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 CalMatters...

07/23/2024
There never was much of a chance that California Gov. Gavin Newsom would be running for president this year, even if President Joe Biden were to step aside.

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07/18/2024
Image for display with article titled Scotts Valley Voters Want Housing, Family Needs Addressed

Some Scotts Valley voters said they wanted more shops and services in the city, additional affordable housing and more support for families, according to recent interviews and an informal poll.

California Local Pin Marker From CalMatters...

07/17/2024
California failed to ban private detention centers. Now, it’s focusing on their working conditions, for immigrants who toil for $1 a day.

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07/16/2024
Image for display with article titled Santa Cruz County Voters Asked to Fund More Forest Management, Environmental Projects

Santa Cruz County voters on Nov. 5 will consider a parcel tax for county, city and nonprofit projects to help reduce the risks of wildfires, floods and other catastrophes fueled by climate change.

California Local Pin Marker From CalMatters...

07/16/2024
The Republican hopeful brought in more cash than Democratic rival Adam Schiff for the first time this campaign during the latest quarter, but still has less to spend.

California Local Pin Marker From CalMatters...

07/08/2024
CalMatters launched Digital Democracy in April, and its impact has rippled across the Legislature.

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07/05/2024
Image for display with article titled New State Laws and Recent Votes From Santa Cruz County Legislators

Lawmakers who represent parts of Santa Cruz County include Assemblymember Gail Pellerin, Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas, Assemblymember Dawn Addis and state Sen. John Laird, D-Santa Cruz. To keep track of their votes on key bills — and some laws that went into effect July 1 — Santa Cruz Local has summarized some recent legislation by topic.

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07/05/2024
Image for display with article titled Capitola Council Candidates Asked to Address Spending Transparency, Transportation

A recent straw poll of Capitola residents ahead of the Nov. 5 election showed a need for traffic flow improvements, increased bike safety and better transparency in local government.

California Local Pin Marker From CalMatters...

07/04/2024
California lawmakers met into the night on July 3 to finish the November ballot before heading off on summer vacation until Aug. 5.

California Local Pin Marker From CalMatters...

07/01/2024
Small and low-income school officials say the bond measure deal is unfair. The money is allocated through matching grants, so wealthier districts that can raise more local funds will get more money from the state.

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06/26/2024
Image for display with article titled Watsonville Voters Could Open City Commissions to Non-Citizens

The Watsonville City Council Tuesday night voted 5-2 to approve a question for the Nov. 5 ballot that would remove the city charter’s requirement for commission members to be registered voters.

California Local Pin Marker From Santa Cruz Sentinel...

06/26/2024
In its June 25 meeting, the Watsonville City Council voted to advance two proposed changes to the city charter to the November ballot.

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06/21/2024
Image for display with article titled Explainer: Nov. 5 Bond Measure for Pajaro Valley Unified School District

Voters in Pajaro Valley Unified School District will decide whether to approve $315 million in bonds in the Nov. 5 election to help repair and upgrade the district’s 35 schools. 

California Local Pin Marker From CapPublicRadio...

06/11/2024
On June 11, Solano County elections officials announced the verification of necessary signatures for the California Forever sponsored initiative to amend the county General Plan to be on the November ballot.

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06/07/2024
Image for display with article titled Judge Orders End to UCSC Strike

An Orange County Superior Court judge ruled in favor of the University of California and ordered a temporary stop to all striking activities by the United Auto Workers through June 27.

California Local Pin Marker From CalMatters...

06/07/2024
The two-day CalMatters Ideas Festival wrapped on June 6 with more than a dozen events examining critical policy issues impacting the lives of millions of Californians.

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06/06/2024
Image for display with article titled Kim De Serpa Kicks Off Her Campaign at the Shadowbrook

On June 5, Kim De Serpa kicked off her campaign for 2nd District Supervisor while celebrating her birthday at The Shadowbrook restaurant.

California Local Pin Marker From Lookout Local...

06/04/2024
In a statement posted to the UCSC website on June 4, UC Santa Cruz Chancellor Cynthia Larive defended use of police to break up a pro-Palestine encampment in the interest of campus safety.

California Local Pin Marker From CalMatters...

06/04/2024
California is hailed as a national leader for voting access. But visually impaired voters and their advocates say they still face unnecessary barriers, despite bills and lawsuits. Some election officials raise security concerns.
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