Articles by Jesse Kathan
“It’s as dire as it could be”: Funding freeze threatens to halt UCSC research, stifle Santa Cruz biotech industry
Microbiology professor Karen Ottemann addresses a crowd of students, faculty and other supporters at a Stand up for Science rally Friday at UC Santa Cruz. (Jesse Kathan — Santa Cruz Local) SANTA CRUZ >> A de facto funding freeze on federal biomedical grants could soon stymie UC Santa Cruz research on cancer and other diseases, and stifle the county’s biotech industry, several UC Santa Cruz faculty members said.
Downtown Santa Cruz hotel could get lower-cost rooms
The California Coastal Commission is set to decide whether a planned hotel at Front and Laurel streets in Santa Cruz will include some lower-cost rooms. (BCV Architecture + Interiors) Meeting: 9 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 12 Attend at Portola Plaza Hotel, 2 Portola Plaza, Monterey. To comment by Zoom or phone, submit a request by 5 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 11. The meeting will be streamed on Cal-Span.
Measure U would reduce San Lorenzo Valley Water bills, but could slow repairs
Measure U on the Nov. 5 ballot measure would repeal a recent charge in San Lorenzo Valley Water District and cap some future increases. Repairs recently began on a pipeline near Ben Lomond to a water treatment plant that was severely damaged in the CZU Lightning Complex Fire. (San Lorenzo Valley Water District) BOULDER CREEK >> Voters in San Lorenzo Valley Water District in November will decide whether to reverse a recent water bill hike and cap some future charges.
Park Ave. Soquel housing project on track, developer says
A housing project at 2838 Park Ave. in Soquel is supposed to finish in early 2025. (Tyler Maldonado — Santa Cruz Local file) SOQUEL >> Construction appeared to stall for several weeks this summer at a 36-unit permanent supportive housing complex at 2838 Park Ave. in Soquel, but a representative for the developer said the project remains on track to finish next year. Santa Cruz Local’s newsletter breaks down complex local topics and shows residents how to get involved.
Earn money by advising Santa Cruz city and county leaders
County boards and commissions help advise the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors. (Marcello Hutchinson-Trujillo — Santa Cruz Local file) SANTA CRUZ >> Have ideas to improve Santa Cruz County? Residents can now apply to have a direct line to Santa Cruz city and county leaders — and get paid a small sum for the privilege.
Live Oak affordable housing proposal grows despite neighbors’ concerns
A five-building housing complex is proposed at Thurber Lane and Soquel Drive. (Jesse Kathan — Santa Cruz Local file) Many Live Oak residents have objected to a proposed affordable housing development on Soquel Drive and Thurber Lane with concerns that the five-building apartment complex is too large and will exacerbate traffic. Now, the potential development has more homes and less parking.
Relocation money available for CZU fire survivors
Felton roads are nearly deserted under a sepia sky Aug. 20, 2020 after evacuation orders for the CZU Lightning Complex Fire. (William Duncan — Santa Cruz Local file) Meeting: 9 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 27 Attend the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors meeting, 701 Ocean St., Room 525, Santa Cruz. Join on Zoom or call 669-900-6833, meeting ID 817 3220 2363. The meeting also will be streamed on Facebook. To comment ahead of the meeting, email by 5 p.m. Monday, Aug. 26.
Central Fire’s $221 million bond measure, explained
Central Fire District Station 1 is on 17th Avenue. Central Fire leaders have placed a bond measure on the Nov. 5 ballot. (Nik Altenberg — Santa Cruz Local) SANTA CRUZ >> Voters in the Central Fire District of Santa Cruz County will decide whether to approve $221 million in bonds with Measure R in the Nov. 5 election. The district includes much of mid-Santa Cruz County, including Capitola, Soquel, Aptos, Live Oak, La Selva Beach and Rio Del Mar.
School board races participation drops in Santa Cruz County
The Live Oak School District Board of Trustees will not have an election this November. Its three open board seats will be appointed due to a lack of candidates. (Nik Altenberg — Santa Cruz Local file) SANTA CRUZ >> Just one-fourth of open school board seats in Santa Cruz County will be on voters’ ballots in the Nov. 5 election. Twenty of 32 seats will be awarded to the sole candidate, and four more will be appointed or go vacant.
In-home caregivers rally for higher pay in Santa Cruz County
Workers represented by SEIU Local 2015 and other unions wave their hands in support of speakers at a Santa Cruz County supervisors meeting Aug. 13. Caregivers employed through the county’s In-Home Supportive Services program have demanded higher pay. (Jesse Kathan — Santa Cruz Local) SANTA CRUZ >> In-home caregivers to older or disabled residents are demanding higher pay from Santa Cruz County leaders. Workers wearing union colors flooded an Aug.
