May 2019 Newsletter: Public Safety is Paramount

Downtown Streets Team removes one ton of garbage under bridge

The best thing about the picture above is what you don't see -- the one ton of garbage cleaned up from underneath the Graham Hill Bridge at the intersection with Highway 9 in Felton. In March, the five-member crew from the Santa Cruz Downtown Streets Team started cleaning up under the bridge and nearby, which for years has suffered from encampments and refuse discarded close to the San Lorenzo River. On a pilot contract with the County Public Works Department, Downtown Streets Team visits Felton weekly on Tuesday and Thursday mornings to beautify the community. The team does the same Monday, Wednesday and Friday in Davenport. The organization, whose motto is "ending homelessness through the dignity of work," will also conduct peer-to-peer outreach to folks experiencing homelessness in Felton to see if they are interested in joining the team, which includes case management and job training. Learn more here.

Why I am opposed to needle exchange proposed for our park

You may have heard about a privately operated needle exchange program that proposes to offer services in Felton, including near Felton Covered Bridge Park. The Harm Reduction Coalition has asked the California Department of Public Health for permission to provide injection drug users with clean needles and make referrals to treatment services and health screenings.
While I acknowledge needle exchange's ability to reduce the spread of communicable diseases, I oppose this particular proposal and authored a letter to the Department of Health on April 18 to that effect with my colleague, Supervisor Ryan Coonerty. This proposed program, called the Harm Reduction Road Show, is not designed to be “one-for-one,” which means the number of clean needles provided to a client could exceed the number of dirty needles received, if any.
The County operates needle exchanges in public health facilities in Santa Cruz and in Watsonville, and yet we face significant needle litter and widespread addiction. I cannot support supplying more needles without greater control measures, and want to see more emphasis on treatment.
Additionally, the area proposed for service by the Harm Reduction Coalition contains park space and commercial services that are well used by the community. Introducing this program without a deeper analysis of the potential impacts is unwise. Also, there was no outreach by the Coalition to my office or the community at-large that I am aware of, which understandably has led to surprise and outrage in Felton.
The Board of Supervisors does not have the authority to decide whether the proposed exchange program can operate, but residents can provide comment to the state until May 24.

Caltrans meets with County, Congressionals on Highway 9

In an April 18 meeting called by Assemblymember Mark Stone and me, Caltrans joined Congresswoman Anna Eshoo and Congressman Jimmy Panetta to discuss with County Public Works, the Regional Transportation Commission and the California Highway Patrol a host of short- and long-term improvements to Highway 9 in the wake of pedestrian Josh Howard's death in Felton in February. Caltrans, the agency that has jurisdiction over Highway 9, agreed to conduct a Category 3 investigation related to the collision, which will hopefully result in striping, signage and speed-reduction improvements. In the longer term, the state agency will conduct a full review of the Highway 9 Corridor Plan to see what other improvement projects it might undertake. Read the letter from Assemblymember Stone and me to Caltrans recapping the meeting, and a big thank you to our Congressional representatives for attending.

In-Home Support Services priority for Governor, CSAC

I was honored to make a few opening remarks on May 3 to a summit-style meeting of three County Commissions: the Commission on Disabilities, the Seniors Commission and the In-Home Support Services Advisory Commission, which were collaborating on how to address shared challenges around transportation, emergency preparedness and scarcity of care providers. I shared with the commissioners how pleased I am that In-Home Support Services (IHSS) is a priority of our new Gov. Gavin Newsom and the California Association of Counties, of which I am Santa Cruz County's appointed representative. Gov. Newsom has proposed increasing the state's General Fund commitment to IHSS and stabilizing funding into the future for one of our most vulnerable populations. I also hope our state leaders will restore more than $25 million in funding for the California Department of Aging to better serve our older adults and adults with disabilities. Join me in observing Older Americans Month in May and learn more about the Area Agency on Aging and Seniors Council.

May 16 Boulder Creek meeting on wildfire

Please join me for a Community Meeting on May 16 in Boulder Creek to hear about wildfire prevention and response from our local emergency services providers. The meeting will be 6:30-8 p.m. at the Boulder Creek Fire Protection District, 13230 Highway 9, Boulder Creek. Inspired by a similar meeting March 30 in Scotts Valley, CalFire will join representatives from the County's Office of Emergency Services, Sheriff's Office and PG&E to discuss efforts to prevent wildfire and describe how first responders attack fire once it starts. There will be plenty of time for Q&A. So bring your questions!

Count is critical to obtaining funding for schools, safety

On April 2, area leaders kicked off preparations for the 2020 Census, which will take place in April 2020. The federal government conducts the Census every 10 years. The population count provides the basis for distribution of $675 billion in federal funds to communities across the U.S., including Santa Cruz County, for schools, fire departments and hospitals, among other services. For that reason and others, including determining the number of seats our state will receive in the U.S. House of Representatives, it is critically important that everyone be counted. To be clear, the Census does not ask for Social Security numbers and bank or credit card numbers, and it does not solicit donations or support a particular political party. For the first time, the Census Bureau, however, will accept responses online this year, making it easier than ever to participate. Learn more here.