WHEREAS, the Santa Cruz County Republican Central Committee values the principles of free expression, diversity of thought, and the right of individuals and businesses to hold and express their political beliefs without fear of retribution; and

WHEREAS, a recent article published by Lookout Santa Cruz highlighted local businesses listed on PublicSquare, a platform promoting conservative-aligned businesses, with the apparent intent to criticize and harm these businesses for their political affiliations; and

WHEREAS, while these businesses voluntarily participate in PublicSquare, the article’s negative portrayal has led to adverse responses from some community members, including harassment and attempts to damage the livelihoods of these business owners; and

WHEREAS, targeting businesses or individuals with the intent to harm them based on their political views is an attack on the principles of mutual respect and civility, and undermines the unity and economic vitality of Santa Cruz County; and

WHEREAS, political differences should be respected in the same manner as any other difference, and the Santa Cruz County Republican Central Committee firmly opposes discrimination or harassment based on  political beliefs, just as it opposes  discrimination based on any other characteristic; and

WHEREAS, the Santa Cruz County Republican Central Committee, while proudly conservative, believes that all members of our community—regardless of political affiliation—deserve to operate their businesses and live free from targeted attacks motivated by ideological differences;

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Santa Cruz County Republican Central Committee condemns the actions of Lookout Santa Cruz in publishing an article that appears intended to harm local businesses for their conservative affiliations, as well as any subsequent harassment directed at these businesses; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Committee calls for respect and tolerance for political differences in Santa Cruz County, affirming that targeting individuals or businesses with the intent to harm them based on their political views is unacceptable and contrary to the values of a free and inclusive community; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the  Committee urges all residents, media outlets, community leaders and the Santa Cruz County Democratic Central Committee to foster  constructive dialogue and support local businesses, regardless of their political beliefs, to promote a thriving and harmonious Santa Cruz County; and

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that copies of this resolution be distributed to Lookout Santa Cruz, other local media outlets, Santa Cruz County elected officials, the Santa Cruz County Democratic Central Committee, and the affected businesses to express the Committee’s support and commitment to fairness and respect for all community members.

ADOPTED on April 23, 2025 by the Santa Cruz County Republican Central Committee.