Union sues UC over student housing construction contract
Workers prepare the site of future student housing on Hagar Drive at UC Santa Cruz for construction. (Jesse Kathan — Santa Cruz Local) SANTA CRUZ >> A carpenters union has sued the University of California for what union leaders called an unfair bidding process for the construction of a UC Santa Cruz student housing project. The legal challenge is the latest in a series of lawsuits related to the construction of the Student Housing West project.
Santa Cruz County gas leaf-blower ban could negate electric rebates
The Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors is set to consider a second reading of a county ban on gas-powered leaf blowers at its meeting Aug. 13. (Marcello Hutchinson-Trujillo — Santa Cruz Local file) Meeting: 9 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 13 Attend at 701 Ocean St., Room 525, Santa Cruz. Join on Zoom or call 669-900-6833, meeting ID 817 3220 2363. The meeting will also be streamed on Facebook. To comment ahead of the meeting, email by 5 p.m. Monday.
Explainer: Public pension debts in Santa Cruz County
Leaders at Santa Cruz City Hall have been trying to tackle pension debt — about $220 million as of June 2023. (Stephen Baxter — Santa Cruz Local file) Editor’s note: Many Santa Cruz Local readers have asked about the role of unfunded pension debt in the budgets of the County of Santa Cruz and the cities of Santa Cruz, Watsonville, Scotts Valley and Capitola. This explainer aims to answer your questions.
Highway 1 cost overruns to be discussed by Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission
Highway 1 work contributes to a backup in Aptos in April. (Stephen Baxter — Santa Cruz Local file) Meeting: 9 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 1 Attend in person at 701 Ocean St., Room 525, Santa Cruz. Join on Zoom or call 312-626-6799, meeting ID : 895 9717 3447. To comment ahead of the meeting, email by 9 p.m. July 31.
How (and why) to run for school board in Santa Cruz County
Santa Cruz City Schools has three school board seats on the Nov. 5 ballot. (Jesse Kathan — Santa Cruz Local) SANTA CRUZ >> School board trustees play key roles in local government, helping ensure that school districts adhere to the values and priorities of their communities. But when Santa Cruz County voters last chose school board candidates in November 2022, voters didn’t have a choice for many school board seats. Twenty-six of 38 races were uncontested.
Homelessness dips in Santa Cruz, rises in Watsonville
Tents are set up under the Pajaro River bridge in Watsonville in 2022. (Stephen Baxter — Santa Cruz Local file) SANTA CRUZ >> Homelessness dropped 40% in the City of Santa Cruz and jumped 60% in Watsonville from 2023 to 2024, according to a July 19 report from the Santa Cruz County Housing for Health Partnership. The number of homeless people living in Capitola and Scotts Valley also increased.
Santa Cruz County voters asked to fund more forest management, environmental projects
Santa Cruz County voters on Nov. 5 will consider a parcel tax for county, city and nonprofit projects to help reduce the risks of wildfires, floods and other catastrophes fueled by climate change. Charred hills are shown near Davenport after the CZU Lightning Complex Fire in 2020. (Stephen Baxter — Santa Cruz Local file) Key takeaways A proposed $87 parcel tax on the Nov.
Scotts Valley city staff were mistakenly overpaid, report states
Scotts Valley City Manager Mali LaGoe in June. (Marcello Hutchinson-Trujillo — Santa Cruz Local) 10 a.m. Wednesday, July 10 / Online and at 1 Civic Center Drive, Scotts Valley Scotts Valley mistakenly overpaid some city employees from 2020 to 2023, according to a city staff report for the July 9 Scotts Valley City Council meeting. The council is expected to consider settlement agreements that would give the employees up to $300 for each year of overpayment to recoup tax refiling expenses.
Explainer: Santa Cruz County’s road problems
Swanton Road at Mill Creek on the North Coast was damaged during the CZU Lightning Complex Fire in 2020. (Cal Fire) Key takeaways Decades of inadequate maintenance have left many county roads in “deplorable shape,” according to a civil grand jury report. Much of the money for regular road repair and maintenance has instead gone to fix damage from storms, floods, fires and other disasters in the past four years. The worst county roads are the most expensive to fix and are deprioritized for repairs.
