Santa Cruz County Land Use & Development Digest

Rural counties are some of the most reliant on federal funding and federal workers. But some still welcome Trump’s upcoming cuts to forestry and other departments

A report on an April 1 online forum in which the Santa Cruz Regional Transportation Commission presented details about passenger rail service to connect Watsonville and Santa Cruz and to regional and state rail routes.

A report on a town hall meeting held on April 2 and hosted by the City of Capitola and the Regional Transportation Commission to discuss the city's approach to the Coastal Rail Trail.

A handful of legislators rallied near the state Capitol Thursday to promote what they’re calling an “extremely unsexy,” but important, bipartisan bill package intended to put California’s housing development into overdrive.

Live Oak residents are concerned about parking and traffic as a 63-unit housing development planned for 841 Capitola Road begins to take shape.

In the recurring legislative fight between YIMBY legislators and defenders of California’s signature environmental law, one bill could be a final legislative showdown.

A report of the March 25 meeting of the Santa Cruz City Council, where a new infrastructure finance district, new library and new farmers market were among the items under consideration.

Hundreds of pile burns to reduce the fuel load will be taking place though April as Santa Cruz County prepares for fire season.

CalFire released its fourth and final round of color-coded hazard maps. Different colors come with different rules.

Up to three years of full or partial closures of the Murray Street bridge can be expected as the long-planned seismic rebuilding project begins March 24. Read on for details.

The impact of cannabis lounges and an update on the housing element of the General Plan were on the agenda of the March 19 meeting of the Scotts Valley City Council. Read on to learn more

Read on to learn more about upcoming neighborhood meetings at local libraries hosted by local homelessness nonprofit Housing Matters for discussion around the topic of “Neighbors for Neighbors: At the Intersections.”

Read on for details about a March 18 online community meeting discussing plans to build a seven-story housing development on the 900 block of Pacific Avenue.

A statement from Santa Cruz City Manager Matt Huffaker and Economic Development and Housing Director Bonnie Lipscomb addressing criticism about transparency and concerns about occupancy numbers of local affordable housing.

Read on for details about a brewing conflict as the Santa Cruz County Association of Realtors advance a housing measure for the ballot in opposition to one backed by Mayor Fred Keeley and local housing groups and other stakeholders.

Evacuating the Tahoe basin in summer could take 14 hours, and 99% of properties are at risk — yet new resorts are being built in high-danger fire areas.

Billions of state and federal dollars are spent on Lake Tahoe. But is all this attention actually protecting this unique treasure? Pollutants pour in, while development continues. Funding has shifted in focus to tourism and traffic projects, while money spent directly on fixing the lake has declined.

California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara said today he will grant State Farm’s request to raise home insurance premiums by 22% on average if the company agrees to certain conditions — and wins approval at a public rate hearing next month.

In a March 12 public information meeting, Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission and a consulting engineering firm reported that all of the 33 bridges on the 22-mile rail corridor will need to be repaired or replaced at a projected cost of almost $1 billion to support passenger rail service. Read on for details.

The seat on the California Coastal Commission currently occupied by Santa Cruz County Supervisor Justin Cummings has been opened for applications to serve a full four year term. Read on to learn what's behind this and next steps.

An online forum hosted by the City of Santa Cruz will be held on March 26 for discussion about a six story affordable housing project to be constructed at 525 Water Street. Read on to learn how you can participate.

Read on to learn the story behind the Army Corps of Engineers abrupt release of billions of gallons of water from two California dams despite pushback from water managers and state elected officials.

In their March 11 meeting, Santa Cruz County supervisors approved new rules to restrict vacation rentals. Read on for more information.

From pushing for oversight of the FAIR Plan to providing tax breaks for premiums, California lawmakers try to fix insurance market problems.

It’s legal in California to evict tenants for nonpayment even when they can pay all their overdue rent. A proposal pending in the Legislature seeks to change that.

Lookout Local's Wallace Baine reflects on the transformation of Front Street in Santa Cruz as the downtown building boom continues.

California Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas reopened the application process for the Coastal Commission seat held by Santa Cruz County Supervisor Justin Cummings. Read on to learn more about what's behind this and next steps.

Read on for more information about the seven-story mixed-use development proposed for the 900 block of Pacific Avenue and the community meeting about the project scheduled for March 18.

Read on for more information about the risk and safety considerations of a battery storage facility being proposed near Watsonville.

This appears to be the first such injunction since the U.S. Supreme Court let cities crack down on homeless encampments in California and beyond.

Oakland Democrat Buffy Wicks said lawmakers will soon see 20 bills to speed up housing construction, along with more on energy, water and transit.

In the wake of past devastating fires, Santa Cruz County residents in vulnerable "one-way-out" are taking the lead in preparing safe evacuation routes in case of future fires. Read on to learn more.