OPINION: Three weeks after endorsing Measure C, Lookout’s editorial board says its support still stands, but it reiterates the need for city accountability on how it spends tax dollars on affordable housing.
Lookout Editorial Board
Posted inOpinion from Community Voices
A Lookout View: Yes on Santa Cruz’s Measure C – with a caveat
This Nov. 4 ballot feels like a grudge match, but dismissing it would be a mistake. Measure C could give Santa Cruz 10 times more power to prevent evictions and build affordable housing. The Lookout Editorial Board says yes on C, no on B — but only if the city proves it can spend the money wisely.
Posted inOpinion from Community Voices
A Lookout View: We have too many unanswered questions about how ICE will operate in our community
Federal immigration officers arrested local handyman Adolfo Gonzalez on Jan. 28. We still don’t know enough about why. He had spent 22 years in Santa Cruz County and had three DUIs, yes, but why he was targeted, why on that day and why – after two decades in the U.S. – wasn’t he allowed to pack a bag or take his phone with him when federal officers deposited him in Mexico? We understand immigration policies need reform and are changing under Donald J. Trump. But can’t ICE operate more humanely?
Posted inOpinion from Community Voices
A Lookout View: Our Nov. 5 endorsements
The Lookout Editorial Board writes endorsements because we believe a strong, trustworthy, independent and nonpartisan local news organization owes its community a stand-back, whole view of the candidates and measures before us, based on extensive one-on-one interviews. And, on your behalf, we look for four factors in making our recommendations: voting and other decision-making records, experience, judgment and political skills – and how the candidacy (or measure) meets the moment.
Posted inOpinion from Community Voices
A Lookout View: Yes on Capitola, Scotts Valley and school bond measures
Yes, tax bites do mount up, bit by bit. Yet, they are essential to keep local governments and our schools moving forward, meeting these anxious times. The Lookout Editorial Board supports both Capitola’s and Scotts Valley’s tax increases, and those of the six local districts seeking approval.
Posted inOpinion from Community Voices
A Lookout View: Trina Coffman-Gomez for Watsonville City Council – she brings experience and housing knowledge
The Lookout Editorial Board endorses Trina Coffman-Gomez for Watsonville City Council. She has already served two terms from 2012 to 2020 and understands the city and its needs. Her opponent, incumbent and former mayor Jimmy Dutra, is too mired in controversy over a recent civil trial to effectively serve. Dutra did not respond to Lookout’s requests for an editorial board meeting.
Posted inOpinion from Community Voices
A Lookout View: Yes on V – let’s add diversity and untapped community voices to Watsonville boards and commissions
The Lookout Editorial Board endorses Measure V, which would expand eligibility to serve on commissions and boards to all Watsonville residents, regardless of voting status. The board sees this as a vote for diversity, inclusion and part of the wave of the future for California cities and counties.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
A Lookout View: Yes on Z – let’s stand up for community health
Measure Z, the “sugary drink tax,” has raised high emotion and big money in the city of Santa Cruz and is a potential litmus test for the state’s 2018 Keep Groceries Affordable Act. The Lookout Editorial Board endorses a yes vote. We think it’s good for overall community health and for the city’s needy coffers.
Posted inOpinion from Community Voices
A Lookout View: Gerry Jensen and Melinda Orbach for Capitola City Council
The Lookout Editorial Board endorses Gerry Jensen and Melinda Orbach for Capitola City Council. Jensen’s proven commitment to the community and Orbach’s emphasis on resiliency and city services stand out among the four candidates for two open seats.
Posted inOpinion from Community Voices
A Lookout View: Krista Jett, John Lewis and Donna Lind for Scotts Valley City Council
The Lookout Editorial Board endorses Krista Jett, John Lewis and Donna Lind for Scotts Valley City Council. We think the city needs both experience and new ideas.