Tiny Homes Ordinance, B40 Fire District Survey, Live Oak Library Reopening and More!

September 16, 2022

Highlights on Next Tuesday's Board of Supervisors Agenda

Item 8. Public hearing to consider ... Provisions Regarding Tiny Homes on Wheels ...

After over a year of work by staff, extensive public outreach and multiple hearings by both the Planning and Housing Advisory Commissions, the Tiny Homes Ordinance will finally be reviewed by the Board of Supervisors at our next meeting. If a tiny home is something you are considering, either to live in yourself or to put on your property, please write to the Board and let us know. It would be helpful to understand how you are planning to use a tiny home so we can ensure the ordinance we pass works for our community.

Email Supervisors About Tiny Homes

Item 9. Consider directing staff to either send a letter to the California Coastal Commission regarding Santa Cruz County Local Coastal Program (LCP) ... withdrawing the Amendments or maintain the status quo ...

Coastal Commission Staff wrote a letter to the County saying that they would recommend denial of our Local Coastal Program (LCP) Amendments because of disagreements over key elements including the definition of existing development and shoreline protection. County Staff recommends withdrawing the LCP and working through the differences rather than have it denied.

Item 30. Adopt resolution accepting unanticipated revenue of $10,660,000 from the California Department of Housing and Community Development for Project Homekey Park Haven Plaza...

On Tuesday, September 20, the County Board of Supervisors will take action on the Park Haven Plaza project at 2838 Park Avenue in Soquel. We encourage you to participate through written or verbal comments to the Board, either in person or by Zoom.

Branciforte Fire Protection District Update

After careful consideration Branciforte Fire Protection District is taking the steps to merge with Scotts Valley Fire Protection District.

A part of this process is to survey the residents of Happy Valley to see if they support moving forward with a benefits assessment study. The study would determine the amount each parcel owner would be assessed to keep the fire station open.

There will be an in-person informational session on Saturday, October 1 (location to be announced) to learn more about the reorganization benefits assessment study. Please visit the BFPD website for information regarding the session location and Reorganization FAQ. If you are a Branciforte Fire District resident, please:

Take the Survey

Sheriff's Auditor Community Meeting September 19th

Following a report by the Santa Cruz County Criminal Justice Council examining local policing practices across numerous jurisdictions and the passage of AB 1185, allowing for the establishment of independent oversight over county sheriffs, the County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a plan to hire an Independent Sheriff's Auditor.

An Independent Sheriff’s Auditor (ISA) would conduct audits of complaints by members of the public, internal affairs investigations, or use of force investigations. The audits are designed to ensure that the Sheriff’s Office investigations are conducted thoroughly and objectively.

The County of Santa Cruz will hold a public meeting in Watsonville on September 19th to discuss the establishment of an independent auditor to provide oversight of certain operations within the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office. Interested in attending the meeting? Please find additional details below:

Join in-person: The meeting will take place from 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. at the Watsonville City Hall Community Room, 250 Main St.
Join virtually via Zoom: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84875813099 Webinar ID: 848 7581 3099
One tap mobile: US: +1 669 444 9171, 84875813099#

Live Oak Library Grand Reopening

The Grand Reopening of the Live Oak Branch Library is next month!

Saturday, October 1 from 10 AM - 2 PM

2830 Portola Dr. Santa Cruz

Please join us to celebrate the dynamic remodeling of the Children’s Room and prepare for an eventful afternoon featuring; guest speakers, light refreshments, a bilingual story time, a bilingual performance by MusicalMe, and the delightful music of the Ukulele Club of Santa Cruz County. Biking, busing, and carpooling are encouraged.

Upcoming Office Hours and Town Hall

In case you missed it: Last week I hosted a Town Hall for the Santa Cruz Gardens neighborhood at Santa Cruz Gardens Elementary School.

You can view the meeting slides and watch the video. The discussion covered fire danger and speeding issues among other important topics.

This neighborhood is taking steps to be fire resilient by becoming a FireWise community. More information about Santa Cruz Gardens' FireWise can be found here.

Tuesday, September 20th - Board of Supervisors Meeting. Starting at 9:00 AM. Agenda. Via Zoom, telephone, and in person at: 701 Ocean St, Santa Cruz, CA 95062

Wednesday, October 5th - Office Hours. From 1 - 3 PM at the Sheriff's Center, 5200 Soquel Ave, located on the ground floor. This an opportunity to discuss your questions and suggestions with me one-on-one.

Tuesday, October 11, 2022 - Summit Town Hall. From 6:00 - 7:30 PM
Hybrid Meeting: Loma Prieta School in The Forum, 23800 Summit Road, Los Gatos, CA 95033 and on Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/96708318897

Visit the First District Webpage for information on Town Halls and upcoming events.