October 2018 Newsletter

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Homeless Winter Shelter

In the last Point-In-Time census of the homeless, over 80% were without the shelter of a building or a car. We see these community members living in our gulches or in wooded areas. For the last two years, the Winter Shelter has been evolving from one shelter at the Armory to two shelters, one in Live Oak and one in the City of Santa Cruz. The County and the City have been working on a new "Navigation Center" concept to better address the issues of homelessness. While these plans are close to completion, it is clear that they won't be ready by the time our winter weather is upon us. Therefore, the County and the City are pursuing the same strategy for the last two years with some exceptions. Most importantly, security is being increased at the 7 ^th Avenue VFW to address concerns over last year's program. The pick-up spot for the homeless is still in a state of flux and has not been pinned down. Additionally, the Association of Faith Communities had approached the County about partnering with the Seventh Day Adventists campground in Soquel as a possible space for families that live in their cars. This proposal has not even advanced to the stage of detailed operating plans, security plans or funding. Any decision on this effort will require these elements, as well as dialogue with the community before any County approval. The Seventh Day Adventists have informed us that they are not currently considering this proposal. You can read their remarks here.

Time To Get Out And Vote

We have a long and somewhat complicated ballot on November 6. With voting starting next week, I have reviewed the measures on the ballot and offer my suggestions for your consideration. If you're interested, you can read them by clicking here . If there is anything we have seen in the last few years, we have certainly seen that voting is a critical way for us all to make a difference in our community, state and nation. I encourage you to dedicate yourself to voting in this (and every) election!

Housing Options In Our County

The Board of Supervisors has been working to address a number of ways to increase the variety of housing stock in our community. We have conceptually approved modest increases in density along our transit corridors, but we are still waiting for the environmental review. We have reduced the paperwork and fees for Accessory Dwelling Units and have supported a bond on the November ballot to provide new funding for affordable housing. It has been proposed that we increase density bonuses for any projects in any portion of the unincorporated areas of the county. The Monterey Bay Economic Partnership is interested in sharing their ideas for how this and other strategies might work. This could have a big impact on our residential neighborhoods. I want to hear your point of view and invite you to attend this workshop.

SEE BELOW for meeting info.

Capitola Road Housing/Health Center Development

MidPen Housing has been selected as the developer of the Redevelopment Agency- purchased, County-owned land located about the midway point on Capitola Road. Several months ago, community meetings were held to provide input on the development before final plans were drafted. Plans are now ready to submit for approval and MidPen is interested in sharing those with the community. If you want to know what is coming, please attend this important meeting on October 11.

FAA Roundtable Yes - Leopold No

On September 18, the Board approved joining the South Bay Roundtable, a group now forming to provide a forum for jurisdictions from Santa Clara County and Santa Cruz County to discuss and advocate about jet noise issues with a representative of the FAA. However, I am disappointed that the Board approved, on a 3-2 vote, to send a staff member as our representative rather than an elected Board member which the Roundtable bylaws require. While our staff are very capable at their jobs, my experience on the Select Committee is that an elected official can be the most effective representative of our constituents and to advocate with the FAA. It remains to be seen if the Roundtable will approve a change in its bylaws in order to seat a staff member from our County. Meanwhile, I continue to advocate for jet noise reduction with Representatives Panetta and Eshoo, as well as the FAA and I will be visiting Washington in a few weeks to continue to press our case.

The Library Annex Moves Ahead

The first meeting was held about the addition of a Library Annex adjoining the swim center and next to the Boys and Girls Club in Live Oak. Input was received from residents about the features that they would like to include. I invite you to come to a workshop about possible elements in the Annex on October 22 and help us to create this new civic structure in our community. Please consider participating in the survey from the Visioning and Needs Forum by clicking HERE.

Library Annex Workshop

October 22

5:30 - 8:00 p.m.

Simpkins Family Swim Center

979 17th Ave