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.
Nov. 5 general election 2024
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 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
Under the specter of housing growth and coastal resilience, four candidates face off for Capitola City Council
Two seats are open on the Capitola City Council this fall. Incumbent Margaux Morgan is seeking reelection, Gerry Jensen and Enrique Dolmo Jr. return to the ballot after narrow losses in 2022 and Melinda Orbach, the lone political newcomer, enters the race with a vision for the city’s west side and 41st Avenue corridor.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
As longtime leaders retire, crowded Scotts Valley City Council race focuses on housing, Town Center project
Seven people, including one incumbent, are running for three seats on the Scotts Valley City Council this fall. They’ll take over for two longtime leaders who chose not to run again, and be charged with managing state mandates for a dramatic increase in affordable housing, along with kickstarting the city’s long-discussed Town Center project, which calls for the construction of a new downtown with housing and commercial uses.
Posted inEducation
For Pajaro Valley district’s Area 2 seat, incumbent faces challenger who led recall bid against her
Incumbent Georgia Acosta will face the woman who led an unsuccessful recall campaign against her, homeowners association general manager Carol Turley, in November’s race for the Area 2 trustee seat on the Pajaro Valley Unified School District board. In interviews with Lookout, they discussed what their goals are and why they feel they’re the right candidate.
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: PVUSD needs new board leadership
In a letter to the editor, a Watsonville High School teacher describes “outrageous” situation at a recent meeting for the Pajaro Valley Unified School District governing board and pushes for new leadership in the body.
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.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
U.S. Rep. Jimmy Panetta endorses ‘yes’ on Measure Q climate impact tax
U.S. Rep. Jimmy Panetta has become the latest elected official to throw his weight behind Santa Cruz County’s Measure Q. The ballot measure would introduce a parcel tax of $87 to be collected annually and distributed across the county for a wide range of projects, from managing public lands and reducing wildfire risks to protecting drinking water sources.