One of my favorite parts of working at Lookout Santa Cruz is getting out into the community and connecting with people face-to-face. We spend a lot of time reporting on the decisions that affect our lives, but there’s something special about bringing people together in the same room to ask questions, hear different perspectives and learn from one another.
That’s exactly what we’ve been doing this election season.
For five years, Lookout has hosted local election forums to help residents hear directly from candidates and make informed decisions. This year felt especially meaningful. For the first time, we had so many community organizations reach out to partner with us on forums. To me, that says something important: Lookout has become a valued part of this community, and organizations recognize the role we can play in bringing people together around the issues that matter.
Those partnerships also gave us the capacity to do more. Working alongside local organizations and engaged residents, we were able to host four forums across Santa Cruz County in just over a month – from a packed mayoral forum in Santa Cruz to a conversation about the future of the Felton Fire Protection District.
And I love seeing our community show up.
Residents came ready with thoughtful questions, candidates shared their perspectives, and community organizations and volunteers helped make each event possible. These conversations are an important reminder that local elections aren’t just about campaign signs or headlines. They’re about the decisions that shape our neighborhoods, schools, public safety and everyday lives.
Thank you to every candidate who participated, everyone who attended or tuned in online, and all the community partners who helped bring these events to life.
Here’s a look back at our four forums, along with photos, recordings and more coverage to help you stay informed ahead of Election Day.
Santa Cruz mayoral race | Sept. 23 | The 418 Project
We kicked off the series in downtown Santa Cruz, where mayoral candidates Ryan Coonerty and Ami Chen Mills joined us for a conversation about the city’s future. About 130 people filled The 418 Project, while another 100 watched online, and it was clear that residents wanted to hear from the candidates and learn more about this important race.
Lookout Community Voices Editor Jody K. Biehl moderated the discussion, which covered everything from serious policy questions to some lighter topics. The format gave both candidates an opportunity to share their experience, priorities and vision for Santa Cruz.
For me, that’s what these events are all about: giving voters the chance to hear directly from candidates, compare their perspectives and decide which priorities matter most to them.
Read more from Lookout:
- Santa Cruz mayoral candidates Ami Chen Mills, Ryan Coonerty clash over AI, Flock cameras and campaign conduct
- Santa Cruz mayor race: We fact-checked two disputed claims about Ami Chen Mills and Ryan Coonerty
- Santa Cruz mayoral race: Plenty of similarities within the division between Coonerty, Chen Mills
Watsonville City Council race | Sept. 30 | Watsonville Civic Plaza Community Room
In Watsonville, we partnered with the Pajaro Valley Chamber of Commerce to bring City Council candidates from Districts 5 and 7 together to talk about the city’s future.
The audience came prepared, with thoughtful questions about the issues affecting their community. We had so many that we ran out of time before we could get to them all! It shows that people are paying attention, thinking critically about local issues and taking their responsibility as voters seriously.
The forum featured District 5 candidates Angel Zuniga and incumbent Casey Clark, along with District 7 candidates Nancy Bilicich and Ed Acosta. Residents had the opportunity to hear from all four candidates about the issues facing Watsonville and what they would prioritize if elected to the City Council.
Read more from Lookout:
- Watsonville City Council candidates find common ground on downtown, housing and the city’s future
- Watsonville City Council District 5: Angel Zuniga challenges Casey Clark in race that will determine 2027 mayor
Capitola City Council race | Oct. 7 | Capitola City Hall
In Capitola, we joined forces with Capitola Cares and the Capitola-Soquel Chamber of Commerce for moderating a forum featuring all five candidates running for three seats on the City Council. More than 50 people packed the room, with additional viewers tuning in online. Moderated by Lookout’s Jody K. Biehl, the discussion featured candidates Joe Clarke, Cami Corvin, TJ Welch, Peter Wilk and Tory Del Favero.
With just 60 seconds to answer each question, candidates had to get straight to the point. It was a fast-paced conversation that gave residents a chance to hear where candidates agreed, where they differed and how they approached the issues facing Capitola.
I think there’s real value in creating space for these kinds of conversations. Candidates don’t have to agree on everything, and voters don’t have to reach the same conclusions. But hearing different perspectives and having the opportunity to compare them is an important part of making an informed decision.
Read more from Lookout:
- Capitola City Council candidates agree on budget, rail trail — but differ slightly on housing
- Capitola City Council: Meet the five candidates vying for three open seats
- How Capitola City Council race turned divisive over candidate TJ Welch’s past LGBTQ+ comments
Felton Fire Protection District Board candidates | Oct. 13 | Felton Community Hall
Our final forum brought us to Felton, where residents gathered to hear from Jim Anderson, Norm Crandell and Craig Winter, the three candidates running for two seats on the Felton Fire Protection District Board. Around 50 people attended the event at Felton Community Hall, ready to learn more about the candidates and their plans for the district.
The evening had a lovely community feel, thanks in part to the Get to Know Your Felton Fire Candidates Committee, which collaborated with Lookout and generously provided homemade treats and coffee. The group helped keep everything on track, from planning and promotion to setting up and cleaning up afterward.
Special district races may not always get the same attention as mayoral or City Council contests, but they matter. These are the positions that help shape essential local services, and voters deserve to understand who’s running and what the job entails.
Read more from Lookout: Felton voters bet $1.7 million a year on a new era for the fire department
Why these conversations matter
Four events, four communities and countless chances for residents to listen, learn and take part in local democracy. Each forum was a little different, but the goal was the same: to help people feel more informed about the candidates and the decisions that will shape their communities.
Our newsroom is also reporting on candidates, examining local issues, fact-checking claims and helping readers understand what’s at stake. And, thanks to members, we’re making our local election coverage available for free so everyone in Santa Cruz County can access the information they need to vote.
If you haven’t explored it yet, check out Lookout’s 2026 election coverage for candidate profiles, issue reporting, forum coverage and more.
As Election Day approaches, I encourage you to take some time to get informed, ask questions, talk with your neighbors and make a plan to vote.
