Given that it’s a central issue in Santa Cruz and across the state, California Local reporters often cover issues related to homelessness. We also curate stories on the topic from our local media allies, and offer information on local groups dedicated to helping solve this pernicious social ill. You can always find these resources on our homelessness topic page.
But this week’s newsletter is aimed toward those who do have homes—some with yards, some without, but most of them with patches of green that can be shared with other denizens of Santa Cruz. In a piece published on Earth Day, science writer Kimberly Hickok shares some tips on how to make one’s outdoor space more welcoming to native flora and fauna.
Another article that’s helpful on the home front is Jonathan Vankin’s roundup of a few of the most significant ways in which citizens can reduce their residential water consumption, from hunting for hidden water leaks to avoiding water-intensive consumer goods.
But home ownership can have its headaches, as explained in an exploration into the dark side of code enforcement. Code violations, even after they're fixed, can cost struggling homeowners their homes. We share some of the horror stories and look for possible solutions.
Finally, we end with a bit of local serendipity: a celebration of home births and midwifery, courtesy of a video presented by the San Lorenzo Valley Museum.
