Zayante Fire Election 2024 Fire Departments 

Zayante Fire’s Measure T

By Robin Musitelli Zayante Fire Chief Jeff Maxwell has noticed a troubling trend. “People think we’re from the County. They have no idea that we’re a volunteer department. All they know is that someone shows up and takes care of business.” That’s troubling to Maxwell for several reasons. First, the small but volunteer-rich fire department is asking voters to approve… 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
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
candidate forum Election Election 2024 Local News 

Candidate Forum Draws a Crowd

Wednesday’s Candidates Forum at Highlands Park Senior & Community Center attracted a packed house amid road closures and power outages from recent storms. The ‘standing room only’ crowd gathered in a cold community room lit only by a backup generator and flashlights to learn more about the four candidates running to fill the Santa Cruz County 5th District Supervisor seat.… Read More
Economy Election 2024 Local News 

Proposed Sales Tax Increase for Unincorporated Santa Cruz County

Measure slated for the March 5, 2024 Primary Election. In a move to bridge a shortfall in the Proposed Budget for Fiscal Year 2023-24 passed by the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors in June, the Board voted unanimously on Tuesday, December 5, 2023 to place a half-cent sales tax measure on the March 5, 2024 Primary Election ballot. The… Read More
Bruce McPherson Election 2024 Government Local News 

Supervisor Bruce McPherson to Retire at End of Term

5th District Supervisor Bruce McPherson has announced that he will not seek a fourth term on the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors. McPherson was first elected in 2012, re-elected in 2016, and ran unopposed in 2020. His current term ends in December 2024.  “We have accomplished so much together and have weathered many challenges, from the CZU Fire to… Read More