Dear Friends and Neighbors,
The year is moving along and so is your county government.
At tomorrow's Board of Supervisors meeting we will review a strengthened law to reduce the impact of RV parking on county streets. A discussion of battery energy storage systems has been delayed till November, when we have more information.
The Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) recently published a financial analysis of passenger rail that shows our community would need to endure an 11-12% sales tax for 17 years before seeing any rail service. Meanwhile, the RTC took action to help Seabright businesses by allowing temporary use of the harbor rail trestle by bikes and peds, while the Murray St Bridge is under construction.
Numerous surveys are open right now including one on the impacts of Sea Level Rise, hiring the County's next Chief Executive Officer, and East Cliff Dr's layout for bikes and pedestrians.
The Homelessness Point-in-Time Count for 2025 has been released showing a 20% drop in homelessness from last year and the lowest count ever recorded. While this is great news, progress is threatened by reduced state and federal funding for the very programs that are working.
Efforts to ban cigarette butts in our County will face their last hurdle at Capitola City Council on August 28th. What happens here could be emulated in other cities like San Francisco.
Finally, this month there are lots of volunteer opportunities with County Parks as well as an event to clean up the Soquel Cemetery. Hope to see you out there!
Best, |
Manu Koenig 1st District Supervisor, Santa Cruz County
|
Highlights on Tomorrow's Board of Supervisors Meeting
|
Image: an abandoned RV on the North Coast of Santa Cruz County. I brought this item to the Board because abandoned and oversized vehicle (OV) parking continues to be a persistent challenge in District 1 and across Santa Cruz County despite repeated enforcement efforts. Some vehicles have been cited more than 120 times, yet remain parked on public streets for weeks or even months, highlighting the limitations of enforcement under our existing county law (Chapter 9.57). Currently, law requires towing companies to store vehicles for several days, adding cost and risk to their business. As a result, tow companies often decline Sheriff’s Office requests, leaving vehicles on streets with no enforcement.
This new ordinance would allow vehicles to be dismantled immediately after being towed. A 10-day written warning would be provided, unless there is an immediate public safety threat. This approach aligns with an option under existing state law and has received preliminary support from local towing companies, who confirmed they would respond once the ordinance is adopted.
Many abandoned vehicles are wrecked or inoperable, but some serve as primary housing for individuals in the community. Removing or dismantling these vehicles may render a person unsheltered overnight. To address this, the County staff recommend using the encampment response framework to guide interactions with vehicle residents, particularly those at risk of displacement, which includes:
- Engagement before enforcement: Individuals are contacted multiple times and offered services before action is taken.
- Due process and dignity: Clear, respectful communication and written notice are provided.
- Outreach coordination: Resident engagement teams facilitate voluntary relocation and access to services.
- Avoiding criminalization: Ordinances are enforced fairly, without targeting individuals based on housing status.
The first reading of the ordinance changes will take place tomorrow, during the August 19th Board of Supervisors meeting. The second and final reading will happen on September 9th, and if the Board votes to pass it on that date, it will take effect 30 days later on October 9th.
|
Image: containerized energy storage of the type proposed by the Seahawk Energy Storage project on Minto Rd near Watsonville Ever since the Moss Landing battery energy storage system went up in flames at the beginning of the year, there has been considerable community interest and concern about a proposal for a new battery energy storage facility outside of Watsonville at 90 Minto Rd. An application for this project was submitted to the County Planning Department but has been deemed incomplete.
The site is being considered because of it's proximity to a transformer where high capacity lines can charge the batteries. Other transformers in the County, like the one behind Dominican Hospital and another across from Aptos High, have been ruled out by industry professionals because of the lack of available space and the challenging terrain.
Now, Supervisor Hernandez recommends that the Board defer action on a county ordinance to allow and regulate Battery Energy Storage System's until the following steps are completed: - The Santa Cruz County Commission on the Environment concludes its series of informational meetings on battery energy storage systems (BESS).
- The final language of Senate Bill 283 is available for review.
- The ordinance incorporates safety measures that meet or exceed applicable state and SB 38 requirements, ensuring the highest achievable safety standards.
On February 5, 2025, Senator Laird introduced Senate Bill (SB) 283, the Clean Energy Safety Act of 2025, which would enhance fire safety regulation of BESS.
