Students Leave Santa Cruz but Their Leases Continue
When thousands of students signed yearlong leases for off-campus housing last summer, few could have foreseen any reason their stay in Santa Cruz would be cut short. But as the pandemic forced most of the student body to return home, student renters have found themselves…
City Reopens Armory as Winter Shelter
The new shelter comes in the wake of several recent deaths of houseless individuals on the streets of Santa Cruz and a general rise in houseless deaths in recent years. From 2008-16, an average of 36 houseless people died each year in Santa Cruz County….
Graduate Students Protest For Living Wages
*A pseudonym is used to protect the source’s identity. Over 100 graduate students gathered in Quarry Plaza on Nov. 7 and marched to Kerr Hall to present a list of demands to Chancellor Cindy Larive. In the first march of a monthlong campaign of visibility,…
Funding For County Road Repairs in Jeopardy
A massive storm ravaged Santa Cruz County in the winter of 2016-17, causing extensive damage to the road system. Now, after $120 million in damage, county officials fear they won’t be able to access federal funding for the repair effort. “It’s very much unprecedented,…
Council Takes No Action Toward District Elections
Santa Barbara-based firm Fargey Law threatened Santa Cruz with legal action if the city doesn’t opt to transition to district elections. The City Council decided not to take action to move away from the current system of at-large elections at a Sept. 24 council meeting. …
Houseless Struggle to Fulfill Basic Needs
For the houseless residents of Santa Cruz, meeting basic hygienic needs can be trying. Access to bathrooms, showers and clean laundry is often limited. Hygiene is imperative for those living on the streets due to constant exposure to disease and infection. Access to shelter, jobs…
Ross Camp Closure Creates New Challenges
Since the Ross Camp closed, displaced houseless residents have been living in Pogonip, along the San Lorenzo River and around town. It’s been two weeks since the city of Santa Cruz vacated the massive houseless encampment behind Ross Dress for Less and some houseless residents…
Federal Judge Dissolves Temporary Restraining Order
City officials insisted the camp be cleaned and cleared. Houseless activists insisted the city provide shelter first. Unable to come to a compromise, they deferred to a federal judge who allowed the camp’s closure. Key People: Edward Davila is the district judge for the Northern…
Federal Judge Halts Ross Camp Closure
Content warning: This article contains reference to sexual assault and violence. Many Ross Camp residents questioned the future of their living situation the afternoon of April 23 as they prepared to vacate the encampment under orders from the city. Some asked another question — did…
Climate Conference Challenges Apathy
A United Nations study in late 2018 revealed we have just 12 years to control climate change and prevent global crisis. For many marginalized communities around the world, the crisis has already come. The sixth annual Climate Science and Policy Conference, held April 11 at…