The downtown mixed-use library project has been in motion for development since 2016, with construction of the new library planned to begin as early as next summer. Opponents — forming the group Our Downtown, Our Future — now aim to put a ballot measure before city voters this fall to block it. Lookout tackles the questions voters will likely consider.
Politics
Posted inPolitics & Policy
John Hall on downtown library initiative: ‘We are not about blocking things’
As the Our Downtown, Our Future group waits for approval for a voter measure for November to challenge the current new downtown library proposal, one of its leaders explains its opposition.
Posted inLatest News
California’s water conservation has been a bust so far. Will drought restrictions work?
Some Californians received a test of the earthquake early-warning system seven hours before the appointed time, waking…
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Newsom seizes on the fight over abortion as a key part of his reelection campaign
The threat to Roe vs. Wade enables Gov. Gavin Newsom to pivot to a familiar campaign strategy: focusing on what’s perceived as a conservative threat.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
People call the fire department for everything: A Q&A with new Santa Cruz fire chief Rob Oatey
Climate change. Drought. More public needs of every kind. We asked new city of Santa Cruz fire chief Rob Oatey what motivates him, and challenges him, in his new role.
Posted inEducation, Events
UCSC readies for ‘good trouble’ as it dedicates a college to John Lewis
John R. Lewis’ life and commitment to social justice, from the streets of Alabama to the halls of Congress, are legendary. Now, UC Santa Cruz’s College Ten takes on his name with a ceremony Friday, and charts new paths in social activism and positive social change.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
A four-year mayor? Santa Cruz’s past mayors weigh in
Is having a four-year mayor a good idea? The June 7 primary ballot will give voters the choice of whether to create an at-large elected mayor position who serves a four-year term, or to keep the role as it stands currently. Five of Santa Cruz’s previous mayors share their thoughts on the potential change.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Santa Cruzans react quickly to threat of Roe v. Wade overturning
On six hours’ notice, more than 200 people met at the Santa Cruz county courthouse Tuesday, protesting fast-moving restrictions across the country on abortion access — and the news that the U.S. Supreme Court is about to strike down the decision that has assured a women’s right to choose for 49 years.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
What would Anne Marie Schubert do as California attorney general?
Anne Marie Schubert is running without a party affiliation for California attorney general, but has strong words for Democratic lawmakers and district attorneys. In a 75-minute interview with CalMatters, she vowed to take over for Los Angeles and San Francisco prosecutors if necessary.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
With Roe vs. Wade hanging in the balance, California gears up for a fight
California officials and abortion providers spoke out after the leak of a purported U.S. Supreme Court draft opinion that would allow states to outlaw abortion.