When the draft ordinance returns to the Board of Supervisors in November 2025, the Board will decide whether to direct staff to prepare an Environmental Impact Report or
other CEQA document and, once prepared, to send the ordinance to the Planning Commission for a recommendation on adoption of the ordinance, as required by County Code.
Creating a local ordinance will ensure that the County retains discretionary authority over projects like this, rather than deferring permitting to the California Energy Commission.
To view and comment on the full Board of Supervisors Agenda, click here: https://santacruzcountyca.primegov.com/Portal/Meeting?meetingTemplateId=704
|
Rail Report Confirms Huge Sales Tax Increase Needed to Fund Passenger Rail; Commission Votes to Open Harbor Rail Trestle for Bikes and Peds to Help Businesses
|
Photo: the Murray St Bridge over the Santa Cruz Harbor is fully closed until early 2026. Credit KION.
Earlier this month, the Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission published a Financial Analysis of Passenger Rail. The analysis shows the lengths that Santa Cruz County would have to go to in order to fund the $4.3 billion rail project, including: - Pass a new 1.5% - 2.25% countywide sales tax to fund construction of passenger rail. This would bring the total sales tax rate in the County up to 11-12%, among the highest in the nation.
- The community would have to pay this tax for 17 years before rail service begins. Under a best case scenario, taxation would begin in year 2030 and service would begin in year 2047.
- Half of the region's discretionary transportation funds would need to be programmed to the rail project. These funds would need to fund rail design and engineering instead of road repairs and safety improvements. Today these funds help pay for significant road repair projects such as those on Soquel San Jose Road, San Andreas Road, as well as vital escape routes like Alba Rd and Jameson Rd. They also fund safety improvements for bikes and pedestrians like those on Bay Ave and Escalona Dr in the City of Santa Cruz. Already there is not enough money to fund all of the needs and moving forward with rail would reduce the amount of work that can be done by half.
Rail advocates say that the cost estimates are overblown and a lower cost train could be built. However, the consultants on the project insist that this is a no-frills plan. They also reminded the Commission that winning state and federal funds will require the ability to inter-track with the rest of the regional rail network, and that rules out light rail. A train powered by overhead electrical lines was also ruled out because of the highly forested environment that the Santa Cruz Branch Rail line passes through. In short - these are simply the fiscal realities of rail service in Santa Cruz County.
After receiving the report, the Commission asked staff to come back in December with a finalized version that ensures all significant challenges, including constraints along coastal bluffs and throughout the Beach St corridor have been included.
Also at a special meeting also held on August 7th, the Regional Transportation Commission agreed to allow the City of Santa Cruz access to the railroad bridge crossing the Santa Cruz Harbor and approaches for purposes of providing a temporary pedestrian and bicycle facility between Seabright Ave and 7th Ave. The proposal, brought forward by Santa Cruz Mayor Fred Keeley, myself and Supervisor Cummings, aims to improve access to Seabright Ave and Harbor businesses during construction on the Murray St Bridge. These businesses have sounded the alarm that reduced traffic for a long period of time will prove highly detrimental to their operations. The City of Santa Cruz will look at a temporary options to make the harbor rail bridge safe for bikes and pedestrians to enjoy.
|
Image: high tide at Moran Lake in Winter 2024
|
The County of Santa Cruz is taking action to prepare for the future with its Sea Level Rise Vulnerability Assessment, which is a key part of the state-mandated Local Coastal Program (LCP). This plan guides how we balance environmental protection, public access, and sustainable growth along our coast. It’s a community-driven effort, and we want to make sure we hear from you.
The Sea Level Rise Vulnerability Assessment Project (SLRVA Project) will identify potential risks to our coastline and outline strategies to adapt. This work will help us: - Protect coastal property values and natural beauty
- Safeguard the environment for future generations
- Prepare for the impacts of climate change, sea-level rise, and erosion
- Ensure that public interests are prioritized in long-term planning
By combining technical studies with real-world community input, the County aims to create forward-thinking policies that keep our coast resilient and thriving.
