Spring into Action
Spring is here, bringing with it a season of exciting community events, important updates, and opportunities to get involved! From a family-friendly bike ride this weekend to the return of the Young Supervisors Academy. Here’s a look at what’s happening in our community and across Santa Cruz County.
Community Bike Ride This Sunday – Join Us in Watsonville! This Sunday, April 13 at 11am, I invite you to join Watsonville Mayor Maria Orozco, and I in an event organized by Bike Santa Cruz County for a free Community Bike Ride through local parks and trails. The event will take place at the East Lake Village Shopping Center, located at 936 E. Lake Ave. This family-friendly ride is open to all ages and skill levels, offering a great way to enjoy the outdoors while connecting with neighbors and promoting safe cycling in our city.
Participants can enjoy free bike lights and helmets, a raffle for two free bikes, and delicious burritos and refreshments. The event is supported by local partners including the Community Bike Collective, Cabrillo Bike Co-Op, Watsonville Cyclery, and the Santa Cruz Traffic Safety Commission. Bring your own bike or borrow one of the limited bikes available on a first-come, first-served basis. Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or just looking for a fun weekend outing, I hope to see you there!
County Budget Outlook for FY 2025-26: Stability Amid Challenges
During the Feb. 25 Board of Supervisors meeting, the County Administrative Office presented the mid-year budget update and forecast, laying the foundation for the FY 2025-26 Proposed Budget. Thanks to Measure K and the strategic financing of disaster-related costs, the projected deficit has been reduced to $1.9 million. Still, challenges persist.
Sales tax revenues are expected to fall short by $1.6 million due to slower consumer spending. Health Services may face a gap of $11–$17 million due to reimbursement delays and operational pressures, while behavioral health programs remain strained by ongoing reforms and reduced Mental Health Services Act funding. Rising infrastructure and pension costs continue to affect long-term fiscal stability. Despite these pressures, all departments submitted FY 2025-26 budgets without seeking new General Fund support. Public hearings on the Proposed Budget will begin April 29 and run through June.
Compounding these issues is the uncertainty created by the Trump administration’s federal policy shifts. Tariff increases have disrupted trade, impacting agriculture and tourism. Cuts and delays in federal reimbursements jeopardize Medicare, Medicaid, veterans’ benefits, FEMA aid, and public education support. Labor-reliant sectors also remain vulnerable to shifting immigration and employment policies. These risks may pose serious threats to the County’s fiscal health and local economy.
Energy Storage Proposal at 90 Minto Road
A proposal for a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) at 90 Minto Road in Watsonville is currently under review by the County’s Planning Department. The application is still in the early stages, and has not yet been deemed complete. The project is estimated to be more than two years away from any final decision.
The County is developing a new local energy storage ordinance that prioritizes public safety. This new ordinance will align with our county’s net-zero greenhouse gas emissions goal and California’s SB 100 target of 100% zero-carbon electricity by 2045. The proposal will undergo full environmental review and public hearings before the various County Commissions, and eventually it will make its way to the Board of Supervisors.
Young Supervisors Academy Returns: Summer 2025
The Young Supervisors Academy is returning this summer for its third year! This free, hands-on civic leadership program is open to high school juniors, seniors, and first-year college students from Santa Cruz County. It will run from late June to early July 2025, Monday to Friday, 10am to 2pm, with some field trips that may vary.
The academy introduces young people to local government, policymaking, and community service through workshops, field trips and direct engagement with elected leaders. Participants will receive a Certificate of Recognition, a letter of recommendation from me, a stipend and free meals and transportation throughout the program. If you know a young person passionate about leadership or community change, encourage them to apply when applications open soon!
Stay Connected. I encourage you to stay involved, ask questions and share your ideas. Your voice is crucial in shaping a stronger, more inclusive Santa Cruz County. If you’d like more information about these updates or have a concern you’d like to share, please feel free to reach out to my office.
Santa Cruz County Supervisor, District 4
Fe**************@sa***************.gov
831-454-2200
No comments for now. but there’s so much work to be done on your side, regarding the southcounty infrastructure, is abandoned for years, so is time to make it work, into action, thanks a lot.