Photo: People at work. Tomorrow the Board of Supervisors will consider a pilot project labor agreement for 10 projects with the local Building Trades Council.
The County of Santa Cruz Board of Supervisors is considering approval of a Project Labor Agreement (PLA) for specified projects, which will allow for implementation of a pilot program, in collaboration with the Monterey and Santa Cruz Counties Building and Construction Trades Council. This Pilot Program will apply to ten (10) significant County capital projects, each valued at over $1 million, to explore the efficacy of project labor agreements in enhancing local workforce development, ensuring fair labor practices, increasing local contractor participation, and use of skilled labor to save time, increase the safety of construction projects as well of the quality of completed work. Key provisions include local workforce hiring preferences, apprenticeship requirements, and support for small businesses. The Pilot Program aims to evaluate the benefits and challenges of PLAs in fostering equitable construction practices while aligning with County policy objectives. Staff will collect performance data, including project completion outcomes, cost implications, and labor force utilization, to inform potential expansion of PLA policies. In light of the recent presidential election and threats to implement restrictive anti-immigrant policies once the incoming President assumes office in January 2025, it is important for Santa Cruz County to reaffirm its commitment to support and protect the safety and wellbeing of immigrants in our community that may become victims of these discriminatory policies. The County's immigrant community is integral to the social and economic fabric of our region. This resolution builds upon a history of leadership, including prior sanctuary resolutions and the recent public reaffirmation of support for immigrant communities on November 7, 2024.
In addition to the resolution, we are directing the County Administrative Officer, or designee, to work with community partners to strengthen resources and partnerships with organizations that help protect members of these communities that may be the target of such policies. By reaffirming our commitment to protecting and supporting our immigrant community members and making a commitment to provide resources to these individuals, we hope to ensure and maintain the trust of these members of our community with the County.
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Photo: Tomorrow at 1:30 PM we will honor Supervisors Zach Friend and Bruce McPherson at their last meeting on the Board of Supervisors Scheduled Items -- 1:30PMSupervisor Friend is leaving County service after 3 terms representing the Second District. He has done an outstanding job serving the residents of his district and advocating for the County as a whole, and Chair Cummings is pleased to provide an opportunity to publicly recognize his significant contributions to the community.
Supervisor McPherson has spent decades in service to the Central Coast and his impact on Santa Cruz County cannot be overstated. Chair Cummings is pleased to provide an opportunity to publicly recognize his significant contributions to the community.
To read and comment on the full agenda click here: https://santacruzcountyca.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_Meeting.aspx?ID=2079
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Photos: Cutting the ribbon at Floral Park last Friday
Last Friday, we unwrapped an early holiday gift: the brand-new play structure at Floral County Park! This vibrant addition has exciting features for kids of all ages to enjoy. Conveniently located at 656 38th Avenue, just a few blocks from Portola Drive, the E. Cliff Parkway — and Winston the Pig nearby on 37th Avenue— it’s a perfect place for families to gather and play.
This project was truly a community effort. A huge thank you to the local resident Derek Draper who kick-started the fundraising effort; to County Park Friends, which organized the campaign; and to all of the donors that contributed to make this project a reality:
Anonymous
Rowland and Pat Rebele
Alain Chuard and Victoria Ransom, Richard Novak, Dan and Allison Rose
Bud and Rebecca Colligan, The Derek and Lena Draper Family, Michael and Kristin Galvin, Kawasaki Ohana, Javier Olivan and Veronika Reinhold, Bryan and Eva Schreier, The Strock Family
Christie's International Real Estate Sereno, Paul and Terry Draper, Bill Kirsch, Bill and Brigid Simpkins
Ade Ajao, The Bisazza Family, Axel and Holden Carpenter, The Corwin Family,
Ethos Santa Cruz, The Harlan Family, Lance and Laurie Haslund, The Mirwins,
The Swart Family, The Vassallo Family
The Blondeau Family, Eric Bohren, Hilary Bridges, Concept Mortgage, Yani Fauzi, Glenn and Carin Hanna, Penny Hanna, Bill and Alycia Kennedy, Larson Real Estate Team, Michelle Montalvo, Revelry Supply, David and Mariah Roberts, David Robinson, Elizabeth Sinclair and Bob Crittenden, Cynthia Smith, Lottie Sonthisay, Jessyka Soto, Patrick Tobin, Linda Vidanage, Solo Deo - Diane and Bruce Warne
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Photo: Former Sheriff Jim Hart Is recognized by the Board of Supervisors meeting.
After 36 years with the County including three terms as Sheriff-Coroner, former Santa Cruz County Sheriff Jim Hart was honored last Tuesday by the Board of Supervisors. We are grateful for his service to the community and wish him the best of luck in retirement.
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Supervisor Cummings Elected Chair of the California Coastal Commission
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Congratulations to Santa Cruz County Supervisor Dr. Justin Cummings on being unanimously elected as the new Chair of the California Coastal Commission!
