We are almost in the middle of the year and so much has already happened. Parts of the District are still recovering from the floods, construction has begun for the College Lake Water Supply Project, we are seeking community input for the County Housing Element, creating opportunities for young people to get involved in the community and increase civic participation, and bringing veteran services to South County.
Orchard Park Cash Mob
Join us the weekend of June 2-4 as we come together to support the businesses around the College and Holohan Road area who have flooded multiple times and help them get back on their feet. During the Cash Mob, we encourage you to bring your wallet and at least $50 or more to spend at the flood-affected businesses during that weekend. Every little bit helps to keep our local businesses going and make a positive impact on our economy. By working together, we can make a significant difference in the lives of those who have been affected by the floods.
College Lake Area Sandbag Clean Up
People and businesses are continuing to rebuild and clean up the areas around College Lake. Thank you to all the volunteers who came out to pick up sandbags. Many residents held on to their sandbags being cautious after the first storms and we finally picked them up. Thank you to all the community volunteers and to all the Latter Day Saints volunteers who came out to pick up sandbags.
College Lake Water Supply Project
Construction on the College Lake Water Supply Project, which will help achieve sustainable water resources within the Pajaro Valley, is underway. The contractor has prepared the site located at 76 Holohan Road for the future water treatment facility. The contractor, Mountain Cascade Inc. of Livermore, began confirming the locations of underground utilities the evening of May 22. To reduce traffic impacts, the County of Santa Cruz is requiring work within Holohan Road to occur between 9pm and 6am.
Housing Element
Santa Cruz County is seeking input from community members for our next Housing Element portion of our General Plan. Every eight years, the State requires local communities to update their Housing Element to ensure the supply of adequate housing to meet community needs. The existing Housing Element cycle is ending and a new 2023 Housing Element is currently being drafted for the 2023-2031 planning period. The community input public meeting in Watsonville will be held on Wednesday, June 28 at the Watsonville Civic Plaza, Fourth Floor Community Room, 275 Main St., from 5:30–7pm.
Young Supervisors Academy
Young Supervisors Academy is open and accepting applications. Through the Young Supervisors Academy, participants will learn about community participation, civic engagement, develop their leadership skills, learn how County government works and meet other young people in the District. To qualify, you must be a junior or senior in high school or in your first year of college and live in District 4. Go to tinyurl.com/YoungSupervisors2023D4 to apply. The Young Supervisors Academy will begin the first week of July.
Veterans Service Day
There will be a Veterans Service Day at the Veterans Memorial Building, 215 E. Beach St. in Watsