Congratulations to last week's winners: Susan Canora, Juanita Nama, Jonathan Scheuer, Dale Whyte, and Susan Willats.

Responses to last week's question: When asked, should Santa Cruz relax growth restrictions so more housing could be built, Currents readers, regardless of how they weighed in, expressed their desire to find socially equitable solutions to the housing shortage and preserve open space. Many felt the question didn't lend itself to an easy yes or no, but the final tally was 9 yes, 12 no, and 8 unsure. A sampling of readers' views follows.

On the yes side:

"As a person just moving up here and in the process of looking for a home, I have to say yes. I am for low growth, but if you work here and need a place to live what are you going to do? "

"Santa Cruz needs more affordable housing."

On the no side:

"I feel that one of the biggest advantages of UCSC is its size. Will building more housing help the problem or simply bring even more people to the area? "

"Why build more housing when we are struggling with sustaining this population. I say quality before quantity."

Unsure:

"It really depends on whether we're talking about 'affordable/low-income' housing, which needs to be the priority for the county."

"I don't agree with increasing the area available for building, but I do hope action is taken to increase moderate to high density housing. I also think UCSC should do its part with environmentally sensitive housing development for all parts of the campus community: students, staff, and faculty."

"I feel that Santa Cruz (particularly the city) should relax its restrictions concerning granny units. I would not be in favor of more building in open areas, but there are many rooms or attached units that could provide housing if they were 'legal.' "
 

Tell us what you think: Each week, we post a question about a topic that's been in the news, is of general interest, or has been suggested by our readers. You have a chance to "weigh in" with a simple "yes," "no," or "unsure," or you may elaborate if you like. Responses are due by Friday at 8 a.m. Even if you've won a mug, we welcome your votes and comments.

Win a nifty Currents Online coffee mug: Each week, the names of five respondents are drawn at random to win a mug. Participants must be UCSC staff, faculty, or students. Please submit your name and campus e-mail address on the response form. Only one mug per person.

This week's question: Last week some Santa Cruz County schools were given financial awards from the state for improved performance on state achievement tests. Do you think the state should use standardized tests as a basis for giving money to individual schools?

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