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Scotts Valley
October 3, 2025

Opinion February 21st

 I am writing to express my full support for Jack Gordon, who is running for Judge. My family and I are long time Watsonville residents, and have known Jack for many years. Personally, I have served with him on the Santa Cruz County Civil Service Commission. I have seen his intelligence, consideration and focused reasoning in different administrative and employment law matters. In each and every situation, Jack has brought his best effort to our Commission work, understanding and appreciating the impact our decisions have in people’s lives and in their workplace. He is an exceptional listener, compassionate, strong communicator and respectful colleague.  I am certain that Jack Gordon would be a terrific Judge, who would engage with fairness and dignity in his duties, and I urge you to support him with your vote. Go to www.jackgordonforjudge.com

Getting the Ball (Chair) Rolling: Flexible Seating in SVUSD

Across the country, the newest health phenomenon is picking up speed.  People are learning more about flexible seating, allowing students to pick their own seats, and it has found its way into the Scotts Valley Unified School District.  I stopped by Vine Hill Elementary and Scotts Valley High School to visit the classrooms of Kelly Shulman, a first-grade teacher, Anna Hipsley, a fourth-grade teacher, and Megan Laws, an English and journalism teacher, to hear more about their flexible seating practices.

District 1 Candidate Survey

A highly contested election is occurring now throughout Santa Cruz County and our community as well.  While not every one of our readers will have this option on their ballot, we still thought it was important to inform all on the District 1 Supervisor Election.  We emailed each candidate with the following questions.  Please note that each candidate had equal opportunity to reply.  All received responses are unedited and listed below.

Cabrillo Students Are ‘Ready for the Future:’ R You?

March 3rd is almost upon us!  We’re receiving mail-in ballots, hearing about candidates nonstop on the radio, and I can’t seem to see anything besides political yard signs on my way to work.  While so many options on your ballot can be stressful, we’d like to help alleviate some pressure by keeping you well informed.  Without further ado, let’s cut to the quick with Measure R. 

Opinion February 14, 2020

Scotts Valley is a wonderful town.  There are so many reasons why all of us live here and I’m certain that safety is on everyone’s list.  Unfortunately, our great police department is challenged with higher wages offered elsewhere that makes it difficult for them to retain good talent right here.  Plus, it’s difficult for an officer to afford to live here.   We need to come up with several solutions to remedy what the city council calls a budget crisis. 

Politics in Play

A conflagration of candidates competing for three open positions—judgeship, assemblymember and state senator—gathered on the stage at San Lorenzo Valley High School’s Performing Arts Center on Thursday, February 6th to share their visions and voices with local voters. Sponsored by the Valley Women’s Club, the Press Banner and other local entities, a total of eight men and women rotated through a series of statements and questions, each addressing their strengths and desire to hold their office of interest. 

Opinion, January 31st 2020

A VOTE FOR JACK GORDON IS A VOTE FOR OUR BEST GOOD!

2019 Tax Returns – Change is afoot!

So much for doing your taxes on a postcard.

Rethinking Psychedelics in the City of Santa Cruz

On January 28, 2020, the Santa Cruz City Council approved a resolution to demote the investigation and arrest of individuals twenty-one (21) years of age and older involved with the adult personal use, possession, and cultivation of entheogenic psychoactive plants and fungi listed on the Federal Schedule 1 to be amongst the lowest priorities for the City of Santa Cruz.  The decision was made after two previous Council meetings on November 10th and December 2nd.  This past week’s meeting began with half an hour of public comment, followed by a council discussion, and concluded with a unanimous passing of the resolution, with a few amendments.

A Message on the City’s Fiscal Emergency

To all of the readers of last week’s article about the City of Scotts Valley’s fiscal emergency and Measure Z: thank you. The City was pleased with the engagement on this article and I’m happy to provide additional information based on some questions.

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Greg Wimp

Sandwich shop owner appointed to Scotts Valley Council

As Greg Wimp, the owner of multiple area Togo’s sandwich shop locations, stepped up Oct. 1 to address Scotts Valley City Council about why...