#election-reform

#election-reform

The recent announcement that the Peninsula Open Space Trust has purchased the final 2,284 acres of Sargent Ranch marks a historic turning point for Santa Clara County. This acquisition officially ends the decade-long threat of the Sargent Ranch Quarry, an industrial project that would have irreversibly damaged one of our region's most sensitive landscapes. This victory is not just a win for land conservation, but a monumental achievement for the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band, which has long fought to protect Juristac, a sacred ceremonial site.

Starting next year, offering money or prizes for voting or registering to vote will be criminalized in California. Gov. Gavin Newsom on Thursday, Oct. 2, said he signed two election reform bills into law, including one that criminalizes lotteries for voter registration or participation. From Sen. Tom Umberg, D-Santa Ana, the idea is to ensure wealthy people or special interests cannot influence voter participation.