Lookout’s editorial board explains its reasoning and process for offering endorsements of candidates and ballot measures in the 2024 Santa Cruz County primary election March 5.
Endorsements 2024
The views of the Lookout editorial boards on candidates and ballot measures in the 2024 election.
Posted inOpinion from Community Voices
A Lookout View: On Measure N, a yes to our community and individual health
In about two years, Watsonville Community Hospital has moved from the brink of ruin to point of countywide pride. As Santa Cruz County’s population continues to age faster than the state’s, we need a strong second hospital. This measure makes the hospital, and its parent Pajaro Valley Health Care District, stronger.
Posted inOpinion from Community Voices
A Lookout View: Yes on Measures K and L
Lookout endorses Measures K and L. We know taxes are not popular, but both the county and city of Santa Cruz need these to fund critical programs and services.
Posted inOpinion from Community Voices
A Lookout View: Yes on Measure H — Live Oak School District needs long-term investment
Measure H would allow the flailing Live Oak School District to issue $44 million in bonds, and would cost property owners $30 per $100,000 of assessed property annually for 30 years. It’s hard to trust a school district that has shown such ineptitude, but that funding is what’s needed to support kids, teachers and right the ship.
Posted inOpinion from Community Voices
A Lookout View: For Santa Cruz City Council, Kalantari-Johnson, Trigueiro, O’Hara and Brunner
We might be at an inflection point as the current city council has mounted a sensible and steady approach in addressing the city’s many issues. In recommending these four women, we look to a next council that will build its achievements – and take the time to figure out a more open engagement and transparency process around planning issues.
Posted inOpinion from Community Voices
A Lookout View: Our endorsements in county supervisor races
The endorsements of the Lookout editorial board in races for Santa Cruz County supervisor in the March 5 primary election.
Posted inOpinion from Community Voices
A Lookout View: Monica Martinez and Christopher Bradford for District 5 county supervisor
Two candidates’ grasp of the issues and lived experience make them excellent choices for supervisor in a Santa Cruz Mountains district now hungry for new advocacy. We look forward to keen debates on the many issues confronting the district in the months ahead.
Posted inOpinion from Community Voices
A Lookout View: Kristen Brown and Kim De Serpa for District 2 county supervisor
Kristen Brown and Kim De Serpa each brings a different skill set, but we feel both would add vibrancy, know-how and expertise to the board of supervisors.
Posted inOpinion from Community Voices
A Lookout View: Manu Koenig for District 1 county supervisor
Lookout endorses Manu Koenig for District 1 Santa Cruz County supervisor. We think he has the experience, record, judgment and is the right leader for the moment.
Posted inOpinion from Community Voices
A Lookout View: No on Measure M — we don’t want new barriers to much-needed housing
Measure M has clearly hit a nerve in our community and has become the most contentious initiative on the March 5 ballot. While we applaud efforts to bring more transparency to the often-confusing process of approving affordable units – and believe Santa Cruz owes its voters that – we believe M would likely just further slow the construction of badly needed housing in one of the least affordable markets in the country.