Photo: People mourn at the 9/11 Memorial on the anniversary of the September 11 attacks, in Manhattan. Credit: Mike Segar/AFP/Getty Images
On September 11, 2001, terrorists killed nearly 3,000 people and injured more than 6,000 others in the worst attack against the homeland in our nation’s history.
As we reflect on this day, may we also remember the unity that emerged from the ashes of Ground Zero. The resilience of the American spirit and the strength of our nation in the face of adversity serve as a testament to the indomitable human spirit.
Let us continue to stand together, supporting one another, and working towards a more peaceful and compassionate world.
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The State requires the County to update its General Plan Housing Element every eight years, with the 6th Cycle update due by December 31, 2023. Housing Elements must cover topics including the assessment of housing needs, accommodating special needs populations, addressing housing affordability, and identifying barriers to housing construction. Central to the Housing Element is the mandate for the County to plan for for 4,634 additional housing units. This will be the first public hearing where the Board reviews the project documents. You can view the Housing Element webpage here, and the map of proposed re-zonings here.
The two Civil Grand Jury reports being reviewed are "Diagnosing the Crisis in Behavioral Health" and "Surveillance State in Santa Cruz County." In particular, the Grand Jury's Behavioral Health report raised alarm because the vacancy rate for the department has been as high as 30%. Some of the reasons for this are a national shortage of healthcare workers and Santa Cruz's high housing costs making it difficult to recruit.
The County's response to the Behavioral Heal report outlines the efforts being made to increase clinician recruitment including creating three dedicated positions to support recruitment and hiring, a 6% pay increase for all behavioral health classifications, and building connections with local schools like Cabrillo College, San Jose State, Heald College and CSUMB. As a result the Behavioral Health Department hired 45 new employees and made 62 promotions between January 2022 and June 2023.
2023 is set to be the hottest year on record and we need to take decisive action to address the Climate Crises. That's why Supervisor Hernandez and I are recommending that the Board of Supervisors ask our state legislators to set up a Carbon Fee and Dividend program. This would put a fee on carbon emissions that would be included in the price of everyday products. It would encourage all people and businesses to shift to low or zero emissions purchases. The revenues collected from this fee would then be sent back to all citizens for use in further adapting to the changing climate.
The County has received a $10.17 million state grant to build a 34 units of interim supportive housing program for people experiencing homelessness with behavioral health conditions. It will offer on-site supportive services for individuals to secure permanent housing as quickly as possible. The plan is to use modular construction on county owned land to build the units quickly. The top site currently being considered is 2202 Soquel Ave, the old Harbor Veterinary Hospital. This location is adjacent to the County's Psychiatric Healthcare Facility and would give patients experiencing homelessness a place to stay, instead of being released to the street. Other sites may be needed to acomodate all of the units funded.
To view and comment on the full agenda click below: https://santacruzcountyca.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_Meeting.aspx?ID=1987
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Photo of the rail corridor near Shark Fin Cove. Credit: Wei Jie Lee
7.5 miles of the Santa Cruz Rail Trail on the North Coast (Segment 5) is cleared and ready to start construction. It will make the area's exciting, outdoor recreational options accessible by bike. These include treasures like Shark Fin Cove and Panther Beach, Cotoni-Coast Dairies National Monument, and San Vicente Redwoods. The project will include a bike and pedestrian bridge over HWY 1 to access the new national monument. It will also include two new parking lots at Davenport and Panther beach.
The total project cost of $51.4 million was made possible by $38 million in federal funding (the Federal Lands Access Program), $3.4 million from the Land Trust of Santa Cruz County, $1.42 million from the Coastal Conservancy, $425,000 in state and federal gas taxes, and $8.6 million in Measure D funds (our local 1/2 cent sales tax for transportation).
The project is scheduled to break ground in January of 2024 or January of 2025, depending on whether the federal funds can be made available a year earlier.
However, Regional Transportation Commission staff warned that there will not be enough money to complete the Rail Trail between Aptos and Watsonville at the current rate. The reason: the high costs of building the trail next to the tracks instead of on top of them, coupled with the need to budget for maintenance. A full report is available here; click on Item 23.
The last step to finalize the North Coast project was a maintenance agreement with the County of Santa Cruz. The Regional Transportation Commission approved this 5-year agreement last Thursday. But when these costs are extrapolated out to the other segments of trail under development, there is not enough local money left to continue the trail south of Rio Del Mar Blvd in Aptos. This calculation included the assumption that we would continue to get state and federal grants to cover 80% of trail construction costs. There would still need to be more local money to cover the 20% matching funds.
The Regional Transportation Commission is environmentally clearing an alternative plan to build the trail on top of the tracks, costing only half as much. Meanwhile, the Commission is doing everything possible to respect voters' interest in planning for rail. A conceptual environmental report for Passenger Rail will update project costs and analyze areas of the corridor vulnerable to climate change, like the Watsonville Sloughs, Manresa Cliffs and Beach St. It is underway and expected to be completed late in 2024.
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Image: Map of Segment 5 of the Rail Trail, North Coast
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Photo: Utility work on Main St in Soquel.
Revised Schedule Released for Main Street at Bates Creek Emergency Storm Damage Repair Project
The County of Santa Cruz Department of Community Development and Infrastructure announced a revised schedule for the ongoing emergency repair project aimed at addressing storm damage to the Bates Creek culvert on Main Street in Soquel.
To optimize the project's progress ahead of potential rain events, the operational hours have been adjusted. Effective immediately, work will take place Monday - Saturday from 7:30 AM - 6:30 PM. Traffic will be reduced to a single lane with traffic control measures in place.
Motorists are asked to consider alternate routes if possible or to anticipate delays while passing through this area. For the most current updates regarding road closures and conditions on County-maintained roads within Santa Cruz County, please go here.
Pavement Repairs on Paul Sweet Road
Wednesday, September 13, 2023 through Friday, September 15, 2023, weather permitting.
A section of Paul Sweet Road in Santa Cruz will undergo essential pavement repairs. To ensure the safety of all road users and construction personnel, traffic will be reduced to a single lane with traffic control measures in place.
Should you have any questions regarding this project, please do not hesitate to contact Alex Sandoval, Roads Superintendent, by calling (831) 454-3919 or email Alex.Sandoval@santacruzcountyca.gov.
Highway 1 Project Between Soquel Drive And 41st Avenue Continues with New Dates For Traffic Control On Soquel Avenue
Starting the week of Monday September 11, lanes will temporarily shift to the west on Soquel Ave. and K-rail (concrete barriers) and temporary crash cushions will be placed adjacent to northbound Soquel Ave. Installation of K-rail is necessary for the safety of crews and travelers in the area.
Travelers on Soquel Ave. can expect delays of five minutes as a result of this daytime traffic control.
More information on this project can be found here.
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Photo: FireSafe Council of Santa Cruz County logo.
The inaugural Wildfire Adaptation Speaker Series by the FireSafe Council of Santa Cruz County will be presented in the heart of the affected CZU Lightning Complex Fire of 2020. This event is intended to be a survey of several topics pertaining to wildfire adaptation. Topics will include volunteer and community programs, home ignition zone, defensible space, firescaping, and insurance.
Date: Friday, September 15, 2023 Time: 7:00pm - 8:30pm Location: Felton Public Library, Felton Community Room Address: 6121 Gushee St. Felton, CA 95018
The purpose of the FireSafe Council of Santa Cruz County is to educate and mobilize the people of Santa Cruz County to protect their lives, homes, community, and environment from wildfire. Events like the Wildfire Adaptation Speaker Series are inclusive, educational and followed by a brief Q & A session.
Attendance is expected to be high, please contact the FireSafe Council by emailing vp@firesafesantacruzcounty.org for further questions.
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Photo: Gun Buy Back poster.
The Santa Cruz County Chief's Association will be hosting a gun buy back event.
When: Saturday, September 16 from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM Where: Sheriff's Office Headquarters, 5200 Soquel Avenue
This is a no questions asked, no identification needed event. If you have functioning guns that you do not need or want, come get cash while it lasts! Please ensure firearms are unloaded and safely transported when bringing them in.
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Photo: Bus and Metro Advisory Committee logo.
The Santa Cruz Metropolitan Transit District (SCMTD) will accept applications to fill two vacancies on its METRO Advisory Committee (MAC). Applications must be submitted by September 30, 2023 to be considered.
The MAC operates in an advisory role to the SCMTD Board of Directors on policy issues related to customer service, bus operations, strategic planning, and community needs, among other topics. The Committee meets quarterly, and appointees serve a four-year term.
If you or someone you know would be interested in this role, please visit www.scmtd.com/mac to learn more or submit an application.
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Photo: De Laveaga Elementary School entrance.
Tuesday, September 12th - Board of Supervisors Meeting. Begins at 9 AM. The agenda is here. The meeting will be held via Zoom and in person at the Board Chambers at 701 Ocean Street, Rm 525.
Thursday, September 14 - Prospect Heights Hybrid Town Hall. From 6 PM to 7:30 PM at De Laveaga Elementary School, 1145 Morrissey Blvd, Santa Cruz, CA 95065
and on Zoom.
September’s town hall will include an update on managing fire risk at De Laveaga Park. Special guests will include Chief Tim Shields, City of Santa Cruz Fire Department; Lieutenant Carter Jones, City of Santa Cruz Police Department; Director Tony Elliot, City of Santa Cruz Parks and Recreation Department; and Laurel Bard from the Resource Conservation District's Forest Health and Wildfire Resiliency Program.
Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/96708318897
Meeting ID: 967 0831 8897
One tap mobile
+16699009128,,96708318897# US (San Jose)
13462487799,,96708318897# US +(Houston)
Tuesday, September 19th - Board of Supervisors Meeting. Begins at 9 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.
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