How to apply for affordable housing in Santa Cruz County
Construction started this spring on 128 below-market-rate rentals at Pacific Station North on Pacific Avenue in Santa Cruz. It is anticipated to finish in February 2026. (First Community Housing) Many Santa Cruz Local readers have asked about how to apply for below-market-rate apartments in new and upcoming housing projects.
Watsonville voters could open city commissions to non-citizens
The Watsonville City Council meets on June 11. (Marcello Hutchinson-Trujillo — Santa Cruz Local) WATSONVILLE >> Watsonville voters in November will decide whether non-citizens can serve on city advisory commissions. The Watsonville City Council Tuesday night voted 5-2 to approve a question for the Nov. 5 ballot that would remove the city charter’s requirement for commission members to be registered voters.
Recreational campsites could expand in Santa Cruz County
Santa Cruz County Supervisor Justin Cummings has questioned a proposal to streamline approval of small campsites in some unincorporated county areas. (Marcello Hutchinson-Trujillo — Santa Cruz Local) 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 25 / Online and at 701 Ocean St., top floor Santa Cruz County Supervisors are set to consider a plan to allow small campgrounds in rural areas.
Proposed rail-trail route could divert onto streets across Live Oak-Capitola border
A draft route of the rail trail would divert onto streets between Live Oak and Capitola because of a narrow stretch of the rail corridor. The rail line is pictured here at 41st Avenue. (Stephen Baxter — Santa Cruz Local) LIVE OAK >> Narrow parts of the rail corridor have prompted a proposed rail-trail path that diverges from the corridor where Live Oak meets Capitola and in South County.
Scotts Valley City Council approves budget, eyes tax hike
From left, Scotts Valley City Councilmembers Donna Lind, Alan Timms, Mayor Randy Jonson and Derek Timm. (Marcello Hutchinson-Trujillo — Santa Cruz Local) The Scotts Valley City Council approved a $40 million city budget on June 12 and took a step toward putting a business tax hike on the Nov. 5 ballot. To help cover an average annual deficit of $2.5 million, city staff has proposed to raise the cost of business licenses. The business license fee was established in 1992 and has not been raised since.
Inside the plan to expand Downtown Santa Cruz
Spruce Street could close to vehicles from Pacific Avenue to the San Lorenzo River levee as part of a proposed Santa Cruz Downtown expansion plan. (Stephen Baxter — Santa Cruz Local) Key takeaways Santa Cruz city staff released a draft plan to allow taller buildings south of Laurel Street, build a public plaza and clear the way for a larger arena for the Santa Cruz Warriors basketball team. The city hopes to incentivize developers to build more affordable housing.
Psychiatrists, firefighters are top earning Santa Cruz County public employees
Five of the highest paid Santa Cruz County employees in 2023 were Behavioral Health staff. Many employees work from the county’s Emeline complex. (Michael Warren Mott — Santa Cruz Local file) SANTA CRUZ >> Four county psychiatrists were the top paid public employees in Santa Cruz County among city, county, fire and school district employees in the county in 2023, records state.
Santa Cruz rail-trail segment to finish in fall, North Coast next
Expected to finish in September, Segment 7 of the rail trail connects California Street to Beach Street near the wastewater treatment plant in Santa Cruz. (Stephen Baxter — Santa Cruz Local file) Santa Cruz: A paved path from California Street to Beach Street in Santa Cruz is expected to finish construction in mid-September, said Ricardo Valdes, a Santa Cruz senior engineer. The project is part of Segment 7 of the Coastal Rail Trail that was initially anticipated to finish in February.
Less money for roads in approved Santa Cruz County budget
Santa Cruz County Supervisor Manu Koenig said more of the county budget should be spent on road repairs, but other supervisors did not join him. Koenig speaks during a May 14 supervisors meeting. (Marcello Hutchinson-Trujillo — Santa Cruz Local file) SANTA CRUZ >> Santa Cruz County supervisors on Tuesday approved a budget that was 10.5% smaller than the prior fiscal year and had 16% less money for road maintenance.
Passenger rail choices, a pesticide protest and city budget updates
A June 6 Regional Transportation Commission meeting and two open houses in June are expected to explore options for passenger rail cars. (Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission) 10:30 a.m. Thursday, June 6 / Online and at 275 Main St., Fourth Floor, Watsonville Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission staff are set to present preliminary designs for passenger rail service at a June 6 meeting. Two open houses are also set for June to gather feedback from residents.
Capitola adopts city budget
Capitola voters could see a sales tax hike on the November ballot. (Stephen Baxter — Santa Cruz Local file) CAPITOLA >> The Capitola City Council on Thursday adopted a balanced budget for the fiscal year that starts July 1, but city staff warned of growing pension costs and long-term budget shortfalls. The approved budget includes $19 million in General Fund spending, down about $1.3 million from the prior year. “The last couple of years, we’ve had one-time funding going to specific projects.
