The Felton Fire Protection District in the San Lorenzo Valley has two board seats on the Nov. 3 ballot. The election follows a special election this summer in which property owners approved a Prop. 218 benefit assessment. The Press Banner reported that it passed with 67.88% of the weighted vote.
Why it matters
TPG Online Daily said the assessment is expected to raise about $1.7 million a year for around-the-clock staffing, training and equipment. The Press Banner reported that it is meant to move the district beyond its long reliance on an all-volunteer model.
The candidates
- Norman Crandell is an incumbent. He told TPG he spent 18 years as a Felton volunteer firefighter and nearly eight years on the board. He said a citizen review committee will check assessment spending every quarter.
- Jim Anderson is an incumbent and former firefighter who joined the board in 1999, according to the Press Banner. He named firefighter safety, training, equipment and careful financial management as his priorities.
- Craig Winter was appointed to the board in August 2025 and works as a technology product manager. He wants monthly public reports on staffing, training, equipment and response times.
A fourth candidate, Bill Finlayson, is listed by Ballotpedia. The Press Banner reported that he withdrew, though his name may still appear on the ballot.
This explainer is based on official candidate lists and published reporting. It does not endorse anyone.
How to vote
Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3. Polls and vote centers close at 8 p.m., and mailed ballots must be postmarked by Election Day and arrive within seven days. You can check your registration and ballot status at sos.ca.gov/elections. California lets you register and vote the same day at a vote center.