Protest Santa Cruz Indivisible Commentary Opinion Politics 

Commentary: Is Resistance Futile? 

By Jane Mulcaster America is for everyone, not just those who voted for the guy occupying the White House. It’s even for those who didn’t – or can’t – vote at all.  Democracy is delicate and harbors hypocrisy. It’s cumbersome and slow. Some argue it’s too tolerant of divergent opinions, others that it’s not tolerant enough. We–I–grumble about having to… Read More
Public Health Commentary Government Health 

Health Should Be at the Center of Every Policy Decision

By Monica Martinez So many of the decisions we make in life impact our health—where we live, how we work, what we consume. Whether we think about it consciously or not, our well-being—and that of our family, friends, and neighbors—shapes the choices we make every day. The same should be true in government. Every policy we enact at the County… Read More
Monica Martinez Supervisor 5th District Santa Cruz County Commentary Government Local News Valley People 

Monica Martinez Begins Her Term as 5th District Supervisor | Commentary

By Monica Martinez As we begin this new year, I’m honored to step into the role of Fifth District Supervisor, representing the vibrant and resilient communities of San Lorenzo Valley, Scotts Valley, and beyond. From the redwoods to the riverbanks, the unique character of our district inspires me daily. Over the past month, I’ve reflected on the challenges and opportunities… Read More
Supervisor Bruce McPherson Commentary Government Local News 

Bruce McPherson Reflects on Three Terms as 5th District Supervisor

Moving into the final month of a 12-year tenure as your Fifth District Supervisor, I can’t help but reflect on the many good things our community has accomplished – as well as the many hardships we have endured – all by working together. This District, and really the whole of Santa Cruz County, looks much different than it did when… Read More
Measure Q Commentary Election 2024 

Santa Cruz County Measure Q

By Sarah Newkirk Sometimes it’s hard to believe more than four years have passed since a rare summer lightning storm ignited the CZU Lightning Complex Fire. The fire scorched more than 86,000 acres, destroyed almost 1,500 structures and caused the evacuation of more than 60,000 people, including my family.  After sagely burying his valuables in a previously excavated hole in… Read More
Measure U commentary Commentary Election 2024 Local News Opinion 

Measure U is About a Fair Water Rate Increase               

By James Bahn Though I am a volunteer member of the SLV Water District Finance Committee, I’m writing this just as a neighbor and fellow rate-payer. I’m going to try to describe what Measure U is and is not. And unlike some of the fear-mongering rhetoric being thrown around by opponents, I’m sticking to facts, plus a prediction.   I’m actually… Read More
Measure U water rate intiative Commentary Local News Opinion Water 

Commentary: Measure U: The Story of Our Water Rate Initiative

By Deb Loewen These columns are filled with various opinions about aspects of our SLV water district, but a valuable district asset often overlooked and unheard of is us, the customers. I’d like to talk about our extraordinary community, finding common ground, and the power of grassroots democracy through the story of our work on a citizens’ initiative. The seed… Read More
water district rate increase Commentary Election 2024 Infrastructure Local News Water 

SLV Voters Face a Water District Rate Initiative this Fall

By Jayme Ackemann The voters of San Lorenzo Valley face a crucial decision in the November election: do they want a reliable water system that delivers fresh, safe water every time they turn on their taps, or do they risk ending up with inconsistent and unreliable service like their neighbors in Big Basin? A small group of residents is opposing… Read More