Santa Cruz 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.

Press Banner logo From Press Banner...

02/14/2025
Image for display with article titled Measure Q Gets Underway With Citizen Oversight, Funding Allocation

With the overwhelming approval of Measure Q, formally known as the “Santa Cruz County Safe Drinking Water, Clean Beaches, Wildfire Risk Reduction and Wildlife Protection Act,” County staff and partners are establishing the structure necessary to fulfill voters’ vision, including soliciting members of the public for a Citizens Oversight Advisory Board.

California Local Pin Marker From Lookout Local...

01/30/2025
Though she lost her bid for reelection in November, Margaux Morgan was appointed and sworn in in fill a vacant seat on the Capitola City Council. Read on to learn more.

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.

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.

Santa Cruz Local logo From Santa Cruz Local...

01/17/2025
Image for display with article titled Ballot Measure Aims to Build More Affordable Housing in Santa Cruz

A signature-gathering effort kicked off Thursday to put a new parcel tax and property transfer tax on the Nov. 4 ballot in the city of Santa Cruz. The taxes aim to raise $5 million annually for affordable housing and homelessness prevention.

California Local Pin Marker From Lookout Local...

01/16/2025
In their January 16 meeting, the Capitola City Council announced that an open application process will be used to select a new member to fill a vacant seat. Read on to learn what changed and why.

California Local Pin Marker From Santa Cruz Sentinel...

01/13/2025
Former Santa Cruz City Councilmember Sandy Brown looks back on her terms of office with the Santa Cruz Sentinel. Read on to learn her thoughts.

California Local Pin Marker From Santa Cruz Sentinel...

01/11/2025
The Santa Cruz Sentinel sat down with former Santa Cruz City Councilmember Martine Eatkins for her thoughts on two terms on the council. Read on to learn what she has to say.

California Local Pin Marker From Santa Cruz Sentinel...

01/09/2025
In their January 9 meeting, the Capitola City Council voted to hold a special meeting on January 16 to make an appointment to fill the seat vacated by outgoing Mayor Yvette Brooks. Read on to learn more.

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.

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 Lookout Local...

12/25/2024
Lookout Local looks back at the career of departing Santa Cruz County Supervisor Zach Friend and ponders what's in store for him in the days to come.

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 Santa Cruz Sentinel...

12/23/2024
In their December 23 meeting, the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors swore in new members Monica Martinez and Kim De Serpa. Read on to learn what they had to say.

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.