Questioning transparency in proposed mosquito fee
I just read your article titled, “Felton Fire District Faces Concerns Over Parcel Tax Proposal,” and I must say, similar concerns arise when considering the Santa Cruz County Mosquito and Vector Control proposal to levy an additional fee onto our property tax bills.
Recently arrived in the mail is a post card announcing a change of venue for the public hearing, where the results of their ballot measure are to be heard. It has been moved to the Watsonville City Council Chambers, situated on the top floor of a building at 275 Main St. in Watsonville. The time for the hearing is set for 9am on Nov. 4.
As evidenced by the time in the morning on a Tuesday when most of us will be working, it is obvious the proponents of this measure do not really care to hear from the public or be transparent with their actions. Further evidence is location. From Boulder Creek to Watsonville is an hour-and-a-half drive. At that time in the morning with everyone trying to get to work or school, it may take even more time. Final evidence of how they really don’t care is the fact there is no way to validate a ballot was received or counted.
I certainly hope voters reject this proposal. Their lack of transparency and negative actions demonstrate they don’t care about the public’s input; all they care to get from us is our money.
Matt Grocott
Boulder Creek
Support Prop 50 and stop the Republican power grab
California voters will soon have an opportunity to make a huge, positive difference at the national level. We are in an emergency for democracy—this isn’t politics as usual.
Republican leaders in Texas, Missouri and elsewhere are attempting an unprecedented power grab to tilt the 2026 elections in their favor before a single vote is cast. Californians can’t sit it out—we must vote this November in the special election.
Here’s what’s happening: Most people in our country agree that all votes should count equally. That’s why Democrats in Congress have twice introduced the Freedom to Vote Act, legislation that would end partisan gerrymandering and change campaign finance laws to reduce the influence of money in politics.
Both times (in 2019 and 2021), Republicans killed the bill. That’s because they wanted to be free to gerrymander districts to their advantage exactly like they are now doing in Texas, Missouri and elsewhere.
As a response to Republican gerrymandering, Gov. Gavin Newsom has launched Prop. 50, the Election Rigging Response Act, to allow California voters to approve new maps this November that could help Democrats win more seats, counteracting Republicans’ redistricting actions in Texas and Missouri.
If approved by voters, Prop. 50 would temporarily put in place a new congressional map, drawn by the California Legislature in August 2025. It would be used for congressional elections only until 2030. After 2030, California’s Independent Citizen Commission would resume drawing California congressional maps. And, the emergency maps take effect only if the partisan power grab in Texas proceeds.
Californians must act because the 2026 election for Congress is our only chance to provide an essential check and balance on Trump’s dangerous, destructive agenda.
Trump and Republicans don’t fight fair. Democrats need to recognize this and stop playing with one hand tied behind our backs. MAGA is trying to steal congressional seats in Texas and other GOP states to keep their majorities in Congress. We can’t afford to let that happen, and there’s no way to stop it without California doing our part.
Vote yes on Prop. 50 in the special election in November to stop the madness.
Jessica Murray
Santa Cruz
