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...

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.

The Pajaronian logo From The Pajaronian...

12/13/2024
Image for display with article titled PVUSD Board Will Appoint New Member to Replace De Serpa

The Pajaro Valley Unified School District Board of Trustees will appoint a new member to replace outgoing Trustee Kim De Serpa, rather than hold a costly special election.

California Local Pin Marker From Santa Cruz Sentinel...

12/13/2024
In their December 12 meeting of the Capitola City Council, newly elected members Gerry Jensen and Melinda Orbach were sworn in. Read on to learn what's ahead for the council's new term.

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12/12/2024
Image for display with article titled Newly Elected District 5 Supervisor Martinez Steps Down as CEO of Encompass

With the recent election results now clear, the Encompass Community Services Board of Trustees has announced that its CEO, Monica Martinez, will be transitioning from her role at Encompass as she steps into her new position as Santa Cruz County supervisor for District 5.

The Pajaronian logo From The Pajaronian...

12/11/2024
Image for display with article titled New Mayor, Council Members Sworn In

The crowd attending Watsonville City Council’s meeting got a surprise Tuesday evening as Speaker of the California Assembly Robert Rivas and his entourage entered the council chambers just in time for him to swear in Kristal Salcido and Maria Orozco as Watsonville’s new mayor pro tempore and mayor, respectively.

California Local Pin Marker From Santa Cruz Sentinel...

12/11/2024
In the December 10 meeting of the Santa Cruz City Council, newly elected members Susie O'Hara and Gabriela Trigueiro were sworn in. Read on to learn more about them and what's ahead.

California Local Pin Marker From Santa Cruz Sentinel...

12/11/2024
In their December 10 meeting, the Watsonville City Council swore in reelected members and named a new mayor and mayor tempore. Find out who's running meetings for the council's new term.

California Local Pin Marker From CalMatters...

12/09/2024
Pledging to take on the affordable housing crisis and bring down health care costs, Adam Schiff was sworn in Monday by Vice President Kamala Harris as California’s junior U.S. senator.

The Pajaronian logo From The Pajaronian...

11/27/2024
Image for display with article titled With Measure M Passage, PVUSD Planning Projects

Measure M, which will raise millions of dollars for construction, rebuilding and maintenance projects at each of Pajaro Valley Unified School District’s 35 schools has passed, and officials are starting to make plans for the money.

The Pajaronian logo From The Pajaronian...

11/27/2024
Image for display with article titled Dutra Keeps Seat on Watsonville City Council

Watsonville City Councilman Jimmy Dutra has fended off a challenge from Trina Coffman-Gomez to hold onto his Sixth District seat, garnering a weighty 54% of the 2,321 votes in the race, results released Friday showed.

California Local Pin Marker From Lookout Local...

11/24/2024
Learn how fire districts are moving forward in the wake of the defeat of Scotts Valley Fire Department's Measure S and Central Fire District's Measure R in the November election.