Resolution on Protections for LGBTQ+ and Women
Amid the enactment of harmful federal policies and proposals, I brought forward a request to reaffirm the County’s commitment to protect women and LGBTQ+ individuals, and to direct the County Administrative Officer (CAO) to propose solutions to ensure that these community members continue to be served. At the January 28th meeting, the Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to approve this resolution, which authorizes calling a special meeting of the Board if swift responsive action is needed.
Specifically, the Board-approved resolution directs the CAO “to work with County departments and community partners to identify opportunities and resources to ensure LGBTQ+ individuals and women continued access to the services they need to lead healthy, happy lives, free of fear of retaliation or discrimination” and to identify any state or federal policies that would interfere or jeopardize related funding.
The Board’s action comes as the President has issued executive orders targeting members of the transgender, non-binary, and immigrant communities, and has sought to defund diversity education and training programs.
The County has established a webpage dedicated to providing information and resources for communities directly impacted by recent federal policy actions and statements.
Battery Storage Fire
Also on January 28th, the Board of Supervisors received a report from our County staff, representatives of Monterey County, and Vistra Corp., which is the company that operates the battery storage operation that caught on fire on January 16th. After receiving details about the response and recovery efforts underway, our Board unanimously voted to request an independent investigation by the California Public Utilities Commission and an evaluation of similar storage projects in the state.
Measure Q Advisory Board
The Board also discussed and approved a process for appointing members of the new Citizens Oversight Advisory Board (COAB) related to the Water, Wildfire, and Wildlife Protection Act, which County voters passed as "Measure Q" last November. Although the formation of the COAB is limited by the language in the Act, I recommended an appointment process designed to result in a more well-balanced oversight board. To do this, each member of the Board will nominate up to three candidates to be shared at the March 11th Board of Supervisors meeting. With the benefit of knowing who else might be on the COAB, Supervisors will then choose one of their nominees and submit their final appointments for approval at the March 25th meeting.
Would you be a good COAB member? To review the qualifications and apply, visit the County’s Measure Q page by February 24.
The Water, Wildfire, and Wildlife Protection Act levies a countywide parcel tax of $87 per year, and is anticipated to raise $7 million annually for natural resource-related projects. In addition to the five seats appointed by the Board of Supervisors, the cities of Santa Cruz, Capitola, Scotts Valley, and Watsonville will each appoint one member to the advisory board, which will take public input on a vision plan and eventual projects.