During the month of February you’ll find updates on our ongoing efforts to improve the Pajaro Valley. From our successful Annual Clean up Days to exciting new programs like the Landscape Equipment Exchange Program, there’s a lot happening in our community. Join us in making the Pajaro Valley a better place for all!
• Annual Clean up Days
Since last year my office has been hosting monthly community clean up days in collaboration with the County of Santa Cruz, Community Development and Infrastructure, Watsonville Works, Trash Talkers, Watsonville Wetlands Watch, and the City of Watsonville.
The dates for community clean ups are March 28, April 25, May 11, June 27, July 25, Aug. 22,
Sept. 26, Oct. 24 and Nov. 21.
During the Jan. 30 Board of Supervisors meeting I led the effort to proclaim the second Saturday of each May as “Santa Cruz County Clean up Day” We meet at 9am and locations are announced three weeks before the clean up.
For up-to-date information, reach out to Ramon Gomez at ra*********@sa***************.gov
• Landscape Equipment Exchange Program(LEEP) Rebates for Residential & Commercial Applicants in Monterey, San Benito & Santa Cruz Counties
The Monterey Bay Air Resources District is pleased to offer the Landscape Equipment Exchange Program (LEEP) to residents and commercial operations of Monterey, San Benito and Santa Cruz Counties. This program will provide financial incentives to replace old, combustion landscaping equipment with new, cordless, electric, zero-emission landscape equipment. In California, small off-road engines used in landscape equipment are a larger contributor to smog forming emissions than passenger cars. Exchanging old, combustion landscaping equipment with new, zero-emission replacements will help ensure healthier, quieter communities.
Visit www.mbard.org/leep for information and to apply.
• Somos Watsonville
Somos Watsonville has opened a not-for-profit café and gathering space at 112 E. Beach St.—the café is designed to be a third space where young people can gather, build meaningful relationships, and participate in community-led recreational and cultural activities. One room of the café is set aside as a study space, where students can access free Wi-Fi, do their homework, receive tutoring and educational support, learn about college, and career pathways, and feel empowered to reach their goals. Another room is set aside as a conference room that local community groups can rent to host private training and meetings.
• Board and Commissions
Be a part of shaping the future of Santa Cruz County! With various boards and commissions, our community has numerous avenues for engagement on vital issues like housing, land use, gender equity, racial justice, historic preservation, and accessibility. Most commission and board members are eligible to receive a $75 stipend for each public meeting attended. The County is actively seeking participation from dedicated community members, South County residents from historically underrepresented communities are encouraged to apply. The county is eager to broaden representation and we’re working to foster inclusivity and diversity in our advisory bodies. Join us in making a difference by applying to become a board or commission member today. Your input matters, and together, we can create a more equitable future for all. Go to tinyurl.com/BOSCommissions to learn more about available opportunities to serve our community.
• Young Supervisors Academy
The Young Supervisors Academy(YSA) will start its second cohort this year. YSA is open and accepting applications. Through the YSA participants will learn about community participation, civic engagement, develop their leadership skills, learn how County government works and meet other young people in the District. To qualify you must be a junior or senior in high school or in your first year of college and live in the Pajaro Valley. Go to tinyurl.com/2024YSA to apply.
The YSA will begin the first week of July.
• Office Hours
Open office hours will be held every second Friday of the month at my office located at 150 Westridge Dr. in Watsonville from 2–4pm. Walk-ins welcome, no appointments are necessary, and residents can discuss issues or just meet me.
