1 WHAT IS STUDENT MEDIA? Student Media is home to multiple print and TABLE OF CONTENTS broadcast organizations at UCSC. These student- led orgs produce media in a variety of genres for General Resources for Santa Cruz County and the greater student body. State of 4 Student Media provides an opportunity for students to think critically about the world they Presidential Candidates 6 live in, and to create thoughtful, intentional media. Students work with each other and advisors to U.S. Congress 9 craft content that will last long beyond their time at UCSC. California State Ballot Measures 12 Student Media is a part of SOMeCA, which also includes SOAR and Cultural Arts & Diversity. 16

ABOUT THIS GUIDE California State Assembly 16 In preparation for the upcoming election and to ensure Student Media is creating timely content, Santa Cruz County Superior Court Judge 18 several students established the Student Media Elections Committee. Santa Cruz County Supervisor, First District 19 The Elections Committee works on producing media with the goal of informing, educating, and Santa Cruz County Ballot Measures 20 empowering student voters. Santa Cruz City Council 21 This guide provides information on statewide races and ballot initiatives, but much of the second half is intended for those voting in Santa Santa Cruz County Board of Education 25 Cruz County. That said, we believe that voters throughout California will still be able to find the School Districts 27 guide valuable. Thank you for reading and sharing.

While this guide is based on extensive research, Santa Cruz County Special Districts 32 we know that it does not contain everything there is to know about this election. We hope readers use this as a jumping off point to conduct their own research in preparation for the elections.

2 3 GENERAL VOTING RESOURCES

For voters in California Check your registration status: voterstatus.sos.ca.gov

Register to vote: registertovote.ca.gov

Track your ballot: wheresmyballot.sos.ca.gov

Continuing students who have previously lived in Santa Cruz can register in Santa Cruz County or whichever county they moved back to. If a continuing student wants to register in Santa Cruz County, but receive their mail-in ballot at a different address, they will need to update their MAILING ADDRESS through the registration portal in order to receive it. Other resources: Voter Registration and Outreach Guide from the Santa Cruz County Clerk/Elections Office WHAT YOU’RE VOTING ON

Report of Registration for California, showing You’ll decide whether the current President of the president, Donald Trump, should breakdowns of voter registration by different serve a second term as president, or demographics United States be replaced by another presidential candidate. Ballot Box/Polling Place Locator for California; The information on this page will be updated closer You’ll decide who should represent California’s 18th and 20th to the election. We also encourage you to check your U.S. Congress congressional districts, depending on county’s elections site for more detailed information. where you live in Santa Cruz county.

4 5 PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES

JOE BIDEN DONALD TRUMP

KAM Current Position: Current Position: E A 2020 Democratic Presidential Nominee ENC LA H 45th President of the United States E P A Experience: IK Current position: RR Experience: M Current position: United States Senator I 47th Vice President of the United States (2009-2017) President of the Trump Organization (1971-2017) 48th Vice President of from California S the United States Delaware Senator (1973-2009) Experience: California Senator Owner of Miss Universe brand (1996-2015) Experience: Governor of (2017-present), Attorney General founder/president of the Biden Foundation Producer and host of the reality-television Indiana (2013-2017), U.S. House of California (2011-2017), District as vice president, Biden worked on the program The Apprentice (2003-2015) of Representatives for Indiana’s 2nd Attorney of San Francisco (2004-2011) following: as president, Trump has: congressional district (2001-2013). As Supports: Affirmative action; access to Vice President, Pence has served as the head abortion; increasing gun control; partial the Middle Class Task Force withdrawn from various international of the White House Coronavirus Task Force decriminalization of sex work; No War the implementation of the Recovery partnerships and agreements and head of the Advisory Commission Against Iran Act; rejoining the Act been impeached by the House of on Election Integrity. Paris Agreement and ending U.S. payroll tax cuts during economic Representatives for soliciting Supports: Stricter border security support for international oil and laws against hiring of non- recovery Ukraine to investigate Joe Biden, extraction projects. citizens; overturning of Roe V. the White House Task Force to but was later acquitted by the Opposes: Capital Senate Wade Supreme Court ruling punishment; Nicolás Protect Students From Sexual Opposes: Abortion and the Maduro’s actions in Assault overseen construction of 15 federal funding of abortion; Venezuela; Boycott, Divest, the Cancer Moonshot miles of new border wall along same-sex marriage and same- and Sanctions movement Taskforce the U.S.-Mexico border sex civil unions; scientific targeting Israel. Learn more at Learn more at evidence of climate change 6 joebiden.com donaldjtrump.com 7 PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES U.S. CONGRESS

