Santa Cruz’s Measure Z proposes a 2-cents-per-fluid-ounce tax on sugar-sweetened beverages that could bring in an estimated $1.3 million in revenue, but it’s drawn a fierce battle between Big Soda opposition and local supporters. As the city tests the limits of California’s tax laws, broader implications could follow for other communities.
Nov. 5 2024 ballot measures
Coverage of local and state measures on the ballot for Santa Cruz County voters in the 2024 general election.
Posted inOpinion from Community Voices
Yes on Q: Our forests, rivers, coast and community need more climate resilience – and we need local funding to do it
Santa Cruz County needs more ways to fight “weather whiplash,” and advocates believe Measure Q is the answer. The measure on November’s ballot establishes a dedicated fund for proactive work to protect our natural water sources, ocean and beaches, as well as investments in wildfire risk reduction, wildlife habitat enhancement and improvement of parks. It has widespread support from elected leaders and environmental groups. Sarah Newkirk, executive director at the Land Trust of Santa Cruz County, retired water resources manager John Ricker and Jared Childress, program manager for the Central Coast Prescribed Burn Association, argue that it will help us better prepare for an uncertain future of climate-induced change.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
This California ballot measure promises money for health care. Its critics warn it could backfire
Proposition 35, one of 10 ballot measures before California voters this fall, would dedicate tax revenue to pay doctors more if they see low-income patients with Medi-Cal insurance. Its critics worry the plan could run afoul of the federal government.
Posted inOpinion from Community Voices
Zayante: The little fire district that could — let’s keep it going with a boost from Measure T
The Zayante volunteer fire department has always managed to do a lot with a little. This includes generating revenue in creative ways, like sometimes covering emergency calls for neighboring Felton Fire, a district currently dealing with its own staffing crisis. Zayante maintains a full staff of trained and dedicated volunteer firefighters, but inflation-related budget cuts have reduced its paid firefighting staff to below critical levels. Measure T would bridge this gap and ensure the regular replacement of fire apparatus, writes former Zayante firefighter Daniel DeLong, who advocates its passage on Nov. 5.
Posted inOpinion from Community Voices
Measure Z: Why the sugar-sweetened beverage tax is a health and equity win for Santa Cruz
Big Soda has long targeted low-income families and communities of color by hooking them on unhealthy, sugary drinks, write local leaders Sepideh Taghvaei, Elaine Johnson and Scott Roseman. These communities have higher rates of diabetes, obesity and dental decay. Santa Cruz city ballot initiative Measure Z will right that historic inequity, they argue, by taxing these sugary drinks and reducing consumption by the most vulnerable populations. The revenues will then fund city programs and services that maintain community health, overseen by a citizen board. They encourage a yes vote on Measure Z.
Posted inOpinion from Community Voices
Measure Z: An illegal tax on Santa Cruz’s working families
The City of Santa Cruz’s Measure Z might seem like a good idea, writes Sarah Henne, a former public-school teacher and Santa Cruz resident who now works as a field representative for the California Federation of Teachers. But if you dig deeper, it’s an unfair tax that would burden low-income families and have no significant impact on community health. She urges the public to vote no.
Posted inEducation
Seniors will rally against Live Oak school bond issue
Representatives from local seniors organizations are rallying Thursday afternoon in Live Oak against a school district bond measure that would fund the development of workforce housing. They fear it will displace senior services. Live Oak School District is asking voters to approve the $45 million bond measure – Measure N – so it can develop 14 to 25 units of housing for district staff.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Watsonville asks voters to allow service on city boards regardless of immigration status
If Measures V and W are passed in November, Watsonville’s city charter will be updated to eliminate gendered references and other outdated language, and residents who aren’t U.S. citizens will be able to serve on city boards and commissions.
Posted inOpinion from Community Voices
Letter to the editor: A yes on Q will help protect us from climate change
In a letter to the editor, a Santa Cruz resident outlines her support for the county’s climate-impact ballot initiative, Measure Q.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
In the Public Interest: How are Santa Cruz County supervisor candidates spending their money?
Inside Santa Cruz County politics & policy with Lookout’s Christopher Neely.