Martinez’s successes in health and human services

Monica Martinez and I have been colleagues in the health and human services arena for over a decade. In that time, she has proven herself to be a thoughtful, strategic and insightful partner working hard to solve the most pressing issues of our day. She has had many successes innovating new programs to address the mental health, substance use and housing crises our community faces; she has secured millions in state and federal funding to invest locally; and she has persevered courageously in the face of complex, lightening-rod problems that are deeply rooted in (often) intractable systems. Above all else, Monica’s leadership embodies an open perspective, fairness, compassion and humility. The depth of her experience has given her the wisdom to faithfully represent — and fight for — all the people of District 5.

I strongly recommend Monica Martinez for supervisor because she leads with intelligence, integrity and courage.

— Leslie Conner, Santa Cruz

County services neglected: Vote for Bradford

There’s a reason that the Santa Cruz County Civil Grand Jury did three reports this year about county services. Santa Cruz County has been neglected for years. All of this points to poor county leadership, and we need a change from the status quo. I urge you to go to the Santa Cruz County Civil Grand Jury reports to see for yourselves and read the reports, “Behavioral Health Services – A State of Mind,” “Santa Cruz County Local Roads” and lastly “Victims of the CZU Wildfire – Four Years Later”.

The latter two reports have special meaning to me being a North County resident. Our roads have been neglected, our staff have been neglected and this has affected the quality of life here. I urge you to vote for a change to represent District 5. That’s why I’m voting for Christopher Bradford, a breath of fresh air.

— Howard Florio, Boulder Creek

Why SV Fire bond S for station needs to pass

Scotts Valley Fire Department is asking again for support to build a new fire station. Their 2006 bond request for $8 million has grown to $24.5 million for a similar facility in 2024. In 2023, Measure W requested $22.5 million, which missed approval by 12 votes. Clearly a majority of eligible voters approve the concept of safer, more versatile facilities to house their essential services. The question voters should consider is “can my vote tip the balance?” The answer is a resounding “yes.” Your vote can help ensure continuity of all-hazards emergency response, whether it be medical, fire, earthquake, hazardous materials or other emergency.

Think about it, if you call 911 for criminal activity, police are dispatched — for every other emergency, the fire department responds. In the case of the Scotts Valley Fire Department, the response includes paramedics every time. Firefighter/paramedics provide rapid medical intervention to stabilize patients until the ambulance arrives. The expanding, aging Scotts Valley population should have those services delivered from facilities that remain intact throughout any emergency. Vote Yes on Measure S.

— Rob Campbell, Scotts Valley

Don’t let Big Soda win — Yes on Measure Z

Many of you have seen countless commercials, ads, posters and junk mail telling Santa Cruz to vote no on Measure Z.

No on Measure Z is principally funded by three companies: Coca-Cola, Pepsi and Keurig.

From predatory marketing to extensive lobbying, Big Soda has spent millions to maintain its influence in order to prey on the vulnerable and perpetuate a public health crisis, through adding unnecessary amounts of sugar to its products in order to drive addiction.

Does that story sound familiar to you? Big Tobacco uses the same strategy to get people hooked on its products through added chemicals, and then spends obscene amounts of money to lobby local, state and federal governments to kill regulations and safeguards that could affect its profits.

Added sugars in beverages is becoming a national health crisis, and Measure Z will be a safeguard against that and reinvest dollars into our local community by funding city services and programs that support community health. Don’t let Big Toba… — I mean, Big Soda — win.

Vote Yes on Measure Z.

— Terrence Moore and Josh Margolis, UC Santa Cruz