This marks a historic moment for our region, as it’s the first time a Santa Cruz County Supervisor has held this esteemed position. Representing the Central Coast—from Big Sur to the northern San Mateo County line—Dr. Cummings will lead the Commission in its vital mission to balance conservation, access, and development along California’s coastline.
Having a local leader at the helm of this Commission is a tremendous asset to our community and I look forward to continuing to collaborate with Justin to address the issues that matter most to our region.
To schedule an Ex-Parte Meeting with him e-mail CommissionerExParte@coastal.ca.gov. If you have questions, concerns, or ideas about coastal-related matters, you can reach the Commissioner at Justin.Cummings@santacruzcountyca.gov, or (831) 454-2200.
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New 1st District Planning Commissioners
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Photos: Planning Commissioner Shane Pavonetti (Left) & Alternate Planning Commissioner Luke Rizzuto (Right).
Last week we seated a new D1 Planning Commissioner and Alternate Planning Commissioner.
Commissioner Shane Pavonetti (who was sworn in by Clerk Tricia Webber in the County’s wedding room) is an architect, who I first met near the recent Maciel subdivision. As an owner and builder of single-family homes he questioned why the 21-unit developer should have concessions that were unavailable to him on smaller projects.
Alternate Commissioner Luke Rizzuto has been a general contractor in Santa Cruz County for 45 years and a resident of the Santa Cruz Mountains for 75 years. He served as President of the Loma Prieta Joint Union School Board and knows how to run a meeting.
I’m confident that these two will serve the district well by standing up for everyday residents, good architecture and cutting red tape.
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Image: Information for how to contact crisis response services.
Santa Cruz County Behavioral Health is pleased to announce that Mobile Crisis Response Teams (MCRT) are now available 24/7/365 to respond to behavioral health crises for youth and adults across Santa Cruz County, including the cities of Santa Cruz, Watsonville, Scotts Valley, Capitola, and all unincorporated areas. The MCRT helps remove barriers to crisis support access by meeting individuals where they are.
If you or someone you love is struggling with thoughts of suicide, please reach out for help. You are not alone. Call or text 988 to connect with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Trained counselors are available 24/7 to provide free and confidential support.
For more information about the Santa Cruz County Mobile Crisis Response Team, please visit santacruzhealth.org/CrisisResponse or call 1-800-952-2335.
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County
Soquel Drive Buffered Bike Lane and Congestion Mitigation Project Time: Weekdays 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM,
Dates: 12/16/24 through 1/31/25
Impacted Locations: - Soquel Avenue from Seabright Ave to La Fonda Ave
- Seabright Avenue from Water Steet to Soquel Ave
- Water Street from N. Pacific Ave to Seabright Ave
Sections within the impacted area may be reduced to one lane of travel in each direction. Impacts to traffic will be intermittent as work progresses at multiple sites.
Single lane closures are due to underground fiber optic installation and fiber optic pull box installation/replacement in the sidewalk.
Caltrans
Overhead Sign Structure Installation on Highway 1 Project Between 41st and Soquel Continues with Overnight Closures Full Closure of Southbound Highway 1 For Tuesday, Dec. 17, travelers will encounter a full closure of southbound Hwy. 1 from 9 pm to 6 am. Southbound travelers will be directed off at Soquel Dr. and take the detour via Soquel Ave. before rejoining southbound Hwy. 1 at the 41st Ave. onramp. In addition, the southbound onramp to Hwy. 1 at Soquel Dr. will also be closed.
Overnight Lane Closure on Northbound Highway 1
For Wednesday, Dec. 18, travelers will encounter a closure of the #2 (right) lane of northbound Hwy. 1 from 9 pm to 5 am. The onramps at 41st Ave. to northbound Hwy. 1 will also be closed.
Potential Full Closure of Northbound Highway 1
For Thursday, Dec. 19, travelers may encounter either a full closure of northbound Hwy. 1 from 9 pm to 5 am, or a closure of the #2 (right) lane of northbound Hwy. 1 from 9 pm to 5 am. Should a full closure of northbound Hwy. 1 prove necessary, travelers will be directed off at 41st Ave. and follow the detour to reenter northbound Hwy. 1 at the Soquel Dr. onramp. During this overnight work the ramps to northbound at 41st Ave. will be closed.
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Photo: Board of Supervisors meeting in Board Chambers.
FINAL MEETING OF 2024 Tuesday, December 17th - Board of Supervisors Meeting starting at 9:00 AM. The agenda is pending. The meeting will be held via Zoom and in person at the Board Chambers at 701 Ocean Street, Rm 525.
Swearing-In Ceremony Monday, December 23rd - Supervisors-elect Kim De Serpa and Monica Martinez will hold a swearing-in ceremony at 2 p.m. in the Santa Cruz County Board Chambers, 701 Ocean St., 5th Floor, in Santa Cruz.
Wednesday, January 8th - Office Hours from 1 PM to 3 PM. Meet with Supervisor Koenig at the 1st District Office in Live Oak at the Sheriff's Center, 5200 Soquel Ave, ground floor. Bring your questions and meet one-on-one. First come, first served.
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