Santa Cruz County steps up environmental and community support
This month, Santa Cruz County is enhancing safety, cleanliness, and access to essential services. The County has also secured state funding to sustain homelessness prevention efforts, and initiatives are underway to ensure all youth have access to park programs.
Illegal dumping surveillance cameras installed
Santa Cruz County has begun installing surveillance cameras at key locations in unincorporated areas to combat illegal dumping as part of a strategy to protect the environment. Illegal dumping costs taxpayers nearly half a million dollars annually. While signs and fines exist, cameras have been installed at three locations to deter violators, who now face fines up to $500 and restitution costs.
Residents are encouraged to use the GreenWaste Bulky Item Collection Program, which offers three free pickups per year for large items. Contact GreenWaste at bit.ly/greenwaste-scc or call 426.2711.
$5.08 Million in State Funds for Homelessness Prevention
Santa Cruz County is proud to announce it has been approved to receive $5.08 million from the state’s Homeless Housing Assistance and Prevention, Round 5 (HHAP-5) program. This vital funding helps sustain current programs including shelters and transitional housing, outreach to unsheltered individuals, permanent supportive housing services, and flexible one-time financial assistance for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
The HHAP-5 investments are part of the State of California’s initiatives to address homelessness. More than $827 million has been allocated to 37 regional grantees to support local plans aimed at aiding the unhoused population. This funding goes to housing, shelter, and comprehensive support services for individuals experiencing homelessness in over 100 communities statewide.
Funding allocations under the HHAP-5 program are determined based on statewide appropriations and the proportionate share of the state’s homeless population, as identified in the most recent Point-In-Time count. Due to local numbers remaining relatively constant from the prior year and increases in homeless populations in other parts of the State, Santa Cruz County saw a significant funding reduction of $840,000 from 2023.
County Park Friends Raising Funds for Youth Scholarships
County Park Friends aims to raise $30,000 in scholarships to support active and healthy lifestyles for local youth who cannot afford park program fees. Help Kids Play Scholarships cover costs for programs like swim lessons and sports camps. Tax-deductible donations can be made at countyparkfriends.org/access-grants.html.
Reporting Road Hazards
If you see something that makes it dangerous for people walking or biking, like a big pothole or a blocked sidewalk, let us know! You can report it anytime using the RTC’s Hazard Report. This will help keep our roads and sidewalks safe for everyone. If it’s an emergency, call 911 right away. sccrtc.org/services/hazard-reports/
Housing Element Update: Board of Supervisors to hold public hearing for rezonings
The Board of Supervisors will hold a public hearing on Nov. 19 at 9am in the Board Chambers at 701 Ocean Street, Room 525, Santa Cruz, to consider the first of two batches of proposed rezonings. This hearing will be to consider the rezoning of 30 parcels and required General Plan Land Use Map amendments for 27 parcels to implement the 2023 Housing Element. This hearing is a key step in achieving the County housing shortfall.
This public hearing marks a key step in the Housing Element Rezone Program, which is part of the County’s State-mandated broader efforts to expand housing opportunities while ensuring alignment with local and regional planning goals.
The upcoming hearing provides an opportunity for community members to learn more about these proposed changes, ask questions, and voice their opinions. To ensure transparency and engagement, all interested parties are encouraged to attend the hearing. Agenda items are also provided in Spanish through our website.
Learn more on the Housing Element website: bit.ly/2023housingelement
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 to 4pm. Walk-ins are welcome, appointments are unnecessary, and residents can address any issues they have.
Supervisor’s Update is a recurring column from Santa Cruz County Supervisor Felipe Hernandez’s Office