BIDEN ON THE ISSUES TRUMP U.S. House of Representatives District 18 Biden’s plan for a “Clean Energy CLIMATE CHANGE Trump, who withdrew from the Revolution” involves achieving a Paris Climate Accords shortly 100% clean energy economy and reaching after becoming president, has recently Anna G. Eshoo (D) net-zero emissions no later than 2050 by questioned scientific evidence of climate demanding Congress enact legislation that change. During his presidency, Trump incentivize the deployment of clean energy has worked to dismantle most of the Current position: Incumbent candidate innovations and establishes an enforcement major climate and environmental policies Experience: Chaired one of the first mechanism to keep the country on track. enacted under Obama’s presidency. As of Biden also plans to sign several executive July, 2020, 68 of 100 policies have been Congressional hearings on COVID-19 to orders on Day One to “make progress and eliminated. Trump has not offered a plan to prompt action from Trump administration; significantly reduce emissions.” address climate change going forward. voted in favor of CARES Act; voted to impeach Trump in December 2019 Biden will work to protect the HEALTH CARE First promised during his Supports: reducing student loan debt, Affordable Care Act passed by campaign in 2016, Trump plans to combating climate change, expanding Obama in 2010, and plans to build on the replace the Affordable Care Act with a new Affordable Care Act by “giving Americans healthcare plan that will “force insurance affordable healthcare, protecting net more choice, reducing healthcare costs, and companies to compete for their customers neutrality making our health care system less complex with lower costs and higher-quality service.” Opposes: Citizens United SC ruling to navigate.” He also wants to stand up to As of September, 2020, this plan has not yet the abuse of power by drug corporations been revealed to the public. by limiting prices of drugs and allowing consumers to buy prescription drugs from other countries, among other things. Rishi Kumar (D) If elected, Biden plans to respond COVID-19 While public health officials to COVID-19 with widely available including Dr. Anthony Fauci have testing, eliminating cost barriers to care and felt unsatisfied with Trump’s response Current position: Hi-Tech executive; treatment, and developing a vaccine. He to COVID-19 thus far, Trump believes Saratoga City council member; community intends to put scientists and public health his administration’s actions were “early organizer leaders at the forefront of communication and aggressive.” He has made conflicting Experience: Prevented San Jose Water with the American people. Additionally, statements about the effectiveness of masks Company rate increases; 86,000 Seniors Biden believes such experts should be the and the severity of the virus, but has stated ones making public health decisions, not in recent press conferences that there will campaign to help provide groceries and politicians. Biden also plans on emphasizing be a vaccine produced in the near future. medications during the pandemic support for at-risk communities and The federal government has released a Supports: Medicare for All, Green New individuals, as well as protecting our health plan for distributing a COVID-19 vaccine Deal care workers and first responders. starting next year. This plan would focus Opposes: campaign funding from PACs or on healthcare workers and those with special interest groups increased vulnerability.

8 9 U.S. CONGRESS

U.S. House of Representatives District 20 WHAT YOU’RE You’ll decide which VOTING ON Propositions measures on the Jimmy Panetta (D) ballot should be written into law in California. Current Position: Incumbent candidate Experience: Afghanistan war veteran, former deputy district attorney Supports: Immigration reform that You’ll decide the provides pathway to citizenship for representative farmworkers, their families and DACA State Senate for District 17 in recipients; federal funding to support California’s State women’s rights and equality in the justice & State Senate and District 29 system Assembly in California’s State Assembly. These two houses make up the California State Legislature, the branch of state government that Jeff Gorman (R) holds lawmaking powers. Current Position: Small business owner Experience: Supports: First and Second Amendment Rights, limited federal government, limited federal government spending on COVID- related support Opposes: Green New Deal, Medicare for All, previous impeachment efforts

