(09:59) SANTA CRUZ COUNTY – In the race for the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors, District 1, the top two spots were taken by Zach Friend and Becky Steinbruner, who received 71% and 18% of the vote respectively. In District 2, the sole candidates, John Leopold and Benjamin Cogan, took the top two spots. Leopold garnered the most support with 79% of the vote. In District 5, Bruce McPherson and Bill Smallman were the top two vote-getters. McPherson earned 73% of the vote while Smallman received 19%.
In the race for Auditor-Controller-Treasurer-Tax Collector, Edith Driscoll ran unopposed as an appointed incumbent. Meanwhile, Jeff Rosell ran unopposed for District Attorney as the appointed DA.
Santa Cruz County voters also decided on several local measures. Measure J, or the Lakeside School District Parcel Tax, needed 2/3 of the vote to pass, and squeaked by with 69% approval. The measure will authorize an annual education parcel tax of $820 for seven years to protect quality education for all students in the Lakeside Joint School District.
Measure R, or the Live Oak School District Parcel Tax, which also needed two-thirds of the vote to pass, was approved with 78% of the vote The measure will authorize the Live Oak School District to renew its existing annual education parcel tax at $98 for twelve years.
Measure S, or the Community Facilities District Library Bond squeaked by with 69 percent of the vote, rising above the 2/3 majority. The measure will issue $67 million in bonds to modernize, upgrade, and repair local libraries in Santa Cruz, Aptos, Live Oak, Scotts Valley, Boulder Creek, Capitola, Felton, and La Selva Beach. It will also levy a special parcel tax. (S.G.)
