Santa Cruz Local

Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a raft of bills in the past week aimed at solving the housing crisis in California. Several of the new laws try to streamline new housing projects and make it harder for cities to block new development. Santa Cruz Local looks at how the new laws might play out in the City of Santa Cruz.

Editor's note: This episode has been updated to correct a description of the types of housing to which AB1482 applies. AB1482's just-cause eviction rules do not apply to the majority of single-family homes.

We start with what you need to know about planned power outages in Santa Cruz County. Then we update you on Tuesday's Santa Cruz City Council and the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors meetings. The council rejects a censure of Councilmembers Chris Krohn and Drew Glover for violating a city respectful conduct policy. We update you on plans for a new Kaiser Permanente medical clinic downtown. Plus, an idea for a point-of-sale real estate report dies. We share why the city punted on changes to rental inspection requirements. Meanwhile, the county board of supervisors takes on homelessness. The board also delays a decision on erosion protection for coastal properties. LINKS: www.pgecurrents.com , www.co.santa-cruz.ca.us/Departments/EmergencyServices.aspx

The Community Advisory Committee on Homelessness is a group that will advise the Santa Cruz City Council on its homeless policies. It's focusing on health, transitional campgrounds and public outreach. We report on its Tuesday meeting and potential solutions. Plus, an update on the push toward district elections in Santa Cruz.

An effort failed Tuesday to formally reprimand Councilmembers Chris Krohn and Drew Glover for workplace misconduct. In an emotional meeting, the council took steps toward a new ethics policy and mediation among councilmembers. The council also took on new rules for marijuana dispensaries and syringe waste bins.

Editor's note: The title of this episode has been updated. The previous title, 'Santa Cruz City Council censure vote fails,' was misleading.

Santa Cruz Local co-founders Kara Meyberg Guzman and Stephen Baxter recap the launch party and the membership drive. We share some feedback from members. Then we take you behind the scenes, as we discuss the direction of our company.

Two state housing bills, AB411 and SB330, are poised to impact Santa Cruz. AB411 would bring $16 million to the city to fund affordable housing projects. SB330 may foil the city council's effort to prevent higher density on Soquel Avenue, Mission Street and Ocean Street. The two bills are on the governor's desk, awaiting his decision. We break down what you need to know about these and other noteworthy state housing bills.

In the past few weeks, a homeless camp has grown to about 30 tents on Santa Cruz's Main Beach. But it's not good for tourism. The beach, between the boardwalk and the wharf, is a big tourist draw for the city, and tourism is a lifeblood of the local economy. The Santa Cruz City Council was compelled to install a curfew. But no one is satisfied. The curfew doesn't begin to provide a long-term solution for Santa Cruz's homeless people. Also: We share what you need to know about the council's decisions (or lack of) on the DeLaveaga Golf Course and the Harvey West Pool.

Santa Cruz is one of dozens of cities across California that's received a threat of a lawsuit if it doesn't shift its city council to district elections. We break down the pros and cons of district elections. We talk with a state group that’s behind this push for district elections. We hear about the Santa Cruz City school board that just went through the process. And we hear about some maps of how Santa Cruz has voted in the last two city council elections. Visit santacruzlocal.org and click on this episode to see the maps.

There are six major development projects in early stages of planning in downtown Santa Cruz. If they're built, it would mark the biggest boom of housing development in downtown Santa Cruz in decades. Where did this surge come from? We talk to developers, shop owners and city leaders about affordable housing and smart planning. (Interviews include: Jessie Bristow and Jon Lee of Swenson, Santa Cruz Planning Director Lee Butler, Santa Cruz Bookshop owner Casey Coonerty-Protti, Andy's Auto owner Michael Mekis and Santa Cruz City Councilmember Chris Krohn)

The Santa Cruz City Council keeps the Louden Nelson Community Center's bathrooms locked to outsiders. Staff say it's safer and cleaner. Hear why some say it's unfair to homeless people. Also, the "Corridor Plan," which would allow denser housing along major roads in the city, is killed on Tuesday. It was on hold because it was too controversial. Hear why some councilmembers object. Warning: This episode contains graphic content.