Measure Q Commentary Election 

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
Zayante Fire Commentary Election Fire Departments 

Commentary: 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 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 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
Economy Election 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 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
November 2022 elections San Lorenzo Valley Election 

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 October 24. You’ll need your California driver’s license or ID card, date of birth, and the last four digits of… Read More
San Lorenzo Valley Water District Election 

November 8 Election: SLV Water District Candidates

California’s General Election is Tuesday, November 8 with mail-in ballots arriving around October 10.  Here are the candidates running for San Lorenzo Valley Water District Board of Directors.   The SLVWD Board of Directors is responsible for setting the district’s water rates and policies, as well as overseeing its operations. This is a critical time for the district, as it… Read More