Happy May Day!
We've got a full Board of Supervisors agenda next Tuesday that includes the first hearing on our draft 2026-2027 County Budget and lots more (see below).
Highlights from last month include the opening of Bridge House, a 32-unit transitional housing community; the Coastal Commission's approval of our County's revised short-term rental ordinance without changes, meaning it went into effect immediately; and the installation of delineators on Summit Road.
There are updates on the East Cliff Surfer Statue, Floral Park, and Minto Road Battery Energy Storage System below.
If you want to get involved this month, County Parks has volunteer opportunities as early as tomorrow and County Cleanup Day is Saturday May 9.
And if all that wasn't enough–there's an election coming up! Ballots were mailed out today, early voting starts May 9, and the Elections Department is hosting a Family Democracy Day on May 9.
Enjoy the full moon tonight.
Sincerely yours, |
Manu Koenig 1st District Supervisor, Santa Cruz County
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Highlights from Next Tuesday'sBoard of Supervisors Agenda
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Image: Summary graph of the Proposed County 2026-27 Budget
The Board will begin public hearings on the County’s proposed $1.29 billion budget for Fiscal Year 2026–27, which is balanced for this year but faces significant structural challenges. The budget closes a projected deficit through the use of one-time reserves to cover a $31.2 million shortfall between revenues and expenditures. It implements a combination of hiring freezes and position reductions (focused on vacancies), while continuing to fund core services like health care, public safety, roads, housing, and homelessness programs.
No layoffs are proposed by the County Executive’s Office at this time. The thought being that we should wait and see whether the State Government or local taxpayers are willing to provide emergency, short-term funding to offset federal cuts before making difficult-to-reverse layoffs.
Rising labor costs and reduced federal funding are the main issues leading to the structural shortfall. Additional adjustments will likely be needed in future years. Budget hearings will continue in June as the Board works toward final adoption. The County’s Budget Dashboard is available here: https://www.santacruzcountyca.gov/VisionSantaCruz/Budget.aspx?
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The Board will consider an update on the County’s Veterans Services Office (VSO), including a proposed agreement to improve coordination between County departments and local veterans’ organizations. Rather than immediately restructuring the office, the proposal recommends keeping the VSO within the Human Services Department while establishing clearer roles, accountability, and regular reporting through a Memorandum of Understanding.
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The Board will consider renewing the Sheriff’s Office Military Equipment Use Policy, which governs how specialized equipment is used and ensures compliance with State law. The action includes reviewing the department’s annual report and confirming that the equipment has been used appropriately and in line with community standards.
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The Board will consider a new ordinance aimed at strengthening labor standards in the construction industry, with a focus on preventing wage theft and ensuring responsible contracting practices. The proposal would establish requirements for contractors on both public and private projects and create enforcement mechanisms, such as the ability for the County to withhold building permits.
The recommended actions direct staff to work with the Santa Cruz-Monterey Building and Construction Trades Council to draft an ordinance and develop implementing rules, disclosure forms, and administrative procedures for the Board’s consideration, returning in September 2026.
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The Board will hold a required public hearing related to the proposed issuance of up to $16 million in bonds to support the Park Haven Plaza project. Importantly, this action does not commit County funds but enables the project to access funding through tax credits that it was recently awarded. These tax credits are a typical funding source for affordable housing projects. If the sale of the bonds is successful, the project will be able to complete construction.
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Image: Bridge House project leaders from Santa Cruz County and Housing Matters cut a ribbon to mark the opening of the new transitional housing project. (Gabrielle Gillette – Santa Cruz Sentinel)
I was thrilled to help cut the ribbon on 32 new beds of transitional housing at Bridge House on April 21st. This new facility is located just next door to the County’s Psychiatric Health Facility, and that proximity is intentional. For too long, patients experiencing homelessness would receive a few days of intensive care, stabilize, and then be discharged right back to the streets. Bridge House changes that by giving people up to six months to recover and stabilize.
Over that time they will work with care teams to stabilize, build relationships, and connect to permanent housing. The program combines housing with behavioral health services in one place, with 24/7 support from Housing Matters and the County’s Integrated Housing and Recovery Team. The goal is simple: give people the time and support they actually need to recover, rather than just getting them through a short-term crisis. Bridge House is expected to serve 60 to 80 people each year and is part of a broader shift in how we address homelessness in Santa Cruz County. By creating a real “bridge” from crisis care to stability, we’re aiming for better long-term outcomes and fewer people cycling back into homelessness. We hope this model helps continue the progress we’ve made and becomes a key part of a more effective system going forward.
