I’m voting yes on Measure Q for the Pajaro Valley

The people of the Pajaro Valley have shown we are resilient as we’ve faced the impacts of a changing climate, from severe flooding to the threat of wildfire. But more—a lot more—can be done to help reduce the effects on our community from future disasters. 

Measure Q gives us an opportunity to invest in our community to prepare for increasingly extreme weather, while also making much-needed improvements to our local parks and open spaces. 

Measure Q, called the “Water & Wildfire Protection Act,” will provide funding to protect and invest in taking care of our natural water sources, ocean, beaches, forests, wildlife habitats and parks. In fact, the Pajaro Valley specifically stands to benefit from Measure Q in several ways. I’m a strong supporter of Measure Q and here’s why: 

The Pajaro River watershed and the Watsonville slough system are major priorities for Measure Q investments, including at least $600,000 annually for improvement of water quality, restoration of habitats and increasing resilience to flooding. 

Measure Q will also recognize under-invested communities and the need to address environmental injustices and improve access to nature in Watsonville through projects such as a new school garden or improving an existing outdoor space.

Watsonville will receive approximately $500,000 annually from Measure Q for the city to spend on projects like improving city parks, sports fields and slough trails.

Measure Q could also provide a major boost in the effort to establish a new county park in the Pajaro Valley by helping to fast-track development of sports fields, trails and public amenities for South County residents.

Funding will come from a countywide annual parcel tax of $87, resulting in approximately $7.3 million every year. All of the funding is specifically dedicated to Measure Q and legally cannot be taken by local, state or federal governments. A nine-member committee of local residents—envisioned to include people from all areas of Santa Cruz County—with all meetings to be held in public, and annual audits of Measure Q spending will be provided to the public.

I’m excited to see so many great organizations that are working to make life better in the Pajaro Valley standing up in support of Measure Q, some of which include the Santa Cruz County Farm Bureau, County Park Friends, Friends of Watsonville Parks & Community Services, Monterey Bay Central Labor Council, Pajaro Valley César Chávez Democratic Club, Pajaro Valley Federation of Teachers, Regeneración – Pajaro Valley Climate Action and Watsonville Wetlands Watch.

Our elected leaders are also showing strong support for Measure Q, such as U.S. Rep. Jimmy Panetta, State Senator John Laird, Assemblywoman Dawn Addis, County Schools Superintendent Dr. Faris Sabbah, Watsonville Mayor Vanessa Quiroz-Carter, Watsonville Vice Mayor Maria Orozco, Watsonville City Councilman Eduardo Montesino, Cabrillo College Trustee Dan Rothwell, Cabrillo College Trustee Steve Trujillo and Pajaro Valley Water Directors Mary Bannister, Tom Broz and Amy Newell.

I believe in a brighter future for the Pajaro Valley. Measure Q is a big step in that direction. Please join me and vote Yes on Measure Q.

Felipe Hernandez serves on the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors, representing District 4, which covers most of the Pajaro Valley.