The Two Candidates Running in Santa Cruz’s Inaugural At-Large Mayoral Election
For the first time in Santa Cruz history, voters will have a direct say in determining who their next mayor will be. Measure E, approved by voters on June 8, established at-large mayoral elections, along with a six-district map. Previously, the mayor was appointed annually…
Measure O: What is at Stake For Downtown Santa Cruz?
Fresh produce surrounded by smiling vendors, warm red walls of buildings, and homes of longtime families line the street. Even the parking lots hold sentimental value as you scour for the perfect spot ahead of another memorable day strolling around the city. This is Downtown…
Can Measures K and L Save Santa Cruz City Schools?
Failing infrastructure, outdated classrooms, and a teacher shortage are only some of the problems Santa Cruz City Schools (SCCS) are hoping to address with two new bond measures this November: Measure K and Measure L. While Measure K would raise funds for the local middle…
Measure N Could Open Doors for Housing Opportunities: Good Policy Or Too Invasive?
A $6,000 tax on empty single family homes could be implemented this November. But how would this affect Santa Cruz homeowners? If a simple majority votes to pass Measure N, also known as the Empty Home Tax, every homeowner in Santa Cruz will be required…
How Would Measure P Impact Taxes on Hotels and Short-Term Rentals?
Santa Cruz’s sunny beaches, rocky coast, breathtaking redwoods, and notorious Boardwalk have made the city into a desirable tourist destination. Attracting more than three million visitors annually, tourism employs nearly 8,000 people countywide and brings millions of dollars in revenue to the city. But at…
Elections Update Across Santa Cruz
When the clock hit eight on Tuesday, Nov. 3, the polls closed and many people found themselves constantly refreshing their phones to see the latest results of the presidential election. While 2020 has been regarded as a pivotal election year, the election also saw important…
“Count Every Vote”: Santa Cruz Residents March for Election Integrity
Concerns over election integrity drew about 150 people to march from Downtown Santa Cruz to the County Clerk’s Office on Nov. 4. “Honestly, people across the political spectrum, in all sorts of jobs, are concerned about what could happen if election results aren’t respected,” said…
City on a Hill Press California Proposition Endorsements
Proposition 14: YES City on a Hill Press endorses YES on Prop. 14 which will authorize $5.5 billion in funding for the continuation of stem cell research, which has increased the understanding of how diseases occur, according to the Mayo Clinic. This funding stems from…
Santa Cruz County Sees Surge in Poll Station Volunteers
With the November election less than two weeks away, Santa Cruz County has received 1,717 applications for the 430 available poll worker positions, according to Santa Cruz County Clerk Gail Pellerin. “We’re usually begging [for poll workers],” Pellerin said. “It’s now cool to be working…
Ballot Boxes and VoteMobile: Santa Cruz Prepares for Nov. Election
The COVID-19 pandemic has forced a rethinking of voting procedures across the country. Santa Cruz County is also adapting to the catastrophic fire season as November approaches. Despite the setbacks, County Clerk Gail Pellerin remains optimistic about the upcoming election. “There’s a lot more enthusiasm…