What happens when the safety net we all depend on begins to fray? With hospitals under pressure and federal cuts threatening essential services, Santa Cruz County faces hard choices. Measure E isn’t a golden ticket to solving all our county’s needs, but Lookout’s editorial board believes the temporary tax is a necessary investment in the care and services that hold our community together.
Endorsements 2026
The views of the Lookout editorial board on candidates in the 2026 election.
Posted inOpinion from Community Voices
A Lookout View: Yes on Measure D
Our ocean is our home in Santa Cruz County and we need to do all we can to protect it. Measure D takes a modest step in that direction by giving local communities a measure of control over decisions about our coast. The Lookout Editorial Board endorses it with a yes vote.
Posted inOpinion from Community Voices
A Lookout View: How we choose our 2026 election endorsements
What the Lookout Editorial Board looks for in candidates, how we evaluate them and why we believe endorsements matter.
Posted inOpinion from Community Voices
A Lookout View: Michael Zeller and Danny Reber for Scotts Valley City Council
The Lookout Editorial Board endorses Michael Zeller and Danny Reber for Scotts Valley City Council. The board believes their combined experience and connections will benefit the council as it navigates the Town Center project, budget constraints and the need to meet affordable housing numbers mandated by the state.
Posted inOpinion from Community Voices
A Lookout View: Ryan Coonerty for Santa Cruz mayor
Santa Cruz is at a pivotal moment of change, and its next mayor will need experience, political savvy and a clear vision for the city’s future. The Lookout Editorial Board endorses Ryan Coonerty over Ami Chen Mills, recognizing her advocacy and the concerns she raises about homelessness, affordability and city design. But Coonerty’s government experience, regional relationships and policy initiatives make him better equipped to tackle the city’s most pressing challenges. His proposals for public art, downtown revitalization and greater transparency offer a promising path forward.
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 inOpinion from Community Voices
A Lookout View: Renee Golder for Santa Cruz City Council District 6
Local government works best when experience, relationships and institutional knowledge are already in place on Day 1. In the race for Santa Cruz City Council District 6, Renee Golder offers that readiness in a way that stands out, the Lookout Editorial Board writes in its endorsement.
Posted inOpinion from Community Voices
A Lookout View: Our June 2 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 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 meets the moment.
Posted inOpinion from Community Voices
A Lookout View: Scott Newsome for Santa Cruz City Council District 4
Santa Cruz City Council’s District 4 race offers voters a choice between two candidates who reflect different strengths – and different limitations. In the end, the Lookout Editorial Board gives a light endorsement to Scott Newsome over Hector Marin.
Posted inOpinion from Community Voices
A Lookout View: Bryan Hackett for Santa Cruz County Superior Court judge
The role of a Santa Cruz County Superior Court judge demands more than legal knowledge – it requires fairness, sound judgment and a steady commitment to applying the law without bias or outside influence. The Lookout Editorial Board believes Bryan Hackett brings the kind of deep legal experience and courtroom familiarity that is essential for that responsibility.
