By Jondi Gumz
Good news for renters and landlords — a state deal announced June 25 extends the eviction moratorium until Sept. 30 and pay landlords all the back rent that went unpaid during the pandemic.
But the deal isn’t final and must be voted on by the Legislature, which could happen June 28.
The deal is in AB832.
Landlords were offered another deal earlier to pay to 80 percent of back rent, requiring them to forgive the remainder. But it wasn’t popular, perhaps due to bureaucratic requirements. The state paid out only $61 million of the $659 million counties requested in aid, indicating a need was not met.
Both deals relate to residential properties; it’s not clear whether there will be additional aid for small businesses or restaurants/food trucks that did not get forgivable loans or outright grants from the federal government.
The Santa Cruz County is doing better as of May with unemployment at 6.8 percent and a big jump from April in farm jobs and hospitality and food service jobs, though those categories often are low-paying.
Capitola Produce is looking for a clerk, paying $13 an hour to start.
The city of Capitola is surveying residents about accessory dwelling units: Budgeting, style preferences, and the amount of time to permit and build. To view that survey, visit www.cityofcapitola.org/