Affordable housing is a mainstay of Santa Cruz politics. A new campaign led by local renters and homeowners wants to add a new caveat to local policy to help alleviate the housing crisis and spur affordable housing development. The Yes on Empty Home Tax Campaign…

Over a year has passed since local businesses first went into lockdown in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and, since then, economic recovery has been unsteady.  Business has picked back up, albeit with masks and vaccinations, easing the pressure on local stores. Alana Helms, a…