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Santa Cruz County Elections & Politics Articles



Good Times logo LOCAL NEWS
Who’s Funding the Campaigns?

The political groups and individuals financing some of Santa Cruz County’s most contentious measures

Press Banner logo LOCAL NEWS
SLVUSD Race Pits Silicon Valley Oil Industry Pro Against Veteran Board Member

In the fast-approaching Nov. 8 election, a 38-year-old oil and gas real estate professional, with tech start-up experience, is facing off against an incumbent San Lorenzo Valley Unified School District Trustee who cut her teeth in New York’s education system. …

Image caption: Morongo Casino Resort & Spa in Cabazon is one of 82 tribal gaming operations in California.
A Guide to Gambling in the Golden State

In California, you can bet on a horse race, buy a lottery ticket, put money on poker in a card room and play slots at a tribal casino all in the same day.

Image caption: Why has the future of legalized sports betting in California suddenly become so bleak?
The Future of Sports Betting in California Looks Dim

California will likely reject legal sports betting, despite being the state with the most pro sports franchises and the biggest potential gambling market.

Good Times logo LOCAL NEWS
Bettina Aptheker Lets Queer Radicals Out of the Closet

UCSC icon looks at homophobia on the American left in her new book ‘Communists in Closets’

Good Times logo LOCAL NEWS
What Measure O Means for the Future of Downtown

Proponents say the measure is about parking, while opponents say it will set back affordable housing and a new library

Good Times logo LOCAL NEWS
Fired Coach Drops Out of Cabrillo College Race to Avoid Records Release

Bob Kittle will still be on the Nov. 8 ballot for Governing Board in Area II

Image caption: The streets of San Francisco saw one of the many women's marches held after the 2016 election.
A League of Our Own

Founded in 1920, the year that suffragettes triumphed, the League of Women Voters now protects the entire electorate’s rights.

Press Banner logo LOCAL NEWS
Four Vying for Two Seats on Scotts Valley School Board

With four names on the ballot for a pair of Scotts Valley Unified School District board seats up for grabs—and with another candidate having been appointed earlier this month—Scotts Valley residents are getting a massive say on the future direction …

The Pajaronian logo LOCAL NEWS
Jimmy Dutra denies sexual assault allegations

WATSONVILLE—Santa Cruz County Supervisor candidate Jimmy Dutra told a group of reporters and roughly two-dozen supporters that allegations of sexual abuse made against him last week are “completely false and untrue,” and stem from a dispute with his late father’s …

Image caption: California Secretary of State Shirley Weber is interviewed at the CalMatters offices on Oct. 5, 2022.
What Would Shirley Weber Do Next as California Secretary of State?

In an hour-long interview with CalMatters, Secretary of State Shirley Weber talks about changing California's recalls for governor, increasing voter participation and other issues.

The Pajaronian logo LOCAL NEWS
Two vying for PVUSD Trustee Area 1 seat

APTOS—This is the second of two articles showcasing the candidates vying for seats on the Pajaro Valley Unified School District Board of Trustees.  Last week, incumbent Jennifer Schacher and Olivia Flores had their say. With four seats up for election, …

Good Times logo LOCAL NEWS
Seven Propositions Heading to California Voters

School arts funding, abortion protections and flavored tobacco ban are among seven state propositions on Nov. 8 ballot.

The Pajaronian logo LOCAL NEWS
County Supervisor candidate Dutra faces sexual assault lawsuit

WATSONVILLE—A man has filed a civil lawsuit in Santa Cruz County Superior Court, claiming that 4th District Supervisorial candidate Jimmy Dutra molested him when he was 12. A case management conference is scheduled for Feb. 3. The Pajaronian typically does …

Image caption:
Newsom Steps Up His (Nonpresidential?) Campaign

California Gov. Gavin Newsom insists that he's not running for president but continues to cultivate a national political profile that may indicate otherwise.

The Pajaronian logo LOCAL NEWS
Two vying for PVUSD Trustee Area 5 seat

WATSONVILLE—With two seats on the Pajaro Valley Unified School District up for election, the makeup of the board could see a shift as political newcomers Natalain Schwartz and Olivia Flores challenge incumbents Kim De Serpa and Jennifer Schacher, respectively. Two …

San Lorenzo Valley Post logo LOCAL NEWS
What You Need to Know to vote in the November 8, 2022 General Election

The Santa Cruz County Elections Department is located at 701 Ocean St, Room 310, Santa Cruz. The office is open 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday through Friday. Phone 831-454-2060 for more information.  Register to vote online at registertovote.ca.gov by …

San Lorenzo Valley Post logo LOCAL NEWS
November 8 Election: SLV Fire District Candidates

Boulder Creek Fire Protection District The Boulder Creek Volunteer Fire Department is led by a five-person Board of Directors. The District encompasses 21 square miles of mountainous terrain and serves over 7,000 citizens. 40 volunteers respond to approximately 1,300 calls …

San Lorenzo Valley Post logo LOCAL NEWS
November 8 Election: Cabrillo College Trustee Candidates

Cabrillo Community College Governing Board Member, Trustee The Governing Board’s focus for the 2022-2023 school year includes increasing diverse enrollment, addressing equity gaps, offering various training programs related to the regional labor market, developing student housing, and increasing funding. The …

San Lorenzo Valley Post logo LOCAL NEWS
November 8 Election: San Lorenzo Valley Unified School District Candidates

The San Lorenzo Valley Unified School District Governing Board is responsible for overseeing the district's finances, setting policy, and hiring the superintendent. Currently, one of the district’s pressing challenges is academic recovery after two years of pandemic protocols. Trustees are …

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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