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Coastal Commission Approves Santa Cruz County's Short-Term Rental Ordinance
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Image: Pleasure Point Vacation Rental. Photo Credit: Coastwoodsrentals.com
The California Coastal Commission approved Santa Cruz County’s updated short-term rental ordinance on April 16 without any modifications. At a time when communities across California are struggling to address this issue, Commission staff described the County’s approach as “balanced” and recommended approval as submitted. Key components of the ordinance now in effect include: - Non-Hosted Cap: A limit of 270 non-hosted (vacation rental) permits in unincorporated areas outside designated zones—a significant change from previously unlimited permits.
- Density Cap: New non-hosted rentals cannot be approved if they would result in a home being adjacent to more than two vacation rentals, helping protect neighborhood character.
- Platform Accountability and Enforcement: Platforms like Airbnb and VRBO are now legally required to remove unpermitted listings within 10 days of notification.
- Permit Limits: One short-term rental permit per person or entity.
- STR Hotline: The County will launch a centralized hotline for complaints and enforcement, with required signage at all permitted properties.
- Exempt Areas: Certain high-tourism areas in Aptos and Rio Del Mar are not subject to numerical caps.
In total, the ordinance took 569 days to complete—from the formation of a subcommittee including Supervisor Koenig and Supervisor Cummings on September 24, 2024, through stakeholder engagement, drafting, and seven public meetings, to final Coastal Commission approval. While the process was thorough, it’s unfortunate it couldn’t move faster. Residents in neighborhoods with high concentrations of vacation rentals have continued to feel the impacts during that time. We hope these new rules will lead to meaningful improvements and better balance for our communities. You can read the full ordinance here: https://santacruzcountyca.primegov.com/viewer/preview?id=0&type=8&uid=e6465283-fa85-429e-9681-f48a14329462
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Image: The Minto Rd neighborhood, as seen from across College Lake. The apple orchard in the foreground has been proposed for a battery energy storage facility, because it is next to a transformer and high capacity power lines. (Photo Credit -Tarmo Hannula/The Pajaronian)
The County’s Battery Energy Storage System project continues to evolve. New Leaf Energy, the developer of the proposed facility, has begun working with the California Energy Commission through a pre-application process. Just today, they notified the County that they intend to pursue permitting through the state "opt-in" process, due to concerns with the amendments added to the County ordinance at the January 13 Board of Supervisors meeting.
At the same time, County staff have continued advancing site evaluation, safety standards, and coordination with regional energy partners to ensure any project meets rigorous environmental and operational requirements.
I understand that this development raises important questions about local control, transparency, and community input. With the project moving through the state, the California Energy Commission will take on a lead role in permitting, which could change how decisions are made and how the public engages.
My priority remains ensuring that any project reflects our shared expectations for safety, accountability, and responsible growth. My office will continue working closely with staff, stakeholders, and residents to provide clarity and advocate for a process that is both transparent and responsive to the people we serve.
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East Cliff Surfer Statue Update
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Image: Rendering of the proposed statue from the permit application.
The proposed East Cliff Surfer Statue was approved by the Zoning Administrator on April 3. Local opponents have appealed it to the Planning Commission. The Planning Commission is scheduled to review the project on 5/27/26.
Our office has been hearing from many people, particularly those in the immediate Pleasure Point community, about the proposed female surfer statue. An online petition has gathered around 1,000 signatures opposing the current application, which is for a 16’4” bronze sculpture with three cast-in-place, backless concrete benches and a 650 sq. ft. decomposed granite extension of the current pathway, to be located on a County Parks-owned parcel near Manzanita Avenue.
Concerns cited focus mainly on the proposed location. The applicant, County Parks and my office are all working to evaluate the feasibility of alternative sites. It's important to note that the current application would need to be withdrawn, and a new application submitted, for a new location to be officially considered.
Comments can be submitted to the project planner, Rebecca Rockom, Rebecca.rockom@santacruzcountyca.gov. To learn more about the project, visit the project website here.
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Floral Park Master Plan: Next Steps
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Image: Floral County Park lawn area. Photo Credit: County Parks Department
The County Parks Commission met on April 13 to discuss next steps for Floral Park, including proposals from community members for additional infrastructure and recreational improvements. The agenda item to discuss and approve an amendment to the Floral Park Master Plan included a presentation outlining the current status of planning efforts. Staff clarified that while a master plan concept had previously been approved, a formal master plan has not yet been adopted by the Board of Supervisors. As a result, any official updates, along with adoption of a final master plan, will ultimately require Board approval.