10 11 CALIFORNIA BALLOT MEASURES There are twelve state propositions on the ballot this year. These propositions can Opponents: Students for Fair Admissions, PROP. 19 create new laws or change old ones. A proposition makes it onto the ballot when Inc; Tom Campbell, former dean of UC proposed by a state legislator or when someone collects enough voter signatures Berkeley’s Haas School of Business Current property toward an initiative. taxes for homeowners PROP. 17 are based on property Prop. 14 through Prop. 24 are initiatives, so would become law if they receive value at time of initial purchase, with slight more than 50 percent “yes” votes. Prop. 25 is a referendum, or a vote on a law After completing a prison term, some annual increases. Prop. 19 that’s already been passed, so a “yes” vote is in favor of the existing law and a “no” people are placed on would expand rules for special vote means you don’t want the existing law to go into effect. parole, which typically groups of homeowners, including those over lasts about three years. 55 or those affected by natural disasters. Homeowners in these special groups could taxed based on the property’s current value Parolees face certain PROP. 14 keep their lower property tax when moving instead. This tax would raise $6.5-11.5 billion restrictions and are not to a new home in-state for up to three moves. This proposition would authorize $5.5 billion annually starting in 2025, with tax money to currently allowed to vote. There are currently Prop. 5, which proposed similar expansions in new bonds to fund stem cell research, go toward public services. This tax would not about 50,000 people on parole in California. in 2018, was voted down. including $1.5 billion to brain diseases like affect residential property tax. Prop. 17 would allow parolees to vote and, in Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s. This would build some cases, run for public office. Supporters: AFSCME California, California on the 2004 Prop. 71, which authorized $3 Supporters: Governor Newsom, Senator Association of Realtors billion in funding and founded Kamala Harris, various California school Supporters: Senator Kamala Harris, Opponents: Howard Jarvis Taxpayers the California Institute for districts, California Teachers Association. California Secretary of State Alex Padilla, Association, Newspaper editorial boards Regenerative Medicine Opponents: California Chamber of ACLU of California, League of Women Voters including San Jose Mercury News, East Bay (CIRM) to oversee stem Commerce, California Taxpayer’s Association of California cell research. Opponents: State senator Jim Nielsen Times and Orange County Register. PROP. 16 Supporters: Various PROP. 18 patient advocacy groups, Under the 1996 Prop. including the American Association for 209, California public California currently has a strict voting age Cancer Research and the National Medicine programs cannot use of 18. Prop. 18 would allow any registered Association; Robert Klein, former chairman “affirmative action” 17-year-old to vote in the state primary if of CIRM when making decisions they will be 18 by the day of the general Opponents: Center for Genetics and Society about public education election. Eighteen other states and or employment. Prop. 16 would repeal this Washington, D.C., already allow primary PROP. 15 law, allowing public programs, including voting for 17-year-olds. universities to consider race, sex, color, Owners of commercial ethnicity, and country of origin in their Supporters: California Secretary of property currently pay decision-making. State Alex Padilla, State taxes based on the value Assemblyman Kevin of the property when it Supporters: Dianne Feinstein, Kamala Mullin was initially purchased, Harris, Karen Bass, Barbara Boxer; ACLU Opponents: Election with small annual increases. of California; California NAACP State Integrity Project This proposition would change tax laws so Conference; Los Angeles County Board of California that people or businesses who own more Education; University of California Board of than $3 million in commercial property are Regents

