A key pre-election campaign finance reporting deadline on Thursday revealed that the biggest players in America’s soft drink industry, including the parent companies of Coke, Pepsi, Dr Pepper and Red Bull, have donated nearly $1 million to defeat a city of Santa Cruz ballot measure this fall that would enact a special tax on sugary drinks.
County Supervisor District 2 2024
Coverage of the race for supervisor in Santa Cruz County’s District 2, which includes Aptos, La Selva Beach, Seacliff and Rio Del Mar, along with the communities of Corralitos and Freedom plus portions of the cities of Capitola and Watsonville.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Roads, rail trail, managed retreat emerge as flashpoints as District 2 hopefuls Brown, De Serpa spar at forum
District 2 Santa Cruz County supervisor candidates Kristen Brown and Kim De Serpa have spent years in elected office and public service, and seek to bring that experience to the board of supervisors come 2025. The two discussed everything from roads and managed retreat to the tight county budget and the divisive Coastal Rail Trail project Monday evening at a Lookout candidate forum.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
For Kim De Serpa, District 2 supervisor run is next step in life’s work as a ‘community caretaker’
From growing up surrounded by politically active women to a career in social work to a 14-year stint as a Pajaro Valley Unified School District trustee, Kim De Serpa has seen all manner of crises; now she wants to bring that experience to bear at the county level as she vies to succeed District 2 Supervisor Zach Friend.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Kristen Brown’s work ethic propelled her young political ascent. Can it carry her to the board of supervisors?
Lacking in years and the longtime local name recognition of her opponent for District 2 Santa Cruz County supervisor, Capitola Mayor Kristen Brown has leaned on what she calls “the depth of my experience,” and her pitch that policy work is her life’s calling.
Posted inOpinion from Community Voices
Letter to the editor: Kim De Serpa will do for the county what she did for my son
Have something to say? Lookout welcomes letters to the editor, within our policies, from readers. Guidelines here. Kim De Serpa is my choice for District 2 Santa Cruz County supervisor. I have had personal experience with Kim as a social worker. When my son went to her, she worked tirelessly to get him the benefits he […]
Posted inOpinion from Community Voices
Letter to the editor: Kim De Serpa is a grassroots leader
In a letter to the editor, an Aptos resident expresses support for District 2 county supervisor candidate Kim De Serpa.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Santa Cruz County Democrats endorse Kristen Brown
The Santa Cruz County Democratic Central Committee has endorsed Kristen Brown for District 2 county supervisor over her opponent, Kim De Serpa. The committee is also endorsing a “yes” vote on Measure Z (Santa Cruz’s 2-cent-per-ounce tax on the sale of sugar-sweetened drinks), Measure Y (Capitola’s sales tax rate increase to 9.25%) and Watsonville’s proposed charter amendments, which include removing a citizenship requirement to serve on the city’s boards and commissions. The committee is recommending a “no” vote on Measure U, a San Lorenzo Valley Water District proposal that would cap regular service charge increases to 2% per year until 2049.
Posted inOpinion from Community Voices
Santa Cruz County voters feel good about our government – that is the lesson I take from March 5 elections
Lookout politics columnist Mike Rotkin sees a clear message from Santa Cruz County voters: They are not looking for big change. The top vote-getters among county supervisor candidates all have government experience – or endorsements from those in power. One change Rotkin is celebrating, however, is electing at least one woman – and quite likely two – to the board of supervisors in November.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
District 2 county supervisor: Brown, De Serpa headed to runoff
Capitola Mayor Kristen Brown and Pajaro Valley school district trustee Kim De Serpa are headed to a November runoff for the District 2 Santa Cruz County supervisor seat.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
The underwhelm of two-person primaries and other takeaways from Santa Cruz County’s election season
Election season, when Santa Cruz County decides which direction it wishes to take, poses many questions and provides many answers. The March 5 primary was no different.