Pro-Palestinian protesters arrested at UC Santa Cruz
About 80 people were arrested during protests at UC Santa Cruz on May 30 and 31, police said. (Izzy Harrison — Santa Cruz Local) UC SANTA CRUZ >> Police arrested scores of protesters at UC Santa Cruz after authorities started to dismantle a tent camp at the main campus entrance Thursday night. On every UC campus, pro-Palestinian students have started protest camps to try to pressure university leaders to divest from weapons manufacturers and call for Israel to end its war with Hamas.
Santa Cruz reaches housing goals while county, other cities fail
Pacific Station South, in background, is a 69-unit affordable housing complex on Pacific Avenue in Santa Cruz that is expected to finish construction this summer. Pacific Station North began construction this year and its 128 affordable units are anticipated to open in 2026. (Stephen Baxter — Santa Cruz Local) Editor’s note: Need help decoding housing jargon? Check out Santa Cruz Local’s new Housing Glossary.
Santa Cruz city budget avoids cuts, skips savings
The Santa Cruz City Council listens to a resident during its May 14 meeting. (Marcello Hutchinson-Trujillo — Santa Cruz Local file) Editor’s note: New to the city and county budget process? Check out Santa Cruz Local’s recent guide to local budget hearings. SANTA CRUZ >> As the City of Santa Cruz weans itself from the last of its Covid relief money, a draft city budget presented Tuesday avoids service cuts but leaves gaps in long-term savings and investments.
May 20 meeting on Ocean Street housing proposal in Santa Cruz
Nearly 200 homes have been proposed on the 500 block of Ocean Street in Santa Cruz. (Workbench) 6 p.m. Monday, May 20 / Online Santa Cruz city planners plan to hold an online meeting May 20 about a six-story housing proposal at 530, 542 and 548 Ocean St. The project could include 199 homes and shops, according to city documents.
How to find home insurance in Santa Cruz County
Paul Booth, who lives off Highway 17, said his home insurance was not renewed in 2023. (Michael Warren Mott — Santa Cruz Local file) SANTA CRUZ >> As thousands of Santa Cruz County homeowners are losing home insurance, a state official and insurance professionals this week offered advice for finding, keeping and affording policies.
How to get involved in budget hearings in Santa Cruz, Capitola, Scotts Valley, Watsonville
Santa Cruz County Supervisors are expected to hold hearings on the county’s annual budget May 21-22. The hearings take place in the supervisors chambers on the fifth floor of the county building at 701 Ocean St., Santa Cruz. An agenda and Zoom link for the scheduled meetings will be posted on the county’s website at least three days in advance.
Authorities offer tips on homeowners insurance, wildfire protection
Roslyn Warriner and her husband, Albert, live off of Bean Creek Road in Scotts Valley. Their home insurance cost about $4,200 in 2023, more than double the cost from a previous insurer that did not renew their policy. (Michael Warren Mott — Santa Cruz Local file) California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara is expected to speak to the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors at their May 14 meeting about how homeowners can get insurance and homeowners’ rights if insurance policies are not renewed.
Second apartment complex proposed on Almar Avenue in Santa Cruz
A 38-unit apartment building is proposed at 844 and 850 Almar Ave. in Santa Cruz. (CRP Affordable Housing and Community Development) SANTA CRUZ >> At a community meeting Tuesday, developers unveiled plans for a three-story building that could bring 38 affordable homes to the Westside. An apartment complex called Almar Village is planned at 844 and 850 Almar Ave. The vacant, triangular, 0.91 acre lot is bounded by Almar Avenue, Rankin Street and the Coastal Rail Trail.
Teacher housing plan detailed on Swift Street in Santa Cruz
Teacher housing is planned at 313 Swift St. in Santa Cruz. (Stephen Baxter — Santa Cruz Local) SANTA CRUZ >> After years of losing teachers to areas with lower housing costs, leaders of Santa Cruz City Schools are trying to keep staff by offering less expensive homes. At a community meeting Monday, Santa Cruz residents got their first look at a new version of a proposed four-story housing project that could bring 100 rental units for educators on Swift Street.
