Dear Friends, 

The decisions we make every day—where we live, how we work, the infrastructure we rely on—shape our well-being. Whether we think about it consciously or not, health is at the center of our lives and our community.

The same should be true in government. Every policy we enact—whether about disaster preparedness, roads, water, housing, or public services—has real consequences for the health and safety of our residents. Yet too often, health is not an explicit part of our decision-making process. We analyze financial and environmental impacts before approving policies, but we don’t always ask: Will this decision improve quality of life? Who will benefit? Who will be left behind?

That needs to change.

On February 25, the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors took an important step by unanimously voting to explore embedding a Health in All Policies framework into our policymaking and strategic planning. I brought this initiative forward because, after a decade in health and human services—and as a mother of two—I have seen firsthand that when we put health at the center of our work, we build stronger and more resilient communities.

The urgency of this approach could not be clearer. Federal policy changes, including cuts to Medicaid, food assistance, and disaster relief, are already straining our community. As we prepare for future wildfires, storms, and infrastructure challenges, we need to ensure that our county policies protect public health and safety at every level.

We’ve already seen the power of this approach in action—whether through efforts to improve evacuation routes, expand behavioral health services, or invest in safer roads. But we can do more. This framework should guide our decisions on housing, emergency preparedness, and economic development—sectors where disparities in access and opportunity are the greatest.

This isn’t about adding bureaucracy or unnecessary costs. It’s about making sure that every policy prioritizes the well-being of our community—so that no matter where you live in the 5th District, you have access to safe roads, reliable emergency services, and a government that works for you.

If we put health and resilience at the center of our decision-making, we can create a stronger, more prepared, and more equitable Santa Cruz County—one where every resident has the opportunity to thrive.

In community, 

Last month, the Board of Supervisors unanimously approved my request to reaffirm the County’s commitment to protecting LGBTQ+ individuals and women in response to harmful federal policies and proposals. As part of that commitment, we directed the County Administrative Officer (CAO) to take action to safeguard the services these communities rely on. Prior to that, in December 2024, the Board also unanimously declared Santa Cruz County a sanctuary county for local immigrant communities.