Supervisor Felipe Hernandez Update—Marching Towards a Cleaner Future

Supervisors Update: Marching Towards a Cleaner Future

By: Felipe Hernandez

As we stride into March, the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors is delighted to unveil plans for the inaugural “Santa Cruz County Cleanup Day,” an initiative aimed at enhancing the beauty and cleanliness of our cherished county. This month’s update also includes crucial information on the Young Supervisors Academy’s second cohort, offering young leaders a distinctive opportunity to engage with their community, low-cost internet, and feedback on our newest county park. Let’s delve deeper into these developments and more in this month’s Supervisor’s Update.

Annual Cleanup Day!

The Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors is proud to pioneer the inaugural “Santa Cruz County Cleanup Day,” scheduled for May 11 this year. The Board has endorsed the resolution to designate the second Saturday in May, as an annual clean-up day to enhance local beaches, wetlands, riparian corridors, parks, and other open spaces. Various clean-up activities are being organized in and around Watsonville for Saturday, May 11, 2024. For more details, visit the Pitch-In Santa Cruz County website: www.pitchinsantacruz.org. This initiative, spearheaded by the Trash Talkers led by Sally Christine Rodgers-Repass, it is a coalition of farmers, nonprofits, local businesses, state and government entities, and elected officials that are united in their goal to make Santa Cruz County the cleanest in California. The Cities of Watsonville, Capitola, Santa Cruz and Scotts Valley have all joined the effort. 

The County is backing this effort by allocating a portion of Measure C single-use cup funds toward public clean-up events in unincorporated Santa Cruz County, providing a disposal site fee waiver voucher. Participants must reach out to Kasey Kolassa by May 1, 2024, to request a voucher at: [email protected]] or fill out the online form a:  www.pitchinsantacruz.org. Please note that fees cannot be waived for private property cleanups.

Young Supervisors Academy

The Young Supervisors Academy (YSA) will kick off its second cohort this year and is currently accepting applications. Through YSA, participants will delve into community participation, civic engagement, leadership development, County government operations, and network with other young individuals in the district. YSA sessions will commence the first week of July, meeting every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. To be eligible, you must be a junior or senior in high school or in your first year of college and reside in the Pajaro Valley. Apply at: tinyurl.com/2024YSA.

New County Park Feedback!

We are actively gathering survey responses for preferred temporary amenities at the new south county park off Whiting Road. Share your feedback at: tinyurl.com/whitingpark.

Low-Cost Internet!

Internet Service Providers offer discounted home Internet plans. You may qualify for low-cost home Internet if you are participating in an assistance program such as CalFresh, Lifeline, Medi-Cal or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), NSLP (Free or Reduced School Lunch Program), Pell Grant, Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefits, or if your household income is at or below a certain threshold. Call today for enrollment assistance at 888-496-7341.

Office Hours

Open office hours will be held every second Friday of the month at my office located at 150 Westridge Dr. in Watsonville from 2–4pm. Walk-ins are welcome, appointments are unnecessary, and residents can address any issues they have.

Supervisor’s Update is a recurring column from Santa Cruz County Supervisor Felipe Hernandez’s Office