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Santa Cruz County Elections & Politics Articles



The Pajaronian logo LOCAL NEWS
With Measure N Official, Hospital Officials Looking to Future

After months of work promoting Measure N—efforts that included going door to door in the vast Pajaro Valley Health Care District (PVHCD)—officials can now begin to envision how they will use the $116 million to improve Watsonville Community Hospital.

Image caption: The O Lot Safe Sleeping site at Balboa Park in San Diego on March 22, 2024.
Is San Diego Homeless Camp Ban ‘Successful’?

A new bill would make it illegal for homeless residents to camp in certain places, such as near schools, throughout California. Its authors say such a ban has had great success in San Diego. But a closer look at that …

Image caption: Digital Democracy reporter Ryan Sabalow, left, and CalMatters senior editor Dave Lesher review a Digital Democracy page in the CalMatters newsroom on April 3, 2024.
Digital Democracy Ramps Up Accountability of CA Legislature

In an analysis of more than 1 million votes cast by current legislators since 2017, CalMatters Digital Democracy reporter Ryan Sabalow and CBS Sacramento reporter Julie Watts found that Democrats vote “no” less than 1% of the time on average.

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Controversial Housing Law Could Get a Makeover

Some of California’s top lawmakers want to clear up, but also rein in, the “builder’s remedy.”

Image caption: Joy Perrin, a mother of two children, testifies at the Budget Subcommittee on Human Services hearing at the state Capitol in Sacramento March 20, 2024. With the help of CalWORKS, Perrin was able to secure housing for her and her family.
California May Gut Two CalWORKS Programs Helping Thousands of Families

The state is considering zeroing out funds for CalWORKS family stabilization and job subsidy programs to help balance the budget.

Press Banner logo LOCAL NEWS
Primary Election 2024: Martinez Carves Out Healthy Lead in Supervisor Race to Replace McPherson

Nonprofit CEO Monica Martinez has dominated in her race against three others in the Santa Cruz County Fifth District primary election, capturing more than 46% of the vote, with software company founder Christopher Bradford getting 21.5%.

The Pajaronian logo LOCAL NEWS
Election Update March 8: Measure N Holding Steady

Watsonville’s Measure N is holding steady at 68.5% of the vote, just over the 66.6% majority needed to pass.

CalMatters logo STATE NEWS
CA Legislature Could Set a New Record for Women

State Sens. Aisha Wahab (left) and Shannon Grove speak during the Senate floor session at the Capitol in Sacramento on Jan. 22, 2024. Photo by Fred Greaves for CalMatters

The Pajaronian logo LOCAL NEWS
Former supervisor, tribal leader face off against incumbent congresswoman

Longtime Silicon Valley congresswoman Zoe Lofgren is locked in a contentious battle with Muwekma Ohlone tribal leader Charlene Nijmeh and former San Benito County Supervisor Peter Hernandez that will be decided in November, when the two highest primary vote getters …

Santa Cruz Local logo LOCAL NEWS
Candidate comparisons added to Santa Cruz Local’s Election Guide

Santa Cruz Local newsletter briefs for the week of Feb. 19:

Image caption: If there’s one thing Donald Trump supporters hate more than “liberal” San Francisco, it’s Taylor Swift. So they’re now 49ers fans for the Super Bowl.
Taylor Swift Has San Francisco-Hating Trump Fans Rooting for the ’49ers

Taylor Swift is so hated by fans of Donald Trump, they’ve set aside their hatred of San Francisco to root for the ’49ers in the Super Bowl, because Swift’s boyfriend plays for their opponents, the Kansas City Chiefs.

Santa Cruz Local logo LOCAL NEWS
Explainer: Measure K, the Santa Cruz County sales tax hike

Santa Cruz Local newsletter briefs for the week of Feb. 5:

Santa Cruz Local logo LOCAL NEWS
Explainer: Measure M, the Housing for People initiative

Santa Cruz Local newsletter briefs for the week of Jan. 29:

Featured

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.
There are more than 300 community service districts in California.
Community Services Districts, Explained
Areas that the county overlooks can form their own local governments.
California continues to work on legislation that would make voting easier.
Voting Rites
And more bills are on the way to help you make your mark on Election Day.
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
What causes the cycle of homelessness and crime, and how to stop it.
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
From its beginnings in the Gold Rush, the state Supreme Court continues to define the state today.
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?
The Goddess of Democracy is alive and well in California, but that hasn’t always been true.
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