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Scotts Valley
October 4, 2025

Breaking down campaign finances

Campaign contributions matter in political campaigns, both large and small. In the three-way race for two seats on the Scotts Valley City Council, Stephany Aguilar received the most money for her campaign- a total of $17,786, with Jim Reed coming in a close second at $17,516.  Derek Timm reported receiving a total of $10,438 for his campaign, all according to the most recent campaign disclosure statements, covering the period to Oct. 20, filed with the city clerk.  

More about Measure A: Understanding School Finance

More about Measure A: Understanding School Finance

Tackling the state props: Part III

(Editor’s Note: This is Part III of a three-part series on state-wide propositions on the November Ballot.  Part I covered Prop. 1 through 4 (Oct. 12 edition), Part II covered Props. 5, 6 and 10 (Oct. 19 edition).

Measure G: Half-cent sales tax increase proposed in unincorporated areas of the county

Measure G proposes a hike in sales tax of one-half cent per dollar spent in the unincorporated areas of the county. The measure was put on the ballot by a unanimous vote of the CountyBoard of Supervisors. A key argument of county budget officials proposing the increase is because about half of the county’s residents live in unincorporated areas, primarily in Live Oak, Aptos and San Lorenzo Valley, the county provides a good number of municipal services usually provided by incorporated cities-and the county needs to catch up with the sales tax revenues collected in the four incorporated cities to provide “critical unmet needs” in the unincorporated areas.  

A familiar face to lead SLVWD

For one longtime San Lorenzo Valley District employee, the opportunity to serve as District Manager was never in his general plan. But with the departure of former District Manager Brian Lee in August, Rick Rogers, director of operations, stepped forward asking to be considered for the position to help lead the district forward.   

Measure H: Santa Cruz County’s Affordable Housing Bond

The housing affordability crisis across the state has inspired several measures on the Nov. 6 ballot. A local response is Measure H, which if approved will authorize the county to issue up to $140 million in general obligation bonds, generating an estimated $8.6 million annually to fund affordable housing throughout the county. The total price tag for the principal and interest of these 35 year bonds is estimated at about $274 million-almost double the face value of the proposed bond issue.

All-volunteer community response network celebrates 10 years of keeping Santa Cruz County prepared

With the wide variety of natural disasters that can occur year-round in the Santa Cruz Mountains there continues to be a heightened importance to keep residents informed and ready to prepare for floods, mudslides, earthquakes, etc.

Tackling the State Props: Part II

Editor’s Note: This is Part II of a three-part series on state-wide propositions on the November Ballot.  Part I covered Proposition 1 through 4 (Oct. 12 edition). Part II covers Propositions 5, Proposition 6 and Proposition 10, and Part III will cover Propositions 7, 8, 9 and 11.  

Woman dies in one-vehicle crash in Ben Lomond

One person died as a result of a vehicle crashing into a utility pole. At approximately 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday a 52-year-old woman from Boulder Creek driving a 2006 Ford Freestyle veered into a utility pole as she was heading south on Highway 9, according to a report from California Highway Patrol. According to the report, for an undetermined reason, the Ford crossed over into the northbound lane and left the roadway where the front of the Ford struck a utility pole. As a result of the collision, the pole was sheared and fell on top of the car, blocking the road with utility wires attached. The collision remains under investigation. A 46-year-old man was also in the car at the time as a passenger in the Ford. His condition is not known at this time, according to law enforcement. 

Tackling all the state props on this year’s ballot

(Editor’s Note: This is Part I of a three-part series on the state-wide propositions.) 

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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...