From election night through the ongoing vote counts, Election Central directs you to our latest coverage.
Government
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Republicans confident of House control as polls begin to close, but Senate control uncertain
The GOP is favored to win at least one chamber of Congress, shifting the balance of power in Washington, as voters cast ballots in the first major test of U.S. democracy since the Jan. 6 attack.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Farmland vs. families? Rancor over Watsonville’s future divides along lines of age, equity, an agrarian ideal
For the longtime Watsonville folks who support Measure Q, which would keep the urban limit line as it is for two more decades, Pajaro Valley soil is not something worth messing with, imperfections and all. Those among the younger, more diverse population who support Measure S believe the city’s affordability crisis might require more flexibility for growth over that span. Will young voters turn out for S? Will Q supporters convince enough voters there is a real fear of “sprawl” and of Watsonville “turning into San Jose”?
Posted inLatest News
California might levy a new tax on gas companies. Here’s what to know
Here are the basics of the new windfall profit tax Gov. Gavin Newsom proposed, and how similar taxes have worked in the past.
Posted inLatest News
Dave Kegebein supporters show up in force, calling fair firing ‘disgraceful’
Tuesday’s meeting of the Santa Cruz County Fair board of directors drew more than 70 people, many of whom decried the state-driven termination of the fair’s longtime CEO. “What is the role of the governor and the CDFA in taking control of the Santa Cruz County Fair?” asked Dennis Osmer, former Watsonville mayor, as talk of reprisal hung in the air.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Assembly District 30 update: Will Addis’ advantage in Santa Cruz, Monterey push her past Nohrden?
Vicki Nohrden of Monterey, the Republican candidate in the race for state Assembly District 30, garnered more votes in San Luis Obispo County than Morro Bay’s Dawn Addis in the June primary. But Addis (along with three other Democratic candidates) carried the vote in Santa Cruz and Monterey counties and seems likely to collect the votes of those three other Democrats.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Pellerin vs. Lawler: What each Assembly District 28 candidate is learning on the ‘other side of the hill’
When you are a Republican campaigning in Santa Cruz or a Democrat walking some of the more conservative zones of San Jose, there are conversations that sometimes strike a different tone. Liz Lawler and Gail Pellerin are seeing it firsthand, yet each candidate says she is far more about breaking down those lines that divide as both seek a seat in Sacramento. They face off in a Lookout candidate forum Monday.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
After firing CEO, new Santa Cruz County Fair terminations add to disarray
After the surprising ouster of 11-year CEO Dave Kegebein earlier this month, the two board members who opposed the termination were told they themselves were being fired, via a brusque call from California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office. The well-established and well-loved Santa Cruz County Fair now finds itself in disorder, the man who is given credit for its good run gone. How did the state compliance audit of Kegebein lead to the chaos?
Posted inLatest News
Santa Cruz city workers reach tentative agreement, end first strike in city history
The first strike in Santa Cruz city history came to an end Wednesday night, with the SEIU-represented city workers reaching a tentative agreement with the City of Santa Cruz. They will vote to ratify the agreement on Friday.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
District 3 dividing lines: Homelessness response is one place Cummings, Kalantari-Johnson show differences
Third District Santa Cruz County Supervisor hopefuls Justin Cummings and Shebreh Kalantari-Johnson sparred gently at Thursday evening’s candidate debate hosted by Lookout at the Hotel Paradox. How to help the unhoused, and in what ways, was the top issue that separated the two Santa Cruz City Council members.