to provide more flexibility amid a housing affordability crisis, while others demanded more data on the potential impacts before proceeding.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Santa Cruz County supervisors target cigarette ban in attempt to curb pollution
Santa Cruz County is moving toward a ban on the sale of filtered cigarettes in unincorporated areas, focusing on their environmental impact rather than health risks. If approved this month by county supervisors, the enforcement of the ordinance would begin in 2027.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
County supervisors’ response to CZU recovery investigation ‘does not align’ with reality, District 5 candidates say
The Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors is deflecting criticism from a civil grand jury report accusing the county of mishandling recovery from the 2020 CZU wildfire. The two candidates running in this November’s election for an open District 5 supervisor seat — Christopher Bradford, a fire victim, and Monica Martinez — criticized the board’s response this week and called for more accountability and expedited rebuilding.
Posted inArts & Entertainment
The Queen of Green: The Ann Ostermann Era comes to an end at Open Studios
The big three-weekend Open Studios Art Tour begins this weekend with more than 300 artists across Santa Cruz County. For the past 20 years, the event has been run by Ann Ostermann, who has announced that 2024’s event will be her last.