12 13 CALIFORNIA BALLOT MEASURES

PROP. 20 Opponents: real estate groups including PROP. 23 Opponents: Dolores Huerta, Co-Founder AvalonBay Communities, Inc. and of the United Farm Workers, ACLU Prop. 20 would undo various criminal justice Prometheus Real Estate Group, Inc.; Individuals with kidney-related illnesses of California, Consumer Federation of reforms passed over the past 10 years. First, California Seniors Advocates League, must undergo dialysis treatment. Prop. 23 California, League of Women Voters of it would reclassify certain crimes, including California Governor Gavin Newsom would place new requirements on dialysis California petty theft and unlawful use of a credit card, clinics. For example, Prop. 23 requires so that they could be punished as felonies PROP. 22 that clinics have a doctor present during PROP. 25 with stricter sentences. It would all treatment hours and also limit the early release A 2019 law reclassified rideshare and delivery that clinics have to report Passed in 2018, Senate Bill 10 eliminated for individuals convicted app (Uber, Lyft, Doordash, etc.) drivers dialysis-related infections the cash bail system, replacing it with an of certain felonies. as employees, as opposed to independent to the state every three algorithm-based risk assessment system. Prop. 20 would also contractors. Employees get protections that months. It would also Under the new system, a judge determines expand mandatory DNA independent contractors do not, including prevent clinics from whether an individual should be released collection to include minimum wage, overtime pay, and paid discriminating against from jail based on public individuals convicted of sick leave. The California state attorney patients based on insurance or safety factors, instead of misdemeanor crimes. general and three cities are currently suing how they pay for treatment. the individual’s ability Lyft and Uber for refusing to follow the to post bail. Similar risk Supporters: Los Angeles Police Protective 2019 reclassification law. Prop. 22 Supporters: SEIU healthcare workers assessment systems have League; Albertsons Safeway grocery store would allow drivers to stay as union been criticized for their Opponents: former governor , independent contractors, Opponents: various for-profit dialysis potential to contribute to ACLU of Northern California, California but includes a minimum clinics, including DaVita and Fresenius; racial biases. Partnership to End Domestic Violence wage floor and requires California Medical Association companies to pay health Prop. 25 is a referendum, so would either PROP. 21 insurance for contractors PROP. 24 uphold or repeal an existing law. A “yes” driving more than 15 vote would uphold SB 10, removing the cash Prop. 21 would allow rent control on units hours per week. Prop. 24 would amend the California bail system. A “no” vote would repeal SB 10, more than 15 years old and for which the Consumer Privacy Act of 2018 (CCPA). It keeping the cash bail system in place. landlord owns more than two units. This Supporters: Uber, Lyft, DoorDash, would expand “pay-for-privacy” models that would replace the Costa-Hawkins Housing Postmates and Instacart; several chambers would allow businesses to withhold discounts Supporters: California Democratic Party, Act of 1995 that allows landlords to raise of commerce organizations, California Police from consumers unless consumers allow the California Teachers Association, League of rent once tenants move out, Chiefs Association company to collect and share their user data. Women Voters limiting the increase in rent Opponents: Democratic presidential Prop. 24 would allow consumers Opponents: American Bail Coalition, to 15 percent over three nominee Joe Biden, Senator Kamala Harris to contact companies with various chambers of commerce years. Prop. 21 requires and Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren requests to prevent them that local rent control from sharing “sensitive laws guarantee landlords personal information” and make some profit. create a state agency to enforce these rules. Supporters: Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, US Congresswoman Maxine Supporters: Alastair Waters, California Democratic Party, ACLU Mactaggart, San Francisco real of Southern California, Democratic Socialists estate developer; former Democratic of America, Los Angeles, AFSCME CA presidential candidate Andrew Yang

14 15 CALIFORNIA STATE SENATE California State Senate District 17 John Laird (D) Experience: Former California Secretary for Natural Resources (2011-19), former California assemblyman (2002-08), former mayor of Santa Cruz (1981-90) Supports: Environmental policies including climate change reform, wildfire prevention, and ocean protection; increased minimum wage; affordable housing, healthcare, and education WHAT YOU’RE VOTING ON* Vicki Nohrden (R) Superior Court Judge You’ll decide who rules over the superior court of Santa Cruz Current Position: Businesswoman Experience: Served on civil grand jury for one County. term, director for youth-focused nonprofit, Court Board of Supervisors You’ll decide the supervisor for Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) the county’s First District. Supports: Immigration reform, reducing taxes, Ballot Measures You’ll decide which measures are supporting small businesses, transparency in law enforcement, reduction of homelessness, adopted for the county. rebuilding jobs and schools after COVID-19 Santa Cruz City Council Voters in the City of Santa Cruz Opposes: Prop 15, defunding the police, Assembly will decide who is on the City Bill 5 Council, which sets city policy. Board of Education/ You’ll decide board members/ CALIFORNIA STATE ASSEMBLY School Districts trustees for various districts. Special Districts You’ll decide board members for California State Assembly District 29 several water districts. (D) (Unopposed) Current Position: Incumbent candidate Experience: Former county supervisor for Santa Cruz County’s Fifth Supervisorial District, former president of Scotts Valley Unified School District *You may only be voting in some of Supports: Reducing homelessness through aid to individuals the following races depending on released from prison and aid to impoverished families; plastic bag where you live in Santa Cruz County. ban; eliminating medical co-pays for incarcerated individuals 16 17 SUPERIOR COURT JUDGE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

Superior court judges oversee superior courts, also called “trial courts.” There are The Board of Supervisors is the governing body for Santa Cruz County, including 58 superior courts in California, one in each county. Superior court judges are the incorporated cities and the unincorporated areas. The board is made up of elected on a nonpartisan ballot every six years. Superior courts handle all civil five supervisors, each representing a district within the county. Most of the city and criminal cases, small claims cases, and some appeals cases. of Santa Cruz is located in the third district, which is currently served by Ryan Coonerty who will not be up for reelection until 2022.

