Editor’s note: Lookout editors wanted to give you a chance to hear from candidates directly. But we also did not want them to simply repeat their campaign slogans. So we asked them a single question: “How will you provide the sort of leadership our community needs and how are you prepared to meet the moment […]
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Kim De Serpa for District 2 supervisor: My experience with schools, budgeting and health care make me an ideal candidate
Kim De Serpa believes her 14 years on the Pajaro Valley Unified School District board of trustees and her job as a clinical social worker and hospital leader give her insights the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors needs. She says she has more than 30 years of experience, an understanding of budget and a deep concern for people.
Bruce Jaffe for District 2 supervisor: I have 21 years of experience with water, know how to collaborate and understand climate issues
Bruce Jaffe, who has been elected six times to the Soquel Creek Water District board of directors, believes his experience, understanding of climate issues and ability to form coalitions make him an ideal candidate.
David Schwartz for District 2 supervisor: I am not a career politician and will find ways to fix roads, rethink homelessness and eliminate budget waste
David Schwartz, an accountant who has lived in Santa Cruz County for 30 years, argues his fiscal responsibility and outsider status make him the best candidate for District 2. He has never held political office. He plans to focus on roads, housing and eliminating waste. He is against Measure K, the county’s half-cent sales tax increase and says leadership is about trust, compassion and listening.
Tony Crane: ‘I don’t want to win’ for District 2 supervisor. ‘My goal is to bring accountability back to our county.’
Tony Crane, a candidate for District 2 county supervisor, explains how the improper placement of an eight-bed mental health facility pushed him to run for office. He says he does not hope or expect to win.
In the Public Interest: Lookout forums continue, Measure M for Maybe, what mountain voters want
In his weekly newsletter covering Santa Cruz County politics and policy, Christopher Neely previews a pair of Lookout election forums this week, digs into what Measure M might and might not mean, talks to voters in the Santa Cruz Mountains about what they’re looking for in their new District 5 county supervisor and more.
A guide to the best burgers in Santa Cruz County
Which burgers in Santa Cruz County are the best? Lookout food and drink correspondent Lily Belli hit the streets to find out. From cheffy restaurant burgers to paper-wrapped fast food, here are the local burgers that rose to the top.
Six hikes to get you outside and soothe the soul
The world has been a bit upside down, from COVID-19 to economic and wildfire recovery. Here’s our Lookout Guide to sanctuary and solace, especially as the pandemic grip loosens and summer blooms. These Santa Cruz County hiking paths will bring some calm to your being. Best off, they’re all free.

