Santa Cruz County’s Measure E would impose a five-year, half-cent sales tax increase expected to raise about $27 million annually to help address a worsening budget outlook and potential losses in healthcare and other safety-net funding.
Election 2026
Coverage of local, statewide and national elections in 2026.
Posted inOpinion from Community Voices
If you are a progressive, vote yes on Prop 3 and Prop 40, and no on the billionaire-backed decoys
California voters face a complicated set of tax initiatives, with major implications for healthcare, public services and the state’s ability to raise revenue. Progressive economist Richard McGahey urges voters to support Proposition 3, which extends existing income tax rates on high earners, and Proposition 40, a one-time 5% tax on billionaire wealth to help offset devastating federal cuts. But two billionaire-backed measures, Props 41 and 42, threaten to undermine the wealth tax and make future tax increases more difficult, he writes. He recommends: vote yes on Props 3 and 40, and no on Props 41 and 42.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Medida E del condado de Santa Cruz: lo que hay que saber sobre el aumento temporal propuesto de medio centavo en el impuesto sobre las ventas
La Medida E del condado de Santa Cruz impondría un aumento de medio centavo en el impuesto sobre las ventas durante cinco años. Se espera que genere aproximadamente 27 millones de dólares al año para ayudar a enfrentar el empeoramiento de las perspectivas presupuestarias y las posibles pérdidas de fondos destinados a la atención médica y otros programas de protección social.
Posted inEducation
Soquel Union Elementary school board race pits incumbent Ariel Gray against newcomer Andrea Locke
Incumbent Ariel Gray is seeking reelection against newcomer Andrea Locke for the Trustee Area 4 seat on the Soquel Union Elementary School District governing board. The district serves about 1,520 students in three elementary schools and one middle school across Capitola, Soquel and Santa Cruz.
Posted inOpinion from Community Voices
A Lookout View: Casey Clark and Nancy Bilicich for Watsonville City Council
Watsonville faces major challenges, from housing and aging infrastructure to flood protection and public safety. The Lookout Editorial Board endorses Casey Clark in District 5 for his pragmatic approach, city experience and relationships that will help him lead as mayor in 2027. In District 7, the editorial board backs former mayor Nancy Bilicich, whose government experience and work on Pajaro River flood protection are critical. Both candidates have worthy opponents, but offer the practical leadership Watsonville needs to turn good intentions into progress.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
How would Xavier Becerra and Steve Hilton manage California’s most precious resource, water?
CalMatters asked California gubernatorial candidates Xavier Becerra and Steve Hilton how they’d manage conflicts over water. The Republican endorsed more spending on dams.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Capitola City Council: Meet the five candidates vying for three open seats
In Capitola, five well-known names in the community are on the ballot competing for three open seats on the city council. The top three vote-getters will win. This is also the last election cycle under Capitola’s at-large system.
Posted inEducation
Cabrillo College: Milissa Ales-Barnicoat, Karen Cogswell and Ben Finke vie for Area 6 seat
Three newcomer candidates are running for the trustee Area 6 seat on the Cabrillo College governing board. Milissa Ales-Barnicoat, Karen Cogswell and Ben Finke each hopes to be the seven-member board’s newest addition.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Prop 43 would make special taxes harder to pass. That’s the point, say anti-tax advocates
The statewide ballot measure would require two-thirds of voters to approve any local special taxes, instead of the simple majority for citizen-led initiatives. Anti-tax advocates say it should be that hard for governments to tax Californians, but local officials say it could constrain funding for essential services.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Prop 45 explained: CEQA overhaul could shift who holds power over building
Aiming to streamline reviews under the landmark California Environmental Quality Act, Proposition 45 would shift who’s in charge of building in the Golden State. Supporters say it would also speed it up.
