Santa Cruz County Local News: Elections & Politics


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

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.  

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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.

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

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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.

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.