Locals looking to influence a tight race for president and Congress in swing states and contested districts have a few options: write letters and postcards, make phone calls, give money, or travel to go door to door in far-flung places.
Election 2024
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Judge won’t block Santa Cruz soda tax ballot language former candidate says is misleading
Former Santa Cruz City Council candidate Hector Marin says he’s appealing a judge’s dismissal of his lawsuit challenging the wording of November ballot language for a proposed city sugary drink tax. He claims that a list of potential uses for revenue from the tax that will appear on the ballot — youth and senior programs, for example — is misleading because it will actually be considered general fund revenue that could be used for any city expense.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
What can California Democrats do for Kamala Harris? Flip the House
Party leaders at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago send a clear message to California delegates: Kamala Harris needs a Democratic Congress to succeed if she’s elected president.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Seven open seats in Santa Cruz County have no candidates. What happens now?
Seven local offices on the ballot in Santa Cruz County this fall drew zero interested candidates by the close of an extended filing deadline last week. Now, the districts and boards will begin public outreach campaigns to try to find someone to appoint to the seats, rather than be put before voters, before current terms expire.
Posted inLatest News
Newsom signs new retail theft laws as voters weigh even tougher penalties
Gov. Gavin Newsom signed bills Friday that aim to make it easier to prosecute retail theft. He’s asking California voters to reject a November ballot measure that would impose even tougher penalties.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Gavin Newsom, once Biden’s biggest cheerleader, inches into the Kamala Harris campaign
California Gov. Gavin Newsom stood by President Joe Biden to the bitter end, but is taking a less visible role in Kamala Harris’ campaign so far. His speaking slot at the Democratic National Convention next week could signal how prominent he will be until Election Day.
Posted inHousing & Development
Billions more for California housing? Why some construction unions aren’t sold yet
Voters in the San Francisco Bay Area, California’s most unaffordable region, are set to vote on a record-breaking affordable housing bond. Will state Democrats add a pro-union requirement to win over a powerful labor coalition?
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Scotts Valley Mayor Randy Johnson, Councilmember Jack Dilles not seeking reelection
Among the early surprises in this year’s election season is the decision by Scotts Valley Mayor Randy Johnson and Councilmember Jack Dilles to not seek reelection. With a combined 36 years of city council experience, the elder statesmen of the Santa Cruz Mountains say it’s time to pass the torch to new people.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
In the Public Interest: What did we learn at the filing deadline?
Inside Santa Cruz County politics and policy with Lookout’s Christopher Neely.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Santa Cruz County 2024 elections: What we know at the filing deadline about who is running
The field is set for Santa Cruz County’s nonpartisan general election on Nov. 5. Scotts Valley Mayor Randy Johnson chose not to seek reelection after 28 years on the city council. In Watsonville, former Cabrillo College trustee Martha Vega is challenging Mayor Vanessa Quiroz-Carter for city council. And there are competitive races for offices ranging from county supervisor to local fire districts. But not all of the 108 seats up for election have attracted candidates, and most races will not be competitive.