2022 Local and State Endorsements
Local Ballot Measures
Yes on Measure O. Measure O would prevent a 25 million dollar subsidy of a parking garage in the City of Santa Cruz at the current site of the Farmer’s Market. It would also prevent the demolition and reconstruction of the downtown library, mandating renovation at the current site. The Sierra Club is opposed to subsiding automobile use, which is, locally and statewide, our leading cause of global warming. The Sierra Club also does not support the unnecessary use of many tons of concrete needed to build the garage and generally favors renovation over demolition and rebuilding. The mechanism by which O would effect these projects is to modify the City’s General Plan to prohibit the City from developing public land downtown to be used for projects other than affordable housing. In addition to the projects of interest to the Club, Measure O would also effect other projects planned for City land including a large hotel. ourdowntownourfuture.org
For the full text of the measure, click here.
Yes in Measure N. Measure N would raise 1.4 to 2.4 million dollars a year in the City of Santa Cruz to be used for Affordable Housing by adding an additional tax onto vacation homes, homes that are vacant more than 3 months a year. The Sierra Club supports affordable housing in areas with more employment than housing as a way to mitigate long automobile commutes, a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, the Club supports affordable housing near natural features so as to create equitable access to nature. The City of Santa Cruz does not have sufficient housing for its workers and is surrounded by state and national parks and beaches.
For the full text of the measure, click here.
State Ballot Measures
Yes on proposition 31. The measure will ban the sale or possession with the intent to sell flavored tobacco products or tobacco product flavor enhancers, including flavored “vaping” products and menthol cigarettes. It is aimed at reducing youth vaping and protecting young people from tobacco addiction and its negative health effects. It would also reduce the environmental impacts of tobacco production and waste.
For the full text of the measure, click here.
No position on proposition 30. Proposition 30 proposes a new tax on personal income over $2 million. Much of the funding generated by the tax would help the state transition to zero-emission vehicles, but the measure would also generate wildfire funding that could go to projects that have negative ecological consequences, and programs that Sierra Club California has opposed in the past.
For the full text of the measure, click here.
Yes on proposition 1. This measure will amend the California Constitution to establish a right to reproductive freedom, which is defined to include a right to an abortion and to choose or refuse contraceptives. Sierra Club works to advance environmental and social justice, and support for Proposition 1 is consistent with those values.
For the full text of the measure, click here.
Local Office
Justin Cummings, candidate for District 3 Santa Cruz County supervisor; PhD Justin Cummings works as an environmental scientist, researching the local effects of climate change and designing mitigations. He currently serves on the Santa Cruz City Council. On the Council, Justin voted against the majority to preserve setbacks on steep riparian zones and to increase affordable housing standards in a new development zone planned for South of Laurel. His opponent, Shebreh Kalantai-Johnson, has not voted against the majority and the City staff regarding issues of environmental concern. cummingsforsupervisor.com
Felipe Hernandez, candidate for District 4 Santa Cruz County supervisor; Felipe Hernandez currently serves on the Watsonville City Council and the County Regional Transportation Issue where he has been a champion of bicycling, leading rides and pushing for more bike facility. He has also consistently supported countywide rail transportation. His opponent, Jimmy Dutra, did not seek the Sierra Club endorsement. He is an ardent supporter of Highway Widening and does not support rail transportation. voteforfelipe.com
Joy Schendledecker, candidate for city of Santa Cruz mayor.
Hector Marin, candidate for City of Santa Cruz City Council District 4.
Sean Maxwell, candidate for City of Santa Cruz City Council District 6
Assembly Endorsement
Gail Pellerin AD 28
Robert Rivas AD 29
Dawn Addis AD 30
Statewide Endorsements
Secretary of State, Dr. Shirley Weber
Attorney General, Rob Bonta
Board of Equalization District 2, Sally Lieber
Lieutenant Governor, Eleni Kounalakis
Insurance Commissioner, Ricardo Lara
Superintendent of Public Instruction, Tony Thurmond
State Controller, Malia Cohen
Federal Endorsements
CA 18th Congressional District, Zoe Lofgren
CA 19th Congressional District, Jimmy Panetta