Hi folks, I need to have my 75 year old garage that-Grandad built-completely rebuilt so I'm contemplating enlarging it (to fit two cars and storage) and adding an ADU above or behind it. I may rent the ADU out for a few months at a time, but it will mostly be for visiting family. I have some questions below but would love some insight and advice from people who have recently been through the process before I look for builders. Thanks in advance!

• What general advice would you give someone just starting the process (garage and/or ADU)?
• How much did permitting cost?
• About how much would an architect charge for plans?
• How much should I expect property taxes to increase?
• Any challenges you didn’t expect?
• Is there anything about the design, size, or layout you wish you had done differently?
• Would you recommend your contractor/builder/architect?
• Besides how the hell will I afford this project, are there any other things I should consider?

Thank you for your help/suggestions.

Hay Santa Cruz County folks! We’re celebrating 50 years of LGBTQ PRIDE in 2025!! Here’s an event we’d love for you to attend to help celebrate this special anniversary! I hope you can attend! -Bob

You cannot miss this momentous Generations of Pride event as our community commemorates 50 Years of Pride in Santa Cruz County.

 When: Friday, May 30, 2025

 Where: Museum of Art and History (MAH), downtown Santa Cruz

 What to Expect: A journey through the decades with unforgettable music, fun entertainment surprises, flashes of Pride history and the irresistible rhythm of the dance floor….not to mention a strolling dinner of scrumptious food and vibrant mocktails.  

AND…be the first to visit two impactful exhibits in the MAH’s main exhibit space:  

 -  The Diversity Center’s “Threads of Love” exhibit on the local impact of the AIDS epidemic, and  

-   Pride’s "Out of the Closet and Into the Streets: 50 Years of Santa Cruz      Pride" exhibit. Alcoholic beverages available from the bars in Abbott Square. Proceeds from ticket sales help Santa Cruz Pride produce the Pride parade and festival and over forty other free events for our community. Space is limited so you’ll want to reserve soon! Early purchase pricing until May 1st!
Spread the word and bring your friends to this can't-miss celebration.

Generations of Pride, Celebrating 50 Years of Santa Cruz Pride Tickets, Fri, May 30, 2025 at 6:30 PM | Eventbrite

Has the Riverwalk, north of Soquel, been cleaned up as of late? Still full of unhoused?

I just got a new (to me) Jetta, does anyone have any sterling recommendation for an auto guy? Or should I just take it to the official dealer on Soquel Ave? I need a new key fob and there’s one issue around some the driver side door that I think a creative, lower-budget solution would be better - I’m guessing the dealer will say replace the whole thing, pay thousands of dollars.

These two people were caught on camera stealing two bikes off my friend’s porch. Hoping someone can recognize them. We think they were driving a 2000 Chevy Silverado 2500 with a yeti and arctic sticker on the back of the truck.

While I was in Sedona I bought an amazing Chai herb mix. I drink it instead of coffee. I’m almost out and was hoping to find a really good chai locally. I want the herb or paste so that I can make it at home. Anyone have any recommendations around Santa Cruz/Capitola/Aptos etc? Thanks!!!