In the primaries, the incumbent candidates for the second and fifth districts Nancy de la Peña secured their reelection by earning a majority vote. In the first district, the incumbent candidate only earned 45 percent of the primary vote, so the race proceeds to a run-off election on the November ballot between incumbent John Leopold and challenger Manu Koenig.

Manu Koenig John Leopold Zach Friend 1st District 2nd District

Current Position: Assistant County Counsel in the Santa Cruz County Superior Court working on child abuse cases and removal of firearms from those who pose a risk to themselves and others Experience: Worked for the Santa Cruz County Public Defender’s Office in Santa Challenger Incumbent Secured position in primaries Cruz County Superior Court for 33 years prior to accepting their current position as assistant county counsel. Ryan Coonerty Greg Caput Bruce McPherson Candidate Annrae Angel ended their campaign in July, ceding the race to 3rd District 4th District 5th District de la Peña. Angel will still appear on the Santa Cruz ballot.

Terms ends 2022 Term ends 2022 Secured position in primaries

18 19 SANTA CRUZ BALLOT MEASURES SANTA CRUZ CITY COUNCIL

The Santa Cruz City Council is made up of seven members — five council Measure A - Scotts Valley Unified Measure N - Loma Prieta Joint members, the vice mayor, and the mayor. They meet on the second and fourth School District Bond Measure Union Elementary School District Tuesday of every month at 2:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., which are currently being Parcel Tax Measure broadcasted live on Community Television. 55% vote needed to pass A “yes” vote would generate about $30.5 ⅔ vote need to pass The City Council is the primary legislative body for the City of Santa Cruz, setting million in general obligations bonds, or $2 Loma Prieta Elementary School and C.T. million per year through 2051-52. English Middle School are facing revenue city policy through ordinances and resolutions. A council member’s term lasts Goes toward improving quality of schools, loss and limited state funding due to the four year and they may serve a maximum of two consecutive terms. Each yeah, including health and safety improvements, COVID-19 pandemic. the Council will elect one of its members to serve as mayor for a one-year term. fixing roofs and plumbing, etc. A “yes” vote would allow a $164 parcel tax, Projects the money would go toward have which would raise $328,000 annually for the This November, there are four open seats on the City Council, with the been prioritized from the facilities master next seven years. A senior citizen exemption following nine candidates in the running. plan and spending is reviewed by a citizen is available. oversight committee. The funding would allow the schools to Argument against Measure A call it a maintain academic programs and retain burden on taxpayers, pointing out that there teachers. Sandy Brown are currently two other active bonds from Measure N will not increase taxes, rather it Current Position: Incumbent candidate 2013 and 2014, which are set to expire in extends a measure passed in 2013. Supports: Affordable housing policies, 2024. policies that move the city toward zero carbon emissions, redirecting policing funds to community need, transparency in governance, including establishing mechanisms for community input and proposals Learn more at sandybrownforcitycouncil.com

Measure O - Aromas San Juan Unified School District Bond Martine Watkins Measure Current Position: Incumbent candidate Supports: Programs to support early 55% vote needed to pass childhood education and development; A “yes” vote would authorize $30.5 million in unconscious bias trainings for law enforcement bonds to go toward school facilities repairs. officers; policies to prevent homelessness, Projects would include improving student including rental assistance and safety net access to the internet and computers, programs for foster youth aging out of the increasing student safety and school security, system and repairing classrooms and facilities, including wiring, plumbing and roofs. Learn more at Measure O would not raise taxes. martinewatkins.com

