Librarian Jesse Silva regularly delivers books and library programs to the more than 300 people currently incarcerated in Santa Cruz County. She also brings in kindness and social support. For some, she says, the library is the only outside contact her patrons experience during their months or years in jail. She argues that her work is vital and that we must support our libraries and recognize the essential role reading plays in rehabilitation.
Opinion from Community Voices
Posted inOpinion from Community Voices
Ryan Coonerty: Who will be Santa Cruz’s George Washington and three other election hot takes
Ryan Coonerty, outgoing District 3 Santa Cruz County supervisor, offers four insights on Tuesday’s election results, along with a bit of wry humor. From the defeat of Measure D to low voter turnout and a historic supervisor runoff, he walks us through the ups and downs of election season and even helps us understand why Santa Cruz today is like Philadelphia circa 1787.
Posted inOpinion from Community Voices
Letter to the editor: Bring us more from the Ven. Tenzin
Have something to say? Lookout welcomes letters to the editor, within our policies, from readers. Guidelines here. To the editor: I have just finished reading the article “What does Measure D have in common with your neighbor’s barking dog?” I want to thank the author, Venerable Tenzin Chogkyi, and Lookout for printing it. She says, […]
Posted inOpinion from Community Voices
What does Measure D have in common with your neighbor’s barking dog?
Elections offer an excellent time for reflection, and Tenzin Chogkyi, a Buddhist monastic who teaches courses on compassion, says we all can do better at handling conflict. She works at the Conflict Resolution Center of Santa Cruz County and offers several examples — from a barking dog to Measure D — to showcase how we can reduce animosity in our lives.
Posted inOpinion from Community Voices
Letter to the editor: UCSC must do better; university ignored design principles in original Student Housing West plan
Have something to say? Lookout welcomes letters to the editor, within our policies, from readers. Guidelines here. To the editor: I very much appreciated Mike Rotkin’s piece on the importance of design in affordable housing. Too often, objections to aspects of a development plan are brushed aside as selfish NIMBYism, and we are told that […]
Posted inOpinion from Community Voices
Design matters in affordable housing
Mike Rotkin, five-time mayor of Santa Cruz, says the city needs more affordable housing, but we also must be careful what we build. Design, including open space and access to the San Lorenzo River, are key, he says. He cautions against cost-cutting, which could undermine increasingly strong public support for more affordable units.
Posted inOpinion from Community Voices
Letter to the editor: Gail Pellerin has the experience and skills; she has my vote
Have something to say? Lookout welcomes letters to the editor, within our policies, from readers. Guidelines here. Please join me in voting for Gail Pellerin for State Assembly District 28. I know Gail to be proactive, honest, level-headed and capable. Gail possesses the experience and the leadership skills required to address the pressing needs of […]
Posted inOpinion from Community Voices
Letter to the editor: Rail cost is too too high, but let’s stop the personal attacks
Have something to say? Lookout welcomes letters to the editor, within our policies, from readers. Guidelines here. To the editor: Thank you, Wallace Baine, for such an in-depth article on Bud Colligan, local philanthropist. I don’t know Mr. Colligan or his wife, but I do attend Jewel Theatre, which makes its home in the Colligan […]
Posted inOpinion from Community Voices
Letter to the editor: Stop wasting money on trains; fund Metro and Measure D
Have something to say? Lookout welcomes letters to the editor, within our policies, from readers. Guidelines here. To the editor: I spent 15 years driving a bus for Santa Cruz Metro; I believe in public transportation! During my time behind the wheel, I observed constant fiscal instability. It was feast or famine — expansions of […]
Posted inOpinion from Community Voices
Monterey survived redistricting; Santa Cruz can, too
Tyller Williamson, a city councilmember in Monterey, sees redistricting as good for minority communities because it allows them more representation. He also “cautiously supports” an at-large mayor. Monterey transitioned to district elections in November and is still working out the kinks. He’s watching Santa Cruz optimistically and says our two cities can learn from each other.
