Monterey County Local News: Elections & Politics


All Local Elections & Politics News articles contributed by our local media allies and other local newsrooms.

Image caption: Translated from the Greek, “Democracy” means “people power.” How much power do the people have in California?
People Power! What Is Democracy, and How Does It Work in California?

Democracy is a 2,500-year-old system of government still looked on today as the best system, because under a democratic system, the people govern themselves. But is that all there is to it? What is democracy? And how does it work …

Image caption: The California Supreme Court has defined the state’s legal and political agenda for more than 170 years.
How the California Supreme Court Blazes Legal Trails

The California Supreme Court has kept the state at the forefront of legal issues surrounding abortion, the death penalty and same-sex marriage, starting in its earliest days in the Gold Rush era.

Image caption: The cycle of crime and homelessness is escalating, but it doesn't have to be that way.
Homelessness and Crime in California: Even More Complex Than You Think

The links between homelessness and crime are complex, and the idea that unhoused individuals present a danger to their community seems to be exaggerated.

Image caption: California continues to work on legislation that would make voting easier.
Voting Rites

California keeps on taking legislative steps that will keep it ranked in the top 10 of voter-friendly states.

Image caption: There are more than 300 community service districts in California.
Community Services Districts, Explained

Community service districts can do most anything a city government can do. Here’s how they work and how to start one.

Image caption: California cities switch to more inclusive, district-based elections system.
Voting Rights...the Final Frontier

Pushed by activists, cities move from at-large elections to district races.

California Local Pin Marker From Monterey Herald...

02/08/2025
The Committee of Monterey County Mayors made a contentious appointment to the LAFCO board with implications for the fate of the acquisition of California American Water by the Monterey Peninsula Water District. Read on to learn more information.

Monterey County Weekly logo From Monterey County Weekly...

01/23/2025
Image for display with article titled Addis Announces New Proposed Bill on Battery Plants, Church Gives Update on Vistra Cleanup.

Assemblymember Dawn Addis, D-Morro Bay, and Monterey County District 2 Supervisor Glenn Church held a press conference in Moss Landing today, Jan. 23 with a twofold purpose: for Addis to talk about a bill she introduced Jan. 22, and for Church to give an update from the county's perspective.

KSQD logo From KSQD...

01/21/2025
Image for display with article titled Workforce Housing Solutions Act – Talk of the Bay

Bodie Shargel interviews two of the organizers behind the Workforce Housing Solutions Act, which kicked off its signature-gathering effort last week. Andrew Goldenkranz, the current chair of the County Democratic Party and Grace Stetson, signature gathering coordinator discuss the details of this proposed Santa Cruz city parcel tax and property transfer tax.  If their effort is successful, the ballot measure will appear on a special election ballot in November.

Monterey County Weekly logo From Monterey County Weekly...

01/21/2025
Image for display with article titled People March in Monterey to Protest Trump's Inauguration.

About 200 people gathered on Saturday, Jan. 18 in the Window on the Bay Park in Monterey for the People’s March, a 2025 version of the Women’s March of 2017.

California Local Pin Marker From CalMatters...

01/21/2025
Some schools destroyed years ago in the Sonoma and Butte fires are just now reopening. The long, expensive process of rebuilding in LA may eat up much of the money voters approved in November for school repairs statewide.

California Local Pin Marker From CalMatters...

01/21/2025
California’s Democratic leaders set aside tens of millions of dollars to challenge President Donald Trump’s executive orders and policies.

The Pajaronian logo From The Pajaronian...

01/20/2025
Image for display with article titled A Message of Peace—hundreds Attend MLK March

Hundreds of people came to Santa Cruz Monday to honor Martin Luther King Jr., many waving signs, chanting and singing as they made their way down Pacific Avenue. Their message was one of community, activism and support.

California Local Pin Marker From CalMatters...

01/20/2025
With assurances that “sunlight is pouring over the entire world,” President Donald Trump was sworn into office Monday for his second term. He wasted no time taking potshots at California.

Monterey County Weekly logo From Monterey County Weekly...

01/16/2025
Image for display with article titled Pacific Grove City Council Chooses a Former Councilmember to Fill Two-Year Term.

There was one point all six members of the Pacific Grove City Council could agree on as they deliberated who to fill the vacancy left by former councilmember Debby Beck, who resigned in November.

California Local Pin Marker From Monterey Herald...

01/10/2025
Read on to learn what former Salinas mayor Kimbley Craig has to say about taking the job of chief of staff for newly-elected Monterey County Supervisor Kate Daniels.

Monterey County Weekly logo From Monterey County Weekly...

01/07/2025
Image for display with article titled Newly Elected District 5 Supervisor Kate Daniels Is Sworn In.

It was standing room only at the County Board of Supervisors meeting on Tuesday morning, Jan. 7, filled with joyful tears and culminating in a performance by mariachi band Nuevo Jalisco and tacos for all.

California Local Pin Marker From Local News Matters...

01/04/2025
THREATS AND HARASSMENT are pushing some politicians out of office, scaring off some would-be candidates and even compelling some elected officials to change their vote.

California Local Pin Marker From Local News Matters...

01/03/2025
Those in California who’d like a latte with a side of weed have gotten their wish now that a new law goes into effect that permits licensed cannabis dispensaries to add sit-in cafes to their sites.  

California Local Pin Marker From CalMatters...

01/02/2025
After winning a costly legislative battle last year, California’s casino-owning tribes have sued their rivals in the gambling business. Cities could lose money if the tribes prevail in court.

Monterey County Weekly logo From Monterey County Weekly...

01/01/2025
Image for display with article titled Here Are Some of the Laws Our Local Legislators Authored Last Year. As for Their Impact, Time Will Tell.

On Dec. 2, California Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas, D-Hollister, addressed his fellow Assembly members, informing them of a new rule he was implementing for the 2025-26 legislative session: The number of bills each member will be allowed to introduce will be limited to 35, down from 50, over the two-year period.

California Local Pin Marker From CalMatters...

12/26/2024
The increase in lobbyists means there’s now at least one lobbyist for every legislative staff member.

California Local Pin Marker From CalMatters...

12/25/2024
Here are some of the most noteworthy 2025 laws that go into effect on Jan. 1.

California Local Pin Marker From CalMatters...

12/16/2024
California recorded historically high numbers of deaths in county jails for the past six years. Now, counties expect to house more prisoners as Prop. 36 takes effect.

Monterey County Weekly logo From Monterey County Weekly...

12/13/2024
Image for display with article titled Supervisor-Elect Kate Daniels Hires Former Salinas Mayor Kimbley Craig as Chief of Staff.

The dust has settled from the November election, with the vote certified on Dec. 3—the same day new members of Salinas City Council were sworn in.

Monterey County Weekly logo From Monterey County Weekly...

12/11/2024
Image for display with article titled Pacific Grove Residents Have the Chance to Determine the City’s Future Voting Districts.

It’s possibly one of the most democratic tasks any citizen can partake in besides voting – direct participation in drawing the boundaries of future voting districts.