Yes on Measures K & L - Santa Cruz City Schools Bonds

Measures K & L will:

• Modernize classrooms

• Repair and replace aging roofs, plumbing, heating, ventilation and electrical systems

• Remove asbestos, lead pipes, and lead paint from older school sites

• Install solar panels and fund other energy and water conservation projects

• Construct affordable rental housing for teachers and essential staff

Yes on Measure N - Empty Homes Tax

Measure N adds another local source of money for affordable housing which is much-needed in Santa Cruz. This measure fixes tax incentives for second homes and creates a source of funds for affordable housing. While this measure may only cause turnover of a limited number of homes or people paying the empty homes tax, it will still open up new opportunities for people to live here. As evidenced in numerous research papers, the supply of new market-rate units triggers moving chains that quickly reach middle- and low-income neighborhoods and individuals.

No on Measure O

Measure O would result in the termination of a much-needed project supported by years of community participation and city staff work. This initiative would halt the construction of 124 units of affordable housing, a modern library, a daycare center, and consolidated parking. While we share the desire for a decrease in parking supply, the project will result in no net increase in parking spaces and may allow for the removal of existing surface lots in the future. Santa Cruz’s need for more affordable housing is urgent and we can’t afford years of delay, as would happen if this initiative is approved.

✅ District 3 - Shebreh Kalantari-Johnson

Shebreh Kalantari-Johnson understands that a better future for Santa Cruz includes abundant housing. Her experience in public service has shaped her belief that public health and social equity depend on housing security. She also knows that addressing the housing crisis in Santa Cruz requires building housing at all levels of affordability.

✅ District 4 - Felipe Hernandez

Felipe Hernandez is the pro-housing candidate to represent District 4. He knows that Santa Cruz County is struggling with a housing crisis and is ready to address the affordability and availability of housing.

✅ Mayor - Fred Keeley

Santa Cruz mayoral candidate Fred Keeley is a longtime champion for housing. From heading up an affordable housing bond campaign to his work with Housing Santa Cruz County, Fred has the experience and knows what it takes to make real progress in more housing.

✅ City Council - Alexander Pedersen

Alexander Pedersen is running for one of three open positions on the Capitola City Council. Alexander understands that affordable housing is one of the most pressing issues faced by Capitola. We are particularly excited about Alexander's vision for Capitola as a welcoming city for young families, teachers, firefighters, grocery workers, and more via housing abundance. With his thoughtful ideas to maximize improvements to public transportation and bike lanes, Alexander has what it takes to lead Capitola towards being a more integrated, walkable community.

Endorsed by Santa Cruz YIMBY, South Bay YIMBY, and YIMBY Action.

✅ District 28 - Gail Pellerin

Gail Pellerin is new to housing, but is fired up about building an inclusive California with housing for all.

"The good news for the pro-housing movement is that the tide is turning. People are realizing that the fabric of our community is determined by housing. If we want to support the teachers, the people who work in our community, we need to make serious policy changes and build more homes."

Endorsed by Santa Cruz YIMBY, South Bay YIMBY, and YIMBY Action.

✅ District 29 - Robert Rivas

Assemblymember Robert Rivas is a true housing champion in the legislature. He has sponsored numerous YIMBY Action priority bills including SB 9 and SB 50 and has advanced other bills related to zoning reform, permit streamlining, and increasing funding for affordable housing. He is deeply committed to safe, affordable housing for all of his constituents from middle class families to farmworkers.

Endorsed by Santa Cruz YIMBY, SLO Co YIMBY, and YIMBY Action.

✅ District 30 - Dawn Addis

Dawn Addis sees housing affordability as a critical issue for the Central Coast and is ready to bring a pro-housing voice to the state level.

California must create meaningful change in the area of affordable housing, and we need a large tool bag to accomplish this. I supported SB 9, 10, and 35. While these laws are important it’s one thing to have a policy, but another to actually build housing and make sure it’s occupied.