Measure Z would tax distributors of soda and other sugar sweetened drinks in the City of Santa Cruz. (Stephen Baxter — Santa Cruz Local)

SANTA CRUZ >> Measure Z, a proposed soda tax in the City of Santa Cruz, leaned toward approval with 52% of the vote as of 4 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 19. It requires more than 50% voter approval.

Updated Santa Cruz County election results are expected this month, with final results expected to be certified in early December.

“We’re feeling excited, and we’re really proud of what we were able to accomplish with our campaign,” said Santa Cruz City Councilmember Shebreh Kalantari-Johnson on election night Nov. 5.

“I know too well from campaigning myself for various positions, that early results are early results, but we are very hopeful, and I think it speaks volumes to the integrity of our community, the values of our community,” she said about 9 p.m. Tuesday. “We recognize when big industry is trying to buy us over.”

“The fact that the vote is this close shows that even in the most progressive communities in California voters are standing up to a regressive tax that has never been shown to improve public health,” said No on Z spokesperson Steven Maviglio.

Santa Cruz County election results are expected to be updated several times Tuesday night, and final results must be certified by early December.

What would Measure Z do?

Measure Z would add a tax of two cents per ounce on distributors of sugar-sweetened beverages in the City of Santa Cruz. It would raise an estimated $1.3 million annually.

The money would go into the city’s General Fund and could be used for any city purpose. A community oversight panel would make recommendations for its use.

If Measure Z is approved, the city is expected to face a lawsuit that challenges it.

Leaders of the soda industry-backed No on Z campaign have said the proposed soda tax is illegal because it violates a state ban on taxes for most food and drinks. That’s not strictly true. In many cases, laws in charter cities like Santa Cruz can supersede state law. A court case would likely determine if Measure Z is allowed.

Representatives of the No on Z campaign have said a legal battle would be costly for the city. Nonprofits may aid in legal defense, proponents have said, but no nonprofits have made specific monetary commitments.

For more information, see Santa Cruz Local’s Election Guide for Measure Z:

• What drinks would be taxed with Measure Z?
• How would Measure Z soda tax money be spent?
• Legal considerations of Measure Z

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