As we head to a close of 2015, I want you to know that it has been a tremendous honor to serve on the Board of Supervisors over the last three years. I know that we’ve accomplished many significant things together – from securing a site for a new Felton Library, adding more Sheriff’s deputies on our streets, and making our streets and Highway 9 safer.
I invite you to continue to work with me in the coming year. We live in one of the most beautiful, diverse and remarkable environments in the world and our remarkable community reflects that beauty and diversity. I know that by working together we can overcome any challenges.
Here are a few of the issues that I’ve worked on this past year and some that will continue to be addressed in 2016.
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Working to Quiet the Sky
The FAA has responded to the noise impact complaints of the new NextGen flight paths with a work plan intended to demonstrate how seriously they are taking our local cry for relief. The FAA has agreed to investigate mitigations suggested by the local advocacy group, Save Our Skies, but has also made it clear that any adjustments would need to be tested before implementation, which takes a minimum of six months. Read More
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Felton Library Site
After pending for more than a decade, a land deal for the planned new Felton Library on Gushee Street was concluded in June between the County Board of Supervisors and the Verutti family.
In addition to the new modern library building site, the deal includes property along Bull Creek, which offers the possibility of an outdoor exploration area for children, native plant demonstration gardens and riparian walkway.
Read More
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Electrical Rate Redesignation is Sought
I am working with the Valley Women’s Club on a critical request to the California Public Utilities Commission to change the PG&E baseline designation for the San Lorenzo Valley.
The goal is to reduce the cost of electricity and reduce air pollution from woodstove smoke. Currently, due to the high cost of electricity, many San Lorenzo Valley residents use wood-burning stoves as their primary heat source, resulting in smoke particulate pollution. Read More
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Water District Merger Moves Forward
 After failing to pass by one vote, the Lompico and San Lorenzo Valley Water Districts have agreed to try again to merge. We will know early in 2016 whether the formation of a $2.75 million assessment district is successful. I want to credit the two water districts for sticking with this to solve a critical issue and express my appreciation for their committed efforts to resolve Lompico’s water problems. Read More
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Cannabis Cultivation Choices Committee
 A 13-member Cannabis Cultivation Choices Committee was appointed by the Board of Supervisors, with the goal of recommending a new marijuana cultivation law for the Board of Supervisors to consider. Read More
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San Lorenzo Valley Traffic Update
On the plus side, downtown Boulder Creek had new street lights installed this year. On the minus side, traffic on Graham Hill, Mount Hermon, and Highway 9 was terrible last summer. Caltrans, the San Lorenzo Valley Water District, and PG&E were completing infrastructure projects at the same time, projects that – as beneficial as they are for the community – caused daily frustration for drivers. Read More
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Community Energy Choices Ahead
The Monterey Bay Community Power project that includes all 21 Counties and Cities in the region will reach a significant milestone by year’s end. A feasibility study will be completed which will allow us to consider assuming responsibility for providing electrical power to customers in partnership with PG&E. Read More
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Making Chronic Offenders Accountable
Congratulations to the Bob Lee Community Partnership for Accountability, Connection and Treatment, (PACT) a collaboration of the County and City of Santa Cruz, for receiving the California State Association of Counties 2015 “Challenge Award.” Read More
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