City Council Election Shocker: Progressives Endorse Only Men; Cops Endorse Only Women

The flyer on doorknobs this week from the Progressive Coalition endorsed only two candidates for the four open slots on the Santa Cruz City Council: both were men.

In contrast, a group that might be thought more conservative  -  the Santa Cruz Police Department's union – only supported women.

The Progressive Coalition's door knob flyers supported current mayor Don Lane and bicycle advocate Micah Posner, something that has women around town upset. 

The Coalition is made up of the service workers' union, SEIU Local 521, the People's Democratic Club, the Teamsters, the Santa Cruz Federation of Teachers, People Power, the Building and Trade Council and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers.

Richelle Noroyan said she was shocked by the fact that these groups had an agenda that was so slim it could endorse no women.

"It's not like the women running are Rush Limbaugh followers," she said. "They are all progressives and have been part of progressive causes. Anywhere else but Santa Cruz, these are progressive women."

Cynthia Mathews founded the local Planned Parenthood clinic; Cece Pinheiro is at the forefront of LGBT issues; Pamela Comstock is a member of the commission on violence against women; Noroyan has led groups to protect abortion rights and supported unions.

"It's not like there's a lack of progressive women to choose from," Noroyan said.

Police found them.

The Santa Cruz Police Officer Association endorsed three female candidates: former mayor Mathews, former Democratic Party leader Noroyan and newcomer Comstock.

"Our department faces a unique set of challenges and these candidates have shown they grasp the complexity of issues that face local law enforcement" POA President Joe Hernandez said in a press release.

"We look for candidates that understand the balance and character of our community and support our approach to addressing our area's public safety needs."