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.

California Local Pin Marker From Santa Cruz Sentinel...

09/06/2024
The Santa Cruz Sentinel explains the City of Santa Cruz's Measure Z, the Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Tax, which is on the November ballot.

California Local Pin Marker From CalMatters...

09/06/2024
Amid a Southern California heat wave, about 300 advocates for rent control — with two 10-foot “greedy landlord” puppets — rallied Thursday in downtown Los Angeles, chanting: “The rent is too damn high!”

Santa Cruz Local logo From Santa Cruz Local...

09/05/2024
Image for display with article titled Measure U Would Reduce San Lorenzo Valley Water Bills, but Could Slow Repairs

Voters in San Lorenzo Valley Water District in November will decide whether to reverse a recent water bill hike and cap some future charges.

Press Banner logo From Press Banner...

09/03/2024
Image for display with article titled SVFPD Asking Voters to Approve $24.5 Million for Station

Last November, the Scotts Valley Fire Protection District asked Scotts Valley voters to approve a bond to build a new southside fire station and provide a better defense against wildfires. The measure lost by just 12 votes, leaving the district to continue struggling with an outdated Erba Lane station.

California Local Pin Marker From Times Publishing Group...

09/03/2024
The Times Publishing Group Q&A with four candidates running for Capitola City Council in November.

California Local Pin Marker From Times Publishing Group...

09/03/2024
The Times Publishing Group Q&A with the candidates running for the Santa Cruz Board of Supervisors District 2 seat in November.

California Local Pin Marker From Times Publishing Group...

09/03/2024
The Times Publishing Group Q&A with the candidates running for Scotts Valley City Council.

California Local Pin Marker From Lookout Local...

08/29/2024
On August 29, backers of Santa Cruz Measure Measure Q to fund wildfire and climate resiliency and infrastructure announced the support of the Monterey Bay Central Labor Council.

California Local Pin Marker From CalMatters...

08/28/2024
Some Democrats are pushing bills that could put their colleagues on the hot seat in an election year. The authors say they’re representing their constituents and there’s never a perfect time for votes.

The Pajaronian logo From The Pajaronian...

08/23/2024
Image for display with article titled Two Vying for Seat on PVUSD Trustee Area 6

Jessica Carrasco is challenging incumbent Adam Scow for the Trustee Area 6 seat on the Pajaro Valley Unified School District Board of Trustees. in the Nov. 5 election.

California Local Pin Marker From Lookout Local...

08/23/2024
Now that the measure qualification and candidate filing deadlines have passed, a look at the local November 5 ballot.

California Local Pin Marker From The Sacramento Bee...

08/21/2024
The Sacramento Bee explains Proposition 6, the initiative to ban involuntary servitude.

Santa Cruz Local logo From Santa Cruz Local...

08/19/2024
Image for display with article titled School Board Races Participation Drops in Santa Cruz County

Just one-fourth of open school board seats in Santa Cruz County will be on voters’ ballots in the Nov. 5 election. Twenty of 32 seats will be awarded to the sole candidate, and four more will be appointed or go vacant. That’s lower electoral participation than the last school board elections in November 2022, when about 30% of seats had multiple candidates and were decided by voters.

California Local Pin Marker From The Sacramento Bee...

08/16/2024
The Sacramento Bee explains Propisition 36, the anti-crime measure on the November Ballot.

California Local Pin Marker From CalMatters...

08/13/2024
Proposition 32 to increase the minimum wage from $16 isn’t as far-reaching as when it was first proposed. Fast food workers are already making more, and health care employees are on track. But worker groups are already pushing for more.

California Local Pin Marker From Lookout Local...

08/12/2024
Two incumbents in the City of Scotts Valley will not be seeking reelection in November.

California Local Pin Marker From Lookout Local...

08/09/2024
The filing deadline has officially passed, and all the candidates running for office in November are revealed.

Santa Cruz Local logo From Santa Cruz Local...

08/01/2024
Image for display with article titled Capitola Voters to Weigh Sales Tax Hike

Capitola voters will decide whether to raise the city’s sales tax to 9.25% from 9% in the Nov. 5 election.

Santa Cruz Local logo From Santa Cruz Local...

08/01/2024
Image for display with article titled Soda Tax Heads to Santa Cruz City Ballot

Santa Cruz city voters in November will decide whether to tax the distributors of soda and other sugar-sweetened beverages to discourage consumption and potentially raise $1.3 million annually for city services.

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