Like many other locales in the U.S., Santa Cruz County is grappling with the climax of a yearslong campaign for president on Election Day. Poet Ellen Bass points to poetry as a source of solace and inspiration. Sven Davis refers to his “Nail-Biter” Election Night event as a way for people to disconnect from the stress of the moment.
Election 2024
Posted inPolitics & Policy
In the Public Interest: Election Day, turnout predictions, and local thoughts on Prop 36
With Election Day tomorrow, Christopher Neely goes inside Santa Cruz County politics and policy in his weekly newsletter.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Sick of campaign signs yet? Santa Cruz offers recycling
If you’re eager to take down campaign yard signs first thing Wednesday morning, the City of Santa Cruz is reminding residents that they do not belong in blue recycling bins. The city is offering a recycling service specifically for yard signs, which are typically made of mixed materials incompatible with the normal recycling process.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Skeptical voters asking ‘different’ questions compared to previous elections, county clerk says
As Election Day tensions run high nationwide, Santa Cruz County Clerk Trisha Webber foresees a smooth election locally, but says questions from voters this year have reflected the broader sense of skepticism around the electoral process.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what this election might mean for the most vulnerable
On the eve of Election Day, it’s important to keep in mind those most vulnerable to persecution. Everyone has something to lose in this election, but for some, those stakes are highest.
Posted inOpinion from Community Voices
A Lookout View: Our Nov. 5 endorsements
The Lookout Editorial Board writes endorsements because we believe a strong, trustworthy, independent and nonpartisan local news organization owes its community a stand-back, whole view of the candidates and measures before us, based on extensive one-on-one interviews. And, on your behalf, we look for four factors in making our recommendations: voting and other decision-making records, experience, judgment and political skills – and how the candidacy (or measure) meets the moment.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Video: When Halloween and Election 2024 collide
As Santa Cruz County and America approach an anxious weekend before Tuesday’s election, Lookout’s Kevin Painchaud polled Halloween celebrators on Pacific Avenue about their thoughts on the week ahead.
Posted inLatest News
Election workers quit in Shasta County as self-appointed observers roam office
Voters are legally allowed to enter the office and observe the election process. One recently resigned Shasta County worker said a lot of them, however, are on edge and “very angry.” “They want to catch us in a lie, so they’ll try to trick you into saying something,” he said. “A lot of times they’ll be secretly videotaping you or recording you.”
Posted inPolitics & Policy
After a year of drama, Felton Fire District hopes a competitive election means a fresh start
Felton Fire Protection District’s three open board seats have drawn seven candidates, as the embattled agency faces funding gaps, leadership upheaval and ethics violations.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Yes on U: San Lorenzo Valley needs lower fixed charges and higher charges for actual water use
Measure U gives San Lorenzo Valley Water District customers a chance to roll back high, fixed water charges by hundreds of dollars per family, writes Boulder Creek resident Bruce Holloway, and would push families to be more careful about water usage. He says the current system is unfair and is a regressive tax that hurts low water users.