SANTA CRUZ — At its meeting Tuesday, the Santa Cruz City Council voted to establish a new business improvement district for the city’s Midtown neighborhood before approving a redesign plan for San Lorenzo Park.

As the public portion of the meeting began Tuesday afternoon, the Santa Cruz City Council chambers were packed with city workers from the SEIU 521 labor union who were unhappy with the current labor contract negotiation process with the city.

“It was back in June when I appeared in front of you last asking for you to contribute money towards the city of Santa Cruz contract with SEIU 521,” said SEIU Local 521 Santa Cruz Chapter President Ken Bare at the meeting. “We just got our initial offer from your side of the bargaining team, and it was downright insulting. People need more th

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