Some 16,500 clerical workers at the University of California's nine state campuses, began a three-day strike June 13, to demand higher pay. The Coalition of University Employees, or CUE, is unaffiliated with other unions, and consists largely of women and people of color. Ninety-four percent of its members voted to strike after talks reached an impasse this spring. Vinny Lombardo reports from Santa Cruz, where 150 people held a lunch time rally.

Monday, June 13, was day one of the three day Coalition of University Employees (CUE) strike against the Univeristy of California.

Monday, June 13, was day one of the three day Coalition of University Employees (CUE) strike against the Univeristy of California.

Monday, June 13, was day one of the three day Coalition of University Employees (CUE) strike against the Univeristy of California.

In a vote-by-mail election set for August, 2005, Santa Cruz residents will be asked to approve another utility tax. Of all the things to tax, essentials are the worst possible choice. Whether you're rich or poor, you still have to flush the toilet.

The proposed 3 to 12% utility tax comes on top of a 7% utility tax and is made worse by a massive, multi-year, 124% increase in city water rates, not to mention a backward water pricing scheme that already has small users paying up to 580% more per gallon than big users.

As usual, Santa Cruz City Council calls itself progressive but doesn't behave that way. Please join me in voting no on Measure X.