Local developer Workbench formally introduced its ambitious proposal for the Clocktower Center to the community in a virtual meeting Wednesday. The 16-story, 260-unit vision for the project would reset the potential development intensity in Santa Cruz County.
Today’s Top Story
A significant story with interest across the county
Posted inEducation
Facing backlash, UCSC chancellor defends police raid on protesters as ‘necessary decision’
UC Santa Cruz Chancellor Cynthia Larive defended her decision to call in police to clear a pro-Palestine encampment, saying it was necessary to maintain campus safety even as she faces a backlash from some of the school’s faculty and students.
Posted inRecreation & Sports
Where graduating Santa Cruz County student-athletes will play sports in college
In his final roundup of the 2023-24 academic year, Thomas Frey looks at where Santa Cruz County stars across the high school sports landscape will be continuing their careers at the next level.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
The man standing between Santa Cruz County and $10 million in new sales tax funds
Santa Cruz County’s Measure K was meant to bring in millions of new sales tax revenue, a bright spot in a looming budget crisis. However, a new lawsuit from Boulder Creek resident Bruce Holloway has thrown that money into limbo.
Posted inLatest News
Dozens arrested as police descend on pro-Palestine encampment at UCSC
By Friday morning, roughly 100 police officers from as far away as Modesto, Sacramento and San Francisco, along with officers from the Santa Cruz Police Department and California Highway Patrol, remained on campus Friday morning as about 200 protesters continued to block access to the school’s main entrance. UCSC said about 80 protesters had been arrested.
Posted inHousing & Development
Santa Cruz County housing market takes another leap as summer draws closer
Santa Cruz County’s housing market saw another jump in activity in April, picking up where it left off following a March surge. Sales and prices rose in April compared to March, and homes were on the market for less time than they were a year ago. Local real estate agents say this time of the […]
Posted inLatest News
Protesters blockade UCSC entrances as classes head back online through Thursday
Pro-Palestine protesters blocked both entrances to the UC Santa Cruz campus on Tuesday, continuing their monthslong push for UCSC to divest from weapons-manufacturing companies and cut ties with organizations associated with Israel. The university sent out a statement Tuesday evening, saying that instruction will be online through at least Thursday.
Posted inHousing & Development
With few options under California’s new housing reality, Santa Cruz neighbors, city council gird for vote on Food Bin project
Neighbors disagree with the project, and city councilmembers have criticized developer Workbench’s approach to the five-story, 59-unit redevelopment of the Food Bin. But neither is likely to stand in the way of the project in California’s new era of state-mandated housing development.
Posted inHousing & Development
One of Santa Cruz’s most recognizable Victorian houses hits the market on the Westside
A historic, unique painted lady Victorian house is for sale for the first time in nearly 50 years. George Ow Jr. and his wife, Gail Michaelis-Ow, have owned it since 1975, but the home has stood at its Highland Avenue location since the late 1800s, withstanding two massive earthquakes and many drastic changes within the Santa Cruz community.
Posted inFood & Drink
‘Field of Dreams’ in reverse: How an unused baseball diamond could become a farm for Live Oak School District
A team of educators, farmers and activists is working to transform an unused baseball field on the Del Mar Elementary School campus in Live Oak into a farm for the district. The farm would grow food for the district’s nutrition program, educate students on agriculture and food production, and serve as a community hub. The project has been approved by the district and is currently seeking funding.