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.
Nov. 5 general election 2024
Posted inLatest News
Garvey, Schiff clash on abortion, guns and Trump in only one-on-one debate
In their only TV faceoff before Election Day, Steve Garvey and Adam Schiff also tussled over immigration and other issues as they vie for California’s open U.S. Senate seat.
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
Letter to the editor: Kim De Serpa is the hardest-working person I know
In a letter to the editor, an Aptos resident voices his support for District 2 Santa Cruz County supervisor candidate Kim De Serpa.
Posted inOpinion from Community Voices
Letter to the editor: Christopher Bradford is the only person in politics I trust
In a letter to the editor, a Boulder Creek resident outlines her support for District 5 Santa Cruz County supervisor candidate Christopher Bradford.
Posted inOpinion from Community Voices
Letter to the editor: Monica Martinez has the skills to serve District 5 residents
In a letter to the editor, a Felton resident outlines her support for District 5 Santa Cruz County supervisor candidate Monica Martinez.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
County supervisors’ response to CZU recovery investigation ‘does not align’ with reality, District 5 candidates say
The Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors is deflecting criticism from a civil grand jury report accusing the county of mishandling recovery from the 2020 CZU wildfire. The two candidates running in this November’s election for an open District 5 supervisor seat — Christopher Bradford, a fire victim, and Monica Martinez — criticized the board’s response this week and called for more accountability and expedited rebuilding.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Familiar names highlight state races in 2024 general election
As the campaign trail stretches on toward November, there are a number of state and federal races on the ballot for Santa Cruz County residents, including three state Assembly seats, a state Senate seat and two U.S. congressional seats. In each of those races, there are familiar faces and big names looking to retain their seats.
Posted inEducation
Six compete for three seats on Scotts Valley Unified School District board
Scotts Valley Unified School District’s five-member governing board has three seats up for election this November. The two incumbents and four newcomers who are running talked to Lookout about their goals and why they think they’re the right candidates.
Posted inLatest News
Fresh off court case, Dutra faces ex-member Coffman-Gomez for Watsonville City Council seat
Incumbent Jimmy Dutra and former city councilmember Trina Coffman-Gomez are competing for the District 6 seat on the Watsonville City Council on the Nov. 5 ballot, only weeks after a jury found Dutra liable for sexual abuse of a minor in a civil lawsuit. It’s the only one of three council seats up for election this cycle that’s being contested.