Both Mayor Fred Keeley and Santa Cruz Warriors President Chris Murphy reemphasized their support for the massive South of Laurel Area redevelopment plan at a Tuesday meeting. It aims to create a new neighborhood and entertainment district – one that bridges the space between downtown and the beach. Now, the plan moves from “study” to more planning staff work – and then on to public hearings next year.
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Posted inLatest News
SoLa study session: City leaders, public get look at plan for downtown Santa Cruz’s arena/housing neighborhood south of Laurel
A joint city council/planning commission meeting Tuesday is the first step in moving forward with what is now a concrete plan for expanding downtown Santa Cruz into the area south of Laurel Street, with a new, permanent Warriors arena and up to 1,600 housing units.
Posted inFood & Drink
The reel deal: Behind the scenes with Santa Cruz’s first food influencers
Food influencers on social media apps like Instagram have been a part of the restaurant industry for at least a decade, but it’s only recently that two local food influencers have gained significant followings in Santa Cruz County. Thousands of people follow Double Meat Please and Santa Cruz Bucket List, where account holders share their favorite dishes, restaurants, food trucks and pop-ups. Business owners say these posts can translate into real sales.
Posted inLatest News
Murder trial set for Theo Lengyel after two days of harrowing testimony in Alyx Herrmann case
A Santa Cruz court heard testimony this week from law enforcement officials who investigated the December disappearance of Capitola resident Alice “Alyx” Herrmann, with detectives from the East Bay and Capitola describing their interactions with Theobald “Theo” Lengyel, her former boyfriend who will now stand trial on charges of murder, burglary and auto theft.
Posted inLatest News
2024 point-in-time count: Seniors and behavioral health still big concerns amid improvements among families and vets
This year’s point-in-time count showed similar levels of homelessness across Santa Cruz County compared to 2023. While the situation improved among families, youth and veterans, homelessness rose among older adults. Those currently unhoused reported more mental illness and substance use disorders as well.
Posted inLatest News
Grand jury blasts mental health care at county jail; sheriff calls report ‘most factually inaccurate’ he’s seen
The Santa Cruz County Civil Grand Jury’s latest report takes aim at the county jails’ mental health crisis. County Sheriff Jim Hart sharply criticized the report and denied his office violated state law in connection with the watchdog body’s request to speak to inmates.
Posted inHousing & Development
Insurance concerns loom large in Santa Cruz County, even in a hot housing market
The Santa Cruz County housing market stayed hot in May, as expected as summer rolls around. However, insurance concerns remain at the forefront of buyers’ minds, and both real estate agents and mortgage lenders have begun discussing insurance options right away, rather than leaving it as a secondary matter.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Roads are squeezed as Santa Cruz County passes a ‘survival budget’
Santa Cruz County will put more than $83 million into its road network this year, including tens of millions dedicated to lingering storm repairs. However, a new report from the county’s civil grand jury says that number is a fraction of what is needed.
Posted inFood & Drink
This Boulder Creek hot dog stand serves the only true Chicago dog in Santa Cruz County
The owners of River Dogs of Boulder Creek had to attend Vienna Beef’s Hot Dog University before the famed Chicago company would allow them to sell its all-beef hot dogs. But it was worth it, say Paul Faraone and Chris McCann, who now sell the only “real deal” Chicago dog in Central California. Last week, River Dogs established a satellite location for the summer at Humble Sea Brewing’s beer garden on the Santa Cruz Wharf.
Posted inHousing & Development
Clocktower developer: ‘It’s not possible’ for politics to stop housing project that could rise to nearly 200 feet
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.