As federal and state health policy changes loom, people with disabilities in Santa Cruz are anxious about how potential funding reductions and changes to eligibility could affect their access to essential care and services. Those who rely on Medi-Cal, Medicare or other public support programs say the uncertainty is raising questions about whether they will be able to afford medications, medical equipment, caregivers and other necessities.
The Trump presidency and Santa Cruz County
News and opinion coverage of reaction in Santa Cruz County to the election of Donald Trump to a second term as president, plus news from around California via Lookout’s content partners.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Measures E and D: Temporary general sales tax and protections for coastline headed toward approval
Both Measure E and Measure D, a countywide temporary general sales tax and an initiative to strengthen coastline protections, respectively, are heading toward voter approval as of Friday afternoon.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
California has one ballot-counting trouble spot. It’s the one run by an election denier
The only California county having problems counting ballots is Shasta, which has an election office run by Clint Curtis, one of Donald Trump’s election deniers.
Posted inLatest News
Santa Cruz County Jail expands free video visits for families amid increased ICE activity
The Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office is expanding its free video visits for people in the county jail for the next 30 days amid increased enforcement activity by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in the area.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Voters punish Trump, and the GOP pays across the country
President Donald Trump repeatedly encouraged voters to pretend he was on the midterm ballot. They did. And it’s hard to imagine a worse outcome for the Republican president and his party.
Posted inOpinion from Community Voices
Fear must not silence our communities’ voices on Election Day
As immigration enforcement intensifies across the Central Coast, including an ICE visit to Santa Cruz Main Jail, community leaders warn that fear could keep eligible voters from the polls. Monica Molina, Paulina Moreno and Ray Cancino examine the impact on immigrant families, federal challenges to California’s election procedures and the spread of unverified ICE reports. They urge residents to verify information before sharing it, rely on trusted rapid-response networks and know their voting rights. Their message: Fear must not silence anyone’s voice on Election Day.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Appeals court rejects Justice Department request for California to set aside disputed ballots
A federal appeals court on Friday rejected the Justice Department’s request for California to set aside disputed ballots received in the midterm election.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Justice Department subpoenas California officials in escalation of its scrutiny of local elections
The U.S. Justice Department has issued subpoenas to California officials in an escalation of its scrutiny of local election administration.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Judge denies federal request to segregate California ballots, says it would ‘wreak havoc’ on voting
A federal judge rejected on Wednesday a Trump administration request to stop California from processing the ballots of up to 20,000 people over allegations they are likely noncitizens, warning it would “wreak havoc” on the midterm elections.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Watsonville Community Hospital nurses reassure immigrant patients after reported ICE sighting
Nurses at Watsonville Community Hospital held an emergency news conference Tuesday afternoon following reports of immigration agents patrolling the property. They say patients are still safe to seek services at the hospital.
