By Krista Almanzan
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/kazu/local-kazu-674266.mp3
Monterey Bay Area – Central Coast Election Officials had a late night tabulating the votes. By 2:00am Wednesday, initial results showed all local measures passed.
In Santa Cruz County voters approved Measure O, a near 19-million dollar bond measure for the San Lorenzo Valley Unified School District. The money will go to school improvement projects including building a new library, improving the performing arts theater and campus security upgrades.
They also passed Measure P for the Santa Cruz City Elementary School District. It extends an expiring parcel tax for nine years at the rate of $105. The money will go to reduce class size as well as supporting educational achievement.
Finally, Santa Cruz County Voters approved Measure G for the Loma Prieta Joint Union Elementary School District. This measure extends a special parcel tax of $150 through June 2012. The money will go to education.
Monterey County's only measure, Measure R, also passed. Seaside voters approved a 1% sales tax increase raising the city's tax to 8.25%. The money will go into the city's general fund to pay for essential services including hiring more police officers and firefighters.
San Benito County had no local measures.
In the national elections, Republican voters in the tri-county area chose John McCain, while Democrats divided on their choice. Santa Cruz County voters favored Barack Obama while voters in Monterey and San Benito Counties chose Hillary Clinton.