Capitola Wharf set to reopen in August, events planned for fall
A crew repairs the Capitola Wharf in January. (Jesse Kathan — Santa Cruz Local file) The Capitola Wharf is expected to reopen in August, and the Capitola City Council on May 9 is set to consider a two-year plan for activities on the wharf. In August, the wharf will have a new arch entryway and public art, as well as new bike racks, benches and restrooms. Capitola Boat & Bait was closed in January 2023 following severe storm damage and was approved for demolition in February 2024.
New training facility proposed for Santa Cruz Police and Fire
Santa Cruz police talk to a person on Pacific Avenue in 2022. (Stephen Baxter — Santa Cruz Local file) SANTA CRUZ >> Leaders of Santa Cruz Police and Santa Cruz Fire have a new $20 million training center in their long-term plans to replace outdated facilities inside and outside the city.
State report on homeless services calls for more accountability
Robert Ratner talks about solutions to homelessness at a meeting at Garfield Park Branch Library in Santa Cruz in August 2023. Ratner is director of Santa Cruz County’s Housing for Health Division. (Stephen Baxter — Santa Cruz Local file) SANTA CRUZ >> A recent state report about two California cities’ homeless services spending echoes concerns raised in a 2023 Santa Cruz Local investigation about how money is spent on homeless services in Santa Cruz County.
Soquel Drive housing complex proposal draws concerns
Some Live Oak neighbors raise questions about a 173-unit housing proposal at Soquel Drive and Thurber Lane at a meeting Monday. (Jesse Kathan — Santa Cruz Local) LIVE OAK >> A Monday night meeting about a proposed five-building housing complex on Soquel Drive drew dozens of residents who lambasted developers about the project’s size, additional traffic and other concerns. The proposal is on about 6 acres at Soquel Drive and Thurber Lane. It includes: Five buildings from two to five stories tall.
Housing and construction updates in Santa Cruz, Capitola, Live Oak
A 36-unit affordable housing project at 4401 Capitola Road started construction this month. (Studio T-Sq. Inc.) Santa Cruz Local’s Housing and Construction page has been updated. 4401 Capitola Road, Capitola. The Bluffs at 44th is a 36-unit affordable housing project that started construction this month and is expected to finish in 2025.
Two Live Oak apartment proposals could be approved without public input
A three-story, 40-unit apartment complex is proposed at 841 Capitola Road in Live Oak. (Workbench) LIVE OAK >> Two new housing developments in Santa Cruz County are set to exceed local height limits and could be approved without public input, county officials said this week. Santa Cruz-based developer Workbench has submitted plans for a six-story apartment building on Paul Sweet Road in Live Oak and a three-story apartment building on Capitola Road in Live Oak.
Affordable housing waitlist opens in Santa Cruz, with more on tap
Pacific Station South at 822 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz is expected to open this year. (For the Future Housing) Pacific Station South at 822 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz is expected to finish construction this year. There will be 69 units of affordable housing, 47 of which will be filled through the Housing Authority of the County of Santa Cruz’s waitlist. A waitlist for the remaining units opened April 17.
Transportation commission reaffirms support for rail trail
The Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission on Thursday reaffirmed its support for a paved path parallel to the train tracks through Capitola and Seacliff. (Stephen Baxter — Santa Cruz Local file) SANTA CRUZ >> The Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission on Thursday reaffirmed its support for a trail parallel to the train tracks through Live Oak, Capitola and Seacliff — leaving the door open for passenger rail service.
State money for rail trail could transfer to regional transportation commission
Segment 11 of the Coastal Rail Trail runs near New Brighton State Beach in 2021. (Stephen Baxter — Santa Cruz Local file) SANTA CRUZ >> At a special meeting Thursday, the Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission could step toward takeover of a $68 million state grant awarded to Santa Cruz County to help construct the rail trail through Live Oak, Capitola and Seacliff.
Scotts Valley senior center, child care upgrades to be weighed
Emergency responders set up a temporary command center at the Scotts Valley Senior Center during the CZU Lightning Complex Fire in 2020. (Stephen Baxter — Santa Cruz Local file) At its April 17 meeting, the Scotts Valley City Council plans to consider how to spend $367,000 in state grant money to benefit low- and moderate-income residents, prevent blight or meet an urgent community need.
‘Bleak’ outlook for Santa Cruz County budget
A proposed budget for 2025 cuts money for road repairs. Storms in 2023 caused about $140 million in damage to county-maintained roads, county staff said. (Jesse Kathan — Santa Cruz Local file) SANTA CRUZ >> The financial toll of natural disasters has become an unsustainable burden on the Santa Cruz County budget, county staff told the board of supervisors Tuesday. At an April 9 county supervisors meeting, county staff presented a draft budget for the fiscal year that starts July 1.
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