Ahead of opening arguments in a far-reaching U.S. Supreme Court case Monday that would decide if it is unconstitutional for jurisdictions to criminally oust people from homeless encampments without shelter options, the city of Santa Cruz has been awarded a two-year $4 million state homeless encampment resolution grant.
In an effort to provide the public with more information on what the region's homeless landscape looks like on a day-to-day basis, Santa Cruz County launched a new online database this month focusing on affordable housing and homelessness statistics and resources.
After much rancor this fall regarding an oversized vehicle ordinance, the Santa Cruz City Council passed the measure by a vote of 5-2 on Nov. 9. The earliest it could have gone into effect was Dec. 9, but legally it can't begin until a number of provisions are put in place. Lookout checks on when that might happen.