During the meeting, commissioners received public comment and voted to move forward with a proposed amendment that would allow consideration of a half court basketball feature at the park. My office is working closely with Parks staff to identify next steps, including additional public outreach to ensure continued community input and to better understand potential project scope and timing. Once details are confirmed for the next round of outreach, ahead of any future Board consideration, I will share that information through this newsletter, social media, and on site signage at Floral Park. |
Delineators Installed on Summit Road
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Image: delineators on Summit Road
We recently installed delineators at Loma Prieta School’s north campus, next to Building Blocks Preschool, to improve safety along Summit Road. Drivers had been using the parking area to bypass traffic—often at high speeds—which created a dangerous situation for families, staff, and students. The new delineators prevent that behavior and help keep traffic moving where it’s supposed to be. I was glad to help make this project happen with some targeted funding, and it’s already making a noticeable difference. If you have ideas for neighborhood improvements like this, now is a great time to share them as we put together the 2026–27 budget: first.district@santacruzcountyca.gov
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Image: Supervisor Koenig "pitching in" during a previous clean-up day in North Rodeo Gulch.
Pitch-In Day is one of my favorite examples of what makes Santa Cruz County special. Each year, neighbors, families, local organizations, and businesses come together to clean up our parks, neighborhoods, and roadways, showing real pride in the place we call home. Through Pitch-In Santa Cruz, there are opportunities across the county to get involved, whether you are joining a group cleanup or organizing your own effort. I encourage everyone to take part and make a difference, and you can find volunteer sites, resources, and ways to participate here.
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Image: Anna Jean Cummings Park habitat. Photo Credit: Santa Cruz County Parks.
The County Parks Department continues to host community volunteer opportunities, which are a great way to get involved. Here are some ways you can contribute to beautifying District 1:
Care for the Native Pollinator Garden at Floral Park (656 38th Ave in Santa Cruz). We’ll be weeding the garden on May 2 and June 6 from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. This is a great, low-impact way to enjoy the fresh air and meet other community members. RSVP here.
Experience Habitat Restoration at Anna Jean Cummings Park (461 Soquel San Jose Rd in Soquel) on April 25, May 30, and June 27 from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. We'll be removing invasive French broom to improve trail access and restore native habitats! RSVP here. |
Image: a family practicing democracy together. Source: YouGov.
Here are key updates and important dates for the upcoming June 2026 Primary Election, as early voting begins next week:
• Vote-by-mail ballots were mailed to all active registered voters on May 1, and may take up to 7 days to arrive; ballots for military and overseas voters were sent earlier on April 8
• Early voting begins May 4, with in-person voting available at the Santa Cruz County Government Center in Santa Cruz, as well as locations in Watsonville and the Watsonville City Clerk’s Office
• State Voter Information Guides were mailed on April 24, with one guide sent per household or last name, so not every voter will receive an individually addressed copy
• County Voter Information Guides were mailed between April 24 and April 28, and each registered voter should receive their own copy unless they opted out
• The VoteMobile launches on May 7, bringing voting access to locations throughout the county; a full schedule is available online
• Family Democracy Day will take place on May 9 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Starlight Elementary School in Watsonville, Simpkins Family Center in Santa Cruz, and San Lorenzo Valley High School in Felton
• Ongoing voter outreach and engagement events are happening across the county, offering opportunities to register, get election information, and connect with staff
For more information on voting locations, VoteMobile stops, and outreach events, residents can visit the County’s elections website here.
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Image: A sneak-peek at the in-progress updated Board Chambers at 701 Ocean Street.
Tuesday, May 5 - Board of Supervisors Meeting, 9:00 AM. The meeting will be held via Zoom and in person at the County Government Center Community Room, located in the basement at 701 Ocean Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Wednesday, May 6 - First District Office Hours, 1:00 - 3:00 PM. First come, first served. 5200 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz, 95062
Thursday, May 7 - Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission Meeting, 9:00 AM. The agenda is posted here. 275 Main Street, Watsonville, CA 95076
Tuesday, May 19- Board of Supervisors Meeting, 9:00 AM. The meeting will be held via Zoom and in person at the County Government Center located either in the basement at 701 Ocean Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 OR in our new Board Chambers on the 5th Floor–stay tuned for updates!
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