Santa Cruz Readers Weigh In on Local Issues

Letters cover MLK convocation, Blue Zone diets, climate accountability, and county supervisor race

Published on Feb. 4, 2026

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Local readers in Santa Cruz, California share their thoughts on a range of community issues, including disappointment with the recent MLK convocation speaker, questions about alcohol consumption in Blue Zone regions, a call for climate polluters to pay for damages, and a new candidate entering the race for the county Board of Supervisors.

Why it matters

These letters provide a window into the concerns and priorities of Santa Cruz residents, covering topics that impact the local community, from civic events to environmental policy to electoral politics. The diverse perspectives offer insights that can inform decision-making and shape the public discourse around these important issues.

The details

The letters cover several key topics. One reader was disappointed with the speaker chosen for the annual MLK convocation, feeling the event did not live up to the legacy of past speakers. Another reader shared observations from a trip to the 'Blue Zone' of Ikaria, Greece, raising questions about the role of alcohol in the longevity of residents in these regions. A third letter called for local officials to support 'climate superfund' legislation to hold fossil fuel companies accountable for climate change damages. Finally, a reader highlighted the candidacy of Elias Gonzales, a longtime community leader, for the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors.

  • The MLK convocation event took place on January 27.
  • The 'Blue Zone' article referenced was published on January 28.

The players

Thomas Witz

A Santa Cruz resident who has attended most of the MLK convocations over the past 40 years.

Bob Young

A Santa Cruz resident who visited the 'Blue Zone' island of Ikaria, Greece.

Stella Casillas

A Santa Cruz resident calling for local elected officials to support 'climate superfund' legislation.

Elias Gonzales

A Watsonville native and longtime community leader entering the race for the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors.

Felipe Hernandez

The incumbent Santa Cruz County Supervisor for District 4, being challenged by Elias Gonzales.

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What they’re saying

“Not only was he uninspiring, but he was disorganized with no particular message. I admit I left before it was over, but my intuition was that the committee that chooses a keynote speaker for this event did not do its homework.”

— Thomas Witz, Santa Cruz resident (goodtimes.sc)

“This raises questions about alcohol in Okinawa and other Blue Zones. Do the Okinawans only drink tea, or do they also drink beer and wine and perhaps distilled spirits, as do the Ikarians?”

— Bob Young, Santa Cruz resident (goodtimes.sc)

“Climate superfund legislation — already law in Vermont and New York — would require the fossil fuel companies most responsible for this crisis to pay their fair share for the damage they knowingly caused.”

— Stella Casillas, Santa Cruz resident (goodtimes.sc)

What’s next

The Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors will hold a special election for the District 4 seat in November 2026, where Elias Gonzales will challenge the incumbent Felipe Hernandez.

The takeaway

These letters highlight the diverse range of issues and perspectives within the Santa Cruz community, from civic engagement to environmental justice to local politics. They demonstrate the importance of providing platforms for residents to voice their concerns and ideas, which can help shape the direction of the community.