20 21 SANTA CRUZ CITY COUNCIL

Sonja Brunner Maria Cadenas Experience: Commissioner and board chair Current Position: Economic Opportunity for Housing Authority of Santa Cruz County; Director (Executive Director of Santa Cruz steering committee member for Santa Cruz Community Ventures) Chamber of Women in Business; Santa Cruz Experience: Raised $2.7 million in COVID-19 Police’s Citizen Academy participant relief aid, established Santa Cruz SEEDS to provide newborns with college savings accounts, worked to increase affordable Learn more at housing, created internship programs for sonjabrunner.org youth of color, launched a housing program for children aging out of foster care Supports: Supporting local and small Kelsey Hill businesses, affordable housing, living wage jobs, and strong public transit Current Position: Media/Intern director Experience: BA in History from UCSC, Editor Learn more at of City on a Hill Press; internship director for votemaria2020.org college students with Romero Institute Supports: Comprehensive COVID-19 relief plan; supporting local businesses; affordable/ Alicia Kuhl low-income housing; extending eviction Current Position: Unhoused mother, moratoriums; expanding climate action President of the Santa Cruz Homeless Union planning and implementation; reinvesting in Experience: Helped organize the Santa Cruz community safety and justice Homeless Union COVID-19 Relief Center, Learn more at providing desperately needed food, clothing, masks, survival gear, and access to sanitization kelseyhill4council.com Supports: Affordable housing measures, Black Lives Matter Movement, defunding the police, boardwalk vendors, municipal efforts to Elizabeth Conlan save local businesses Experience: Scientist, Researcher at Driscoll’s Opposes: The construction of a parking in Watsonville garage on the farmer’s market lot, the city’s Supports: New housing for all income towing of the vehicular homes of the unhoused levels; an outreach-focused approach to and the confiscation of people’s tents and homelessness; safer streets for pedestrians and survival gear cyclists; more access to local businesses in a Learn more at more sustainable way @AliciaKuhlForCityCounil2020 on Facebook Learn more at conlanforcouncil.com 22 23 SANTA CRUZ CITY COUNCIL BOARD OF EDUCATION

Trustee Area 3 Shebreh Kalantari-Johnson (Includes West Side, Bonny Doon, Davenport, etc.) Current Position: Runs consulting business Experience: Bachelor’s degree in psychology and French from UC Santa Cruz, Master’s Sandra Nichols Degree in Social Work from San Jose State. Current Position: Incumbent Pajaro Valley Health Trust Board Chair; Experience: Representative on county board since Central California Alliance for Health, 2012; 31 years teaching in public school and 20 years on Commissioner; United Way of Santa Cruz local boards of education; master’s in education County Committee; Dignity Health Community Supports: Embracing diversity, alternatives in Advisory Board. education, arts programs, environmental studies, Supports: Increasing affordable housing, advanced placement and career technical education, Health In All Policies (integrating health, biliteracy programs equity and sustainability considerations across Opposes: Providing student data to military recruiters sectors), supporting transition age youth (18- 24), increasing rental assistance, Black Lives Matter Movement Mike Kubo Learn more at Current Position: Incumbent Experience: Research scientist, education outreach shebreh.org coordinator Experience: President of Board of Directors at Coastal Community Preschool, former UCSC student Kayla Kumar No statement filed Current Position: Development Director of “Food, What?”, supporting youth in the Santa Cruz through food, farming, and community. Experience: Santa Cruz Community Ventures Trustee Area 5 board member; involved with Salud Para La Gente; serves on the county’s Juvenile Justice (Includes Aptos, Corralitos, Seascape, etc.) and Delinquency Prevention Commission. Supports: Affordable housing measures, Alyssa Wall prioritization of greener modes of Current Position: Educator/College Advisor transportation, stewarding green space in Experience: former teacher and college lecturer, taught neighborhoods, redirecting public resources in 5 countries, master’s in education, pursuing doctoral from policing to transformational approaches degree to justice, funding social services. Supports: Equal access to quality education regardless Opposes: Construction of a parking garage on of zip code or skin color the farmer’s market lot, UCSC hypergrowth Learn more at kumarforcouncil.com

24 25 SCHOOL DISTRICTS Brad Williams COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICTS Current Position: ER nurse, father Experience: Member of CA Nurses Association Supports: Reopening schools soon in a safe and CABRILLO COMMUNITY COLLEGE GOVERNING BOARD effective manner Trustee Area 4 Diana Alfaro Current Position: Affordable housing professional, trustee for Cabrillo College Experience: Degree in politics and Latin America & Latino Studies from UCSC, took classes at Cabrillo in Trustee Area 6 construction and energy management (Includes Watsonville, Salsipuedes, and parts of Supports: Prop. 15 Monterey County)

Ed Acosta Rachael Spencer Current Position: Incumbent, Cabrillo College trustee Current Position: Agricultural manager; City of Experience: Attended Cabrillo as a re-entry student, Watsonville Planning Commissioner; Treasurer for transferred to UCSC; Co-founded Women’s Education Independence Square Board of Directors, a local Successes (WES) program that makes immediate grants nonprofit dedicated to hosing the senior and disabled to Cabrillo students with emergency needs; experience as Experience: Berry Industry, Food Safety Officer, Audit a small business owner; chair of scholarship committee Oversight and Analyst, Good and Agricultural and Supports: Supporting Cabrillo faculty and staff in Manufacturing Practices developing and delivering quality online classes and Supports: Hands-on vocational trade school education, services expand English/Spanish jobs for students Trustee Area 5 Dana M Sales Current Position: Incumbent, real estate broker Felipe Hernandez No Statement Filed Current Position: Watsonville City Council member Experience: Former combat medic during Persian Gulf War; attended Cabrillo and Gavilan Colleges, transferred to UCSC, degree in Community Studies; political organizer with United Farm Workers and Service Employees International Union; served as mayor of Watsonville, the vice mayor and council member for nine years. Supports: Developing quality online classes for Cabrillo 26 27 ELEMENTARYSCHOOL DISTRICTS SCHOOL DISTRICTS

Leticia Mendoza UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICTS Current Position: Incumbent Experience: Bachelor’s in economics from UCSC, PAJARO VALLEY DISTRICT GOVERNING BOARD master’s in public administration and master’s in urban Trustee Area 3 planning from Columbia University; visiting faculty and program assistant at UNAM and Duke University; Amanda Hernandez executive director of nonprofit in Watsonville, managing Current Position: Patient Care Technician state funded contracts since 2009 No statement filed Supports: Providing an inviting, inclusive, and effective learning environment to help students pursue their goals

Trustee Area 7

Edward Banks Current Position: Incumbent since 2012 Oscar Soto Experience: Attended Watsonville High School, Current Position: Safety inspector, father Cabrillo College, and Sonoma State; reserve firefighter Experience: Former supervisor of maintenance for for 25 years for Watsonville; served on Cabrillo College Pajaro Valley Unified School District Foundation, Pajaro Valley Chamber of Commerce, Supports: Hiring, paying, and keeping qualified Rotary Club of Watsonville (Past President). teachers in the district No statement filed

Trustee Area 6 Laird Trujillo Current Position: Author and Educator Maria R. Orozco Experience: Ad hoc counselor at De Anza College 1997- Current Position: Incumbent, UCSC Financial Aid and 1998; Santa Cruz City Board Council from 2010-2014; Scholarship advisor Bilingual teacher for 36 years; recognized as “Hero of the Experience: Degree from Santa Clara University in pre- Community” by Diversity Center of Santa Cruz County; law, political science and communication, and a master’s No statement filed in governance from California School Board Association Supports: Initiatives focusing on social-emotional support for students, college and career readiness, and special education; increasing parent involvement and mental health services

28 29 SCHOOL DISTRICTS

Adam Bolaños Scow ELEMENTARY SCHOOL DISTRICTS Current Position: Environmental advocate Experience: UC Berkeley graduate; CA director of LOMA PRIETA JOINT UNION GOVERNING BOARD Food and Water Watch, banned fracking in Santa Cruz, Monterey, and San Benito Counties Erin Asheghian Supports: Major reform with administration, including Current Position: Community volunteer redirecting budget to classrooms; raising salaries for Experience: Helped fundraise and manage over teachers and staff; stronger partnerships with Cabrillo $1,000,000 supporting music, arm, STEM programs as and UCSC Treasurer of Loam Public Education Fund; served on Building Blocks Preschool Steering Committee; Helped lead passage of Measure R, brought over $10,000,000 to improve school site; background includes blending sociology; nonprofit management, and community health Supports: Making schools educationally and fiscally strong SAN LORENZO VALLEY DISTRICT GOVERNING BOARD Trustee Area 3 Alexandra Hall Current Position: Appointed incumbent, career in aerospace Grace Pollak Experience: Current Position: Parent, small business owner Supports: Creating a safe, innovative, flexible and Experience: Bachelor’s in sociology, minor in caring learning environment for students, teachers, and education; master’s in teaching and bilingual elementary staff; integrating non-parent community members and teaching credential, taught early elementary school for groups; as an autistic woman, she values diversity and six years before staying at home with three children inclusion No statement filed

