Watsonville writer Eduardo Hurtado believes community concerns about New Leaf Energy’s proposed battery storage project outside Watsonville should be a red flag to the state to look more closely at the plan and what might happen in an emergency. He worries about New Leaf’s choice to pursue approval for the facility through California’s energy commission rather than continuing in Santa Cruz County. The Minto Road facility sits close to the College Lake water storage project, he writes, a key part of South County’s water system. Hurtado insists that this sensitive location requires extra scrutiny of land and water infrastructure and argues that the state must fully assess water safety, emergency risks and local impacts before moving forward.
Opinion from Community Voices
Posted inOpinion from Community Voices
Letter to the editor: The community saved Watsonville hospital; Tony Nuñez was a vital force
In a letter to the editor, a Watsonville doctor and former Pajaro Valley Health Care District trustee endorses Tony Nuñez for District 4 Santa Cruz County supervisor.
Posted inOpinion from Community Voices
Could Chaminade be at risk? Proposed state bill could gut Santa Cruz County hotel ownership
A new California bill, AB 1869, could change how hotel investment companies are taxed and regulated. Jon Bortz, CEO of Pebblebrook Hotel Trust, which owns Chaminade Resort & Spa in Santa Cruz, says the measure – designed to ensure companies that get the tax advantages of being “passive property owners” are just owners, and are not also running them behind the scenes – could force significant changes at the well-known local resort if it becomes law. Bortz warns that it could lead to higher taxes, declining property values and potential impacts on retirement investments tied to hotel real estate. Critics of the bill argue it could also discourage long-term owners from investing in California’s hospitality industry. The bill is scheduled to be heard by the Assembly Appropriations Committee on Thursday.
Posted inOpinion from Community Voices
UCSC’s student success lies in the college system. Now the university is gouging it.
Two UC Santa Cruz students are concerned that university budget cuts are stripping resources from the beloved residential college system and weakening the student support networks that have benefited them and defined campus life since the campus’ inception. Alex Santiago and Isaac Belloso say staff layoffs and reductions in provost positions are eroding mentorship, belonging and academic success and implore university leaders to reconsider the cuts and include students in the decision-making process. These relationships, they say, shape opportunity – especially for first-generation and low-income students.
Posted inOpinion from Community Voices
Fund life, not death: Rep. Jimmy Panetta votes for military spending – Sean Dougherty better aligns with local values
In a time of rising cost of living and escalating war spending abroad, voters in Santa Cruz County face a stark choice in the vote for U.S. House District 19 representative, writes activist Unhae Langis. She argues that current federal budgets favor militarization over community needs such as housing, healthcare and climate resilience, and contrasts incumbent Rep. Jimmy Panetta’s record with challenger Sean Dougherty’s platform. She believes Dougherty is a better choice for Santa Cruz County voters who don’t support military spending.
Posted inOpinion from Community Voices
Letter to the editor: Jewish American Heritage Month matters more than ever amid rising antisemitism
In a letter to the editor, an Aptos resident underlines the importance of Jewish American Heritage Month amid a rising tide of antisemitism.
Posted inOpinion from Community Voices
Letter to the editor: It costs $237 to register a nine-year-old car? California drivers deserve better
In a letter to the editor, a Felton resident takes issue with high vehicle registration fees and what he sees as the lack of clear return on what drivers are paying.
Posted inOpinion from Community Voices
Letter to the editor: Let’s put local funds to work – how Santa Cruz can effectively utilize Measure C
In a letter to the editor, a Santa Cruz resident laments how median income is calculated and how it relates to housing, and lauds voters for passing what he sees as the ameliorative Measure C.
Posted inOpinion from Community Voices
Meet the candidates running for the District 4 Santa Cruz City Council seat – and get ready for the June 2 primary
Lookout offers short videos from the two candidates – Scott Newsome and Hector Marin – running for the District 4 seat.
Posted inOpinion from Community Voices
Meet the candidates running for the District 6 Santa Cruz City Council seat – and get ready for the June 2 primary
Lookout offers short videos from the two candidates – Renee Golder and Gabriella Noack – running for the District 6 seat.