Woodhouse Blending & Brewing Wins Permit Approval
By Julie Horner and Michele Murphy
The City of Santa Cruz Planning Commission voted unanimously at a public hearing on Thursday, September 19, 2024 at City Council Chambers in Santa Cruz to allow Woodhouse Blending & Brewing to continue its live music program at the brewery located at 119 Madrone Street in Santa Cruz, near the Sash Mill off River Street. In an outpouring, supporters filled the meeting room to capacity, with many forced to stand in the hallway. Several people were wearing t-shirts with the public notice for the hearing date emblazoned on the back.
During the hearing children spoke, musicians, families, business people, teachers, retirees, and music fans. Attendees pointed out that Woodhouse is the only other dedicated outdoor music venue in Santa Cruz besides Abbott Square Market. Everyone spoke of Woodhouse as a valuable neighborhood hub and that it was one of the few places in Santa Cruz where communities of color feel comfortable and welcome. Local musician Zach Latham said, “For the soul of Santa Cruz I ask you to approve this permit!”
Woodhouse Blending & Brewing has been creating small-batch craft beer in Santa Cruz since 2020. Co-founders Ken Kieffer and William Moxham envisioned a community hub where patrons could gather for music, art, and lively conversation. The venue began hosting live music outdoors in 2021 when gathering indoors was deemed unsafe during the early years of the pandemic. But in October 2023, based on an anonymous complaint, they received a cease and desist notice from the City of Santa Cruz. The complaint brought to light that Woodhouse lacked a City Admission Tax and Entertainment Permit. The venue requested, and was granted approval to keep entertainment going indoors temporarily while they applied for the correct permit and awaited a hearing date.
The council voted to make a motion based on the compelling testimony convincing them why we need this type of safe, inclusive artist-friendly community hub in Santa Cruz. Once all the council members affirmed their support, the room erupted in applause. Then Tug Newett, Art & Design Specialist at Woodhouse got up and thanked everyone for coming. When asked after the hearing when they could start hosting music outdoors again, Tug said, “We actually didn’t get any clarification on the permit. We are taking it as effective immediately.”
Keep an eye on Woodhouse Blending & Brewing Events and look for the Woodhouse listings in the San Lorenzo Valley Post Weekend Roundup of Live Music.
Photo credit: Woodhouse Blending & Brewing Facebook page.
***
Have a story to share? The San Lorenzo Valley Post welcomes your Santa Cruz Mountains news, story ideas, photos, and letters. Send us an email.
Sign up for our newsletter to stay connected to news and events in the Santa Cruz Mountains.
Julie Horner is Co-Founder and Editor for the San Lorenzo Valley Post. Julie lives and works in Boulder Creek and is an active participant in the county's vibrant music scene. She loves the outdoors and is the go-to expert on Santa Cruz Mountains hiking trails.