Stacy Kissney Current Position: Educator, parent Laura Dolson Experience: 25 years of experience working with Current Position: Incumbent youth; bachelor’s in communications and master’s in Experience: Served on Board of Trustees for 10 years counselor education and student personnel; holds a Pupil Supports: Maintaining high standards of education Personnel Services Credential in School Counseling; amidst pandemic and looming budget cuts; program that Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor and Substance promote social-emotional health and college and career Abuse Prevention Specialist; Served as COO for nonprofit readiness; supporting of teachers serving at-risk youth Supports: Excelling in core education mission, meeting students’ needs and preparing them for high school

30 31 COUNTY SPECIAL DISTRICTS Santa Cruz has four types of special districts– fire, water, port and recreation. This year, the only active races are in water districts.

The Water District Board of Directors hold four year terms and are responsible SOQUEL CREEK WATER DISTRICT, DIRECTOR for policy decisions, which govern the water operations of the district. Bruce Daniels Incumbent, water scientist SAN LORENZO VALLEY “As a climate scientist specializing in coastal water WATER DISTRICT, DIRECTOR resources, I’ve worked for decades to bring our resource-threatened community a new drought- proof, safe, sustainable water supply. Other efforts Lew Faris have failed while our rivers dry. With climate change Incumbent predicting mega-droughts, this is truly our last “I enjoy giving back to the community, and chance to prevent saltwater intrusion and maintain look forward to assisting the District achieve highest water quality...The pandemic has made excellence in the future.” PAJARO VALLEY WATER us more aware of water’s place in our health, but affordability is critical now, too. I thank you for Beth Thomas MANAGEMENT AGENCY, your community spirit and beg for your support to “My interest in serving on the SLVWD DIRECTOR DIVISION B conquer a problem that’s still fixable.” Board began during the 2018 election and subsequently led me to participate actively Maria Marsillo in the district... Real progress has been made Stephen G. Rider Human resources director since 2018 and I will support that progress Regulatory manager “My goal, if I am elected to the Board, is to bring by moving it forward.” No statement filed demonstrated leadership in building collaborative and productive relationships in order to find Tina Marie To viable, research based, scientifically data driven, Marine environmental scientist John Kegebein environmentally sound, cost effective solutions that No statement filed Retired CEO have been tried and true to the District.” No statement filed Tom LaHue Gali Mahood Incumbent, veterinary surgeon Retired geology professor “I am dedicated to protecting our groundwater and “If elected to the Board, I will bring scientific accomplishing our goal of having a sustainable, expertise and leadership skills I developed clean, safe, reliable, high-quality water supply during 40 years as a Professor of Geology at for both current and future members of our Stanford University...I hope to apply these community.” skills and my knowledge of the geologic structure, geohydrology, and natural hazards Corrie Kates of the District’s watershed to fulfilling the Retired businessman Board’s responsibility to ensure a reliable “A vote for me to lead Soquel Creek Water District supply of high-quality water for the future, will ensure more transparent leadership to represent and to representing the District’s interests you.” in the development of the state-mandated sustainability plan for the Santa Margarita groundwater basin.” 32 33 MORE FROM SOMeCA SOURCES

Come hear Tiffany Dena Loftin speak on the important of elections and organizing in this political moment! Information regarding candidates’ views and experience was collected from their campaign sites, which are linked in their respective sections, or from the Santa Cruz County Elections Office website, votescount.us.

Information regarding measures and propositions was taken from ballotpedia.org, the nonprofit, nonpartisan encyclopedia of American politics and elections.

AND FOR MORE CONTENT Courtesy photos were provided by the FROM STUDENT MEDIA... candidates or found on campaign sites. Check out our website at And follow our Instagram All art was created by Kora Fortun. scstudentmedia.org @studentmediaucsc

34 35 Happy Voting!

36