There are various opportunities for community engagement and multiple projects starting this month—from arts to roads to housing. There are also multiple projects starting this summer. My hopes are that these capital investment projects will improve the lives of everyone.
I will be having open and mobile office hours. I look forward to connecting with you.
Call to Local Artists
An artist will be selected to create site-specific public art for the new Children’s Stabilization Center in Santa Cruz County. This facility will provide much-needed behavioral health programming for youth in acute emotional and psychiatric crisis in the least restrictive setting, in their own county. More information and the “Call to Artists” may be found at: tinyurl.com/calltoartists2023.
Roads Update
Resurfacing projects for Paulsen Road, Holohan Road, College Road, portions of Green Valley Road and San Andreas Road will begin this summer and continue into next year. The construction of the Highway 152/Holohan Road Intersection Project will also start later this year. This project will help reduce congestion by providing additional lanes to this intersection and a merge lane on Highway 152 northbound. The new sidewalks, crosswalks, accessible ramps and the addition of bicycle lane improvements will provide safer routes for the public and school children that attend Lakeview Middle School and Saint Francis High School.
Office Hours and Mobile Office Hours
Starting in July, open office hours will be held every second Friday of the month at the satellite office located at the Veterans Building, 215 E. Beach St. in Watsonville. No appointments are necessary, and residents can discuss issues or just to meet me. The first one will take place on Friday, July 14 from 2–4pm.
College Lake Water Supply Project Construction
The groundbreaking event for the College Lake Water Supply Project took place on June 9. This project will utilize College Lake as a fresh water supply, reducing groundwater pumping and addressing issues such as overdraft and seawater intrusion. The project includes a water treatment plant, intake facilities and a pipeline with construction expected to last 18 months. Updates will be available at pvwater.org/construction and social media platforms. The project includes the resurfacing of College Road.
A Santa Cruz County Like Me
The County is looking for more representation in its advisory bodies and is hosting a community workshop to address underrepresentation and encourage participation. The workshop will take place at 6pm Thursday, June 22 at the Sheriff’s Community Service Center, 790 Green Valley Road in Watsonville. Childcare will be provided as well as gift cards for participants over 18.
Housing Element Community Meeting
Santa Cruz County is seeking input from community members for our next cycle of Housing Element. Every eight years, the State requires local communities to update their Housing Element to ensure the supply of adequate housing to meet the community needs. The Housing Element that is currently being developed will be for the 2023-2031 planning period. Please join me on Wednesday, June 28 at the Watsonville Civic Plaza, Fourth Floor Community Room, 275 Main St., from 5:30–7pm, for a community meeting to provide your input. If you are unable to attend and want to provide input, please go to: tinyurl.com/housingelement2023D4.
California Mortgage Relief Works
The California Mortgage Relief Program aids homeowners facing financial hardships. The program is free and provides critical aid with no repayment required.
If you’ve struggled with missed mortgage payments, late property taxes, loan deferrals, partial claims, or other homeowner financial hardships, you may qualify for assistance. For more information visit camortgagerelief.org.
As I conclude this update on roads, arts and housing projects, I invite you to embark on this exciting journey of community engagement. Your voice matters, and I eagerly anticipate your involvement in shaping our shared spaces. Whether it’s attending public meetings, providing feedback, or joining volunteer efforts, together we can create a thriving community that reflects our values and aspirations. Together, let’s build a brighter future, one road and art project at a time.
Supervisor’s Update is a recurring column from Santa Cruz County Supervisor Felipe Hernandez’s Office.
Thanks for the update Felipe!
Thank you, Supervisor Hernandez!