The immediately apparent differences between career politician Fred Keeley and political newcomer Joy Schendledecker deepen as they begin to talk about their platforms in the campaign for Santa Cruz mayor. Keeley, with nearly three decades of public office experience behind him, takes a more traditional approach to addressing the city’s most pressing needs. Schendledecker, an artist and member of the Democratic Socialists of America who came to Santa Cruz in 2015, speaks of the necessity of paradigm shifts she thinks the city needs.
Local elections
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Cutting through the ‘style differences’: Kalantari-Johnson, Cummings in a battle for what defines progressive
In many ways, the battle between Shebreh Kalantari-Johnson and Justin Cummings for 3rd District county supervisor is helping define the modern makeup of Santa Cruz’s progressiveness, and whom the voters choose will ultimately help shape the story of its future. Homelessness, affordability, public safety and more are issues that drive their campaigns — but it’s also their style and pace that differentiates them.
Posted inEvents, Politics & Policy
A lot of disagreement: Measure O galvanizes competing visions of downtown Santa Cruz
Lot 4 could become one of the most significant downtown Santa Cruz construction projects since the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake, with a new main branch public library, 120 units of affordable housing and a three-level parking garage. But if Measure O proponents win at the polls, the current library will be renovated and plans will begin for a new parklike space. No matter which way the vote falls, it’s nearly certain that downtown Santa Cruz will get a new library and that the farmers market will continue to operate. The big questions are when and where.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Dutra’s accuser opens up: Stephen Siefke explains why he is coming forth now, 17 years later
When he was 12 years old, on a trip to Southern California with family friends, Stephen Siefke says his life changed in ways he is still trying to process 17 years later with the help of weekly therapy and a supportive family. He alleged in a civil suit filed last week, and to Lookout on Monday, that 4th District supervisor candidate Jimmy Dutra, then 30, sexually assaulted him on that trip.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Santa Cruz County Election 2022 weekly update: October 10
In a filing in Santa Cruz Superior Court this week, Jimmy Dutra is accused of abuse in Los Angeles in 2005, when Dutra…
Posted inLatest News
Civil filing accuses county supervisor candidate Jimmy Dutra of sexual abuse
In a filing in Santa Cruz Superior Court this week, Jimmy Dutra is accused of abuse in Los Angeles in 2005, when Dutra was 30 and plaintiff Stephen Siefke was 12. Dutra, a member of the Watsonville City Council, issued a statement saying the case, filed just before early voting for the 4th District County Supervisor seat begins, is without merit.
Posted inInside Lookout
Lookout Elections 2022: Three candidate forums, On the Campaign Trail, Access Democracy and deep looks at candidates and measures
The candidates for the newly created State Assembly District 28, who spoke at a Lookout-moderated forum last week,…
Posted inOpinion from Community Voices
Letter to the editor: Reelect Yvette Brooks to Capitola City Council
Have something to say? Lookout welcomes letters to the editor, within our policies, from readers. Guidelines here. To the editor: On Nov. 8, we should reelect Yvette Brooks to Capitola City Council. Over the past four years, Yvette has been a tireless advocate and leader, including successfully shepherding the city through an unprecedented pandemic during […]
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Keeley, Kalantari-Johnson, Pellerin lead fundraising totals in first general election reports
First reports on the races for Santa Cruz mayor, 3rd and 4th District County Supervisor and state Assembly Districts 28 and 30, plus local city councils and ballot measures, are telling as to who might have an advantage in spending as the November campaigns speed up. Here, Lookout begins to track all the local races.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Will women rule in the 2022 California election?
While female candidates still face challenges, voters could elect a record number of women to the state Legislature in November. The roster of female lawmakers could rise to 45 of the 120 seats, according to a CalMatters analysis.