KZSC_Bushwhacker's_Santa Cruz City Councilmember_Martine Watkins_20241101

Martine Watkins, City Councilmember in Santa Cruz, California, discusses history of sugar-sweetened beverage tax in Santa Cruz, and how earlier efforts were cut off by passage of the California Keep Groceries Affordable Act, which penalized charter cities who would raise taxes on sugar sweetened beverages. Martine and Cultiva La Salud sued the state, and won in the Third District Court of Appeal, which struck down the Act's penalty provision. On June 25, 2024, the City Council adopted resolution (No. NS-30,360) requesting that the Nov. 5, 2024 General Election ballot include a general tax of 2 cents per fluid ounce on distributors of sugar-sweetened beverages (the 1st 3 "WHEREAS"s were read on the podcast), which the City Council passed unanimously. The "No on Z" campaign has raised approximately $1.7 million, with the "Yes on Z" raising $23,000 - "David vs. Goliath"; follow the money!! Additional Santa Cruz issues discussed.