To date, the County has engaged the community via targeted listening sessions with business, tourism, environmental, and community groups; hosted a public listening session open to all; conducted one-on-one interviews with land use experts, property owners, and neighborhood representatives; hosted pop-up booths at local events, and gathered feedback from a Community Working Group to shape outreach efforts
Your experiences and insights will guide this important work – click the link below to take the survey.
|
2025 Point-in-Time Count Shows Historic Progressin Reducing Homelessness
|
Image: Graph demonstrating decrease in total persons exeperiencing homelessness in Santa Cruz County in 2025 |
On the morning of January 30, 2025, 85 trained volunteers, outreach workers, and individuals with lived experience took to the streets to complete the annual Point-in-Time Count, a federally mandated one-day snapshot used to guide policy, secure funding, and shape local strategies to make homelessness rare, brief, and non-recurring. The County partnered with Applied Survey Research (ASR) to conduct both the physical count and a comprehensive follow-up survey, gathering detailed insights from 426 individuals in both sheltered and unsheltered settings.
The results from this year’s PIT, released on August 7, reveal a significant milestone for Santa Cruz County - homelessness has dropped 20% from last year, reaching the lowest count ever recorded. The volunteers counted 1,473 individuals experiencing homelessness.
The annual census, organized by the Santa Cruz County Housing for Health Partnership (H4HP), reflects encouraging progress for youth, working adults, and veterans. However, it also highlights ongoing struggles for people with disabling health conditions.
Regionally, Scotts Valley experienced the largest percentage drop, with an 84% decrease (from 44 to 7). The City of Watsonville had the most significant numerical drop along with a 50% decrease (from 673 to 335).
While the County celebrates this achievement, the PIT report recognizes several concerning trends:
- Unsheltered Rate Remains High: 76% live in places not meant for habitation.
- First-Time Homelessness Rising: 40% new to homelessness (up from 30% in 2024).
- Economic Pressures: Job loss (18%) and high cost of living (15%) are leading causes.
- Local Roots: 78% were already Santa Cruz residents when they became homeless.
- Chronic Homelessness Increasing: 60% meet the federal definition (up from 38% in 2024).
- Health Conditions Common: 75% report at least one disabling condition — psychiatric/emotional (54%) and physical disabilities (43%) are most common.
Additionally, progress could be threatened by potential state and federal budget cuts. Proposed reductions to California’s Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention (HHAP) grants and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, including Section 8 funding, could impact housing for an estimated 10,000 local residents, including seniors, veterans, children, and people with disabilities.
Read the full 2025 Point-in-Time Count report here.
|
Image: Cigarette butts litter the sand Photo Credit: Lookout Santa Cruz |
Following similar actions by the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors, the Santa Cruz City Council approved an ordinance on June 24 that would ban the sale of filtered tobacco products in the city, tentatively beginning in 2027. The decision comes after years of community engagement, research, and advocacy, highlighting the environmental hazards posed by cigarette butts, which are the most littered item on the planet; organizations like Save Our Shores reported nearly 700,000 cigarette butts collected from local beaches over the past decade, and clean up efforts cost the City of Santa Cruz over $2 million annually.
Looking ahead to August 28, similar action in Capitola could align the major coastal jurisdictions with this policy. If the Capitola City Council votes to pass this ordinance, it could mark the final step toward a regional effort to eliminate toxic cigarette filters, protecting local oceans, beaches, and wildlife. With strong community backing, the “Ban the Butt” initiative is on track to make a lasting impact on environmental health in Santa Cruz County.
The work being done in Santa Cruz County on this issue is influencing other regions. Already advocates in the City of San Francisco are considering our County's ordinance as a model for their own.
Upcoming County Parks Volunteer Opportunities
|
Image: a planter blooms along East Cliff Parkway, thanks to the hard work of community volunteers.
With the month of August in Santa Cruz County comes great weather - why not get outside and volunteer? Volunteers were hard at work on East Cliff Parkway this past weekend. A huge THANK YOU for all of their efforts in beautifying this beloved area.
County Parks has an exciting lineup of lots more volunteer opportunities this month, including trail work, gardening, dog parks, and opportunities to just lend a hand outdoors. There’s something for everyone! Check out what’s coming up below or explore even more on Parks' Volunteer Calendar.
Polo Grounds Dog Park Beautification Saturday, August 23 | ⏰ 9:00am – 1:00pm 2255 Huntington Ave, Aptos Help us spruce up the dog park! We’ll be spreading fresh mulch, clearing weeds, and tidying the picnic areas. All tools, gloves, and refreshments provided.
Pace Trail Project at Quail Hollow Ranch Most Mondays & Saturdays in August | ⏰ 9:00am – 1:00pm 800 Quail Hollow Rd, Felton Be a part of something lasting! Volunteers are expanding the trail network into the beautiful, currently inaccessible Pace property by creating new hiking routes and protecting native ecosystems. The hike is considered moderate, with two steep downhill sections! If you sign up, we'll send out more information prior to each date. Upcoming Dates: Saturdays: August 16, 23, 30 Mondays: August 11, 18, 25
701 Ocean Street Beautification Wednesday, August 20 | ⏰ 2:00pm – 5:00pm 701 Ocean St, Santa Cruz Thanks to everyone who came in July! We’ll keep the momentum going by mulching, planting succulents, and laying more weed barrier.
Pinto Lake County Park Clean-Up Saturday, August 23 | ⏰ 9:00am – 12:00pm Tuesday, September 2 | ⏰ 4:00pm – 6:00pm 757 Green Valley Rd, Watsonville Join us in making this park shine! We’ll be picking up litter, weeding, and maybe even planting.
Floral Park Pollinator Garden Care Saturday, August 30 | ⏰ 9:00am – 12:00pm 656 38th Ave, Live Oak Come care for our native pollinator garden by weeding, planting, and enjoying the progress. Tools and refreshments provided.
Felton Discovery Park Garden Days Saturday, September 6 & November 1 | ⏰ 9:00am – 11:00am 6121 Gushee St, Felton A perfect event for all ages! Join us for a fun and friendly garden work party. Help tend the native plants and connect with your community.
To sign up for any of the events, or if you have any questions, reach out to the Parks Volunteer Program Coordinator Emma Lee, emma.lee@santacruzcountyca.gov
|
Image: Photos from Historic Soquel Cemetary, including headstones and clean up efforts. Photo Credit: Soquel Pioneers
On Friday, August 22 from 10am-2pm, the Soquel Pioneers will lead clean up efforts at the Historic Soquel Cemetery. If you are interested in volunteering, feel free to show up at the cemetery the morning of clean up day, and check in with a Soquel Pioneer volunteer. The cemetary is located at 550 Soquel Road, across from Soquel High School. Be sure to wear sturdy shoes, as the ground may be uneven and loose underfoot. Dress in clothes you don’t mind getting dirty, and bring a bottle of water to stay hydrated. If you have a pair of waterproof or gardening gloves, a rake, or vegetation cutting tools, please bring them! |
California State Association of Counties (CSAC) President Griffiths Visits Santa Cruz
|
Photo: (from left to right) Supervisor Manu Koenig, Watsonville Mayor Maria Orozco, County CEO Carlos Palacios, CSAC President Griffiths on the Salsipuedes Creek levee.
Last Friday I had the honor of showing President Jeff Griffiths of the California State Association of Counties (CSAC) around Santa Cruz. CSAC is an essential organization for helping lawmakers in Sacramento understand the impacts of their decisions on counties. I showed President Griffiths the innovative things Santa Cruz is doing to deliver services, such as the South County Government Center, as well as the challenges we face from unfair state funding formulas that limit our property taxes and MediCal reimbursements. Thank you to CSAC for all of the advocacy they do for us in the state capitol!
|
Photo: Board Chambers at 701 Ocean Street
Tuesday, August 19 - Board of Supervisors Meeting starting at 9:00 AM. The meeting will be held via Zoom and in person at the Board Chambers at 701 Ocean Street, Rm 525.
Tuesday, September 9 - Board of Supervisors Meeting starting at 9:00 AM. The meeting will be held via Zoom and in person at the Board Chambers at 701 Ocean Street, Rm 525.
Wednesday, September 10 - Office Hours from 1 PM to 3 PM. Come visit me at the Sheriff's Center, 5200 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz CA 95062. Bring your questions and meet with me one-on-one. As always, first come first served.
|
|
