Water director endorses Martinez in 5th District

We in the San Lorenzo Valley need a leader like Monica Martinez. Monica has run complex, grant funded non-profits while developing extensive partnerships. She will leverage her expertise navigating the County and Sacramento to deliver for our community.

Our water infrastructure is outdated and damaged by drought, fire, windstorm, flood and landslide. Water outages this year meant kids missed school or businesses couldn’t serve customers. We need to bring resources into our community. Monica knows how.

We are not ready for the next fire: Most of our fire hydrants lack adequate pressure. We must rebuild a major supply line to be ready for the next drought. State and federal grants will be key. Monica has done that for years.

Our neighbors cannot rebuild after the 2020 CZU Fire. Without connecting to SLV Water, residents served by Big Basin Water cannot demonstrate they have the water needed for permits. This will require legal agreements and partnerships. Monica has done that, too.

Rebuilding and resilience will require expertise and experience. Let’s elect Monica to get it done.

— Bryan Largay, Director San Lorenzo Valley Water District (views are my own and not necessarily the District’s), Felton

Bradford in 5th to solve infrastructure needs

As a long-time San Lorenzo Valley resident, I’ve noticed a renewed sense of excitement among voters, much of it directed toward Christopher Bradford for 5th District Supervisor. It’s easy to see why. In a time when our community faces significant challenges, Bradford’s focus on practical, long-term infrastructure solutions is exactly what we need.

Bradford understands that improving roads, securing reliable water sources, and preparing for disasters are not just conveniences—they are essential to our county’s future. His hands-on approach to these urgent issues, rather than getting lost in political rhetoric, is refreshing.

His commitment to infrastructure makes him the candidate who can deliver tangible results for all of us. For residents tired of empty promises and seeking real leadership, Christopher Bradford is the clear choice. His focus on what truly matters — our community’s infrastructure and quality of life — makes him the best candidate for 5th District Supervisor.

— Shandra Hunt, Boulder Creek

Brown: Proven, accessible leader for District 2

Kristen Brown has shown herself to be an outstanding leader in Capitola, and that’s exactly why she is the best candidate for County Supervisor in District 2. During her time as a City Council member, Kristen has been incredibly responsive to residents. She always made herself accessible, listened to our concerns, and took meaningful action to address them. Whether it was attending neighborhood meetings or responding to urgent community needs during the pandemic and last year’s severe storm events, Kristen demonstrated a deep compassion for the people she serves.

We need a leader who cares, listens, and acts — and that’s Kristen Brown. I know she’ll continue to bring that same dedication and responsiveness to all the residents in the district. Vote for Kristen Brown — someone who genuinely understands and is committed to our community.

— Leslie Steiner, Santa Cruz

De Serpa in District 2: A ‘tireless advocate’

On Nov. 5th, I will be voting for Kim De Serpa for District 2 Supervisor. I have known Kim for 29 years and can attest to her kindness, intelligence, integrity, commitment and passion for the people of Santa Cruz County. Kim’s entire life has been dedicated to serving others. First in social work, then in hospice care and for the past 20 years in medical social services supporting patients and their families. Kim has been a tireless advocate for our South County children since 2010 as an elected member of the Pajaro Valley Unified School District Board of Trustees.

Kim is the hardest working person I know and she will work hard for all of us as Supervisor. She is a loving mother and wife, loyal and generous friend to so many of us, and a tireless advocate for our community. Santa Cruz County needs real people … good people … who have a history of getting things done. Kim De Serpa is the best choice for District 2 Supervisor.

— Mark Munger, Aptos