In our representative democracy, we elect leaders who we believe will broadly support our wishes and values, and then let those elected representatives make the multitude of individual choices on our behalf. Approving projects, changing zoning and making updates to the City of Santa Cruz’s general plan can only work effectively when done through regular […]
Election 2024
Posted inOpinion from Community Voices
Letter to the editor: Let’s not add new taxes — no on K and L
I have to disagree with Mike Rotkin’s view that raising sales taxes in both the city and county of Santa Cruz is “the right thing to do” and “makes sense.” It absolutely is not and does not. The reasoning for the tax hikes are to fund the “fight against homeless” and to have funds to […]
Posted inOpinion from Community Voices
Letter to the editor: Manu does listen to constituents — he listened to me
I have lived in the Santa Cruz County’s First District since 1988. I am deeply involved in many community matters, notably protection of the environment and affordable housing. I greatly appreciate Lookout’s elections forums, provided as a public service! Unable to attend in person, I watched the District 1 supervisor election forum online. Every minute […]
Posted inOpinion from Community Voices
Hector Marin for Santa Cruz City Council District 2: We need more Latino representation in government
Hector Marin argues that Santa Cruz needs his “community first” principle and that the city’s Latino residents need better representation. He advocates for “true” affordable housing at the very low-income level and says his experience as a renter is important for the council.
Posted inOpinion from Community Voices
Hear from Santa Cruz City Council District 3 candidates in their own words
Hear from Santa Cruz City Council District 3 candidates Shebreh Kalantari-Johnson and Joy Schendledecker as they answer the question, “How will you provide the sort of leadership our community needs and how are you prepared to meet the moment as it arises?”
Posted inOpinion from Community Voices
Shebreh Kalantari-Johnson for Santa Cruz City Council District 3: I bring experience, a work ethic and a record of success we need to continue
Shebreh Kalantari-Johnson says the Santa Cruz community is on the right track under her leadership and she should be reelected as a councilmember.
Posted inOpinion from Community Voices
Joy Schendledecker for Santa Cruz City Council District 3: I want to help craft public policy and budgets for maximum well-being
Joy Schendledecker says her entry into electoral politics might seem “surprising or unconventional,” but for her it’s a natural progression from her decades of activism, art and public service.
Posted inOpinion from Community Voices
Measures K and L: We need to invest in our collective future
Santa Cruz Mayor Fred Keeley and District 3 County Supervisor Justin Cummings make the case for sales tax increases in the City of Santa Cruz and the county.
Posted inEducation
‘Water coming through the fire alarms’: School districts ask voters to approve measures to fund backlog of repairs, upgrades
Three Santa Cruz County school districts are asking voters to approve bonds and parcel taxes in the upcoming March election. District leaders told Lookout what they plan to use the funds for and why they’re important.
Posted inOpinion from Community Voices
Hear from Santa Cruz City Council District 5 candidates in their own words
Hear from Santa Cruz City Council District 5 candidates Susie O’Hara and Joe Thompson as they answer the question, “How will you provide the sort of leadership our community needs and how are you prepared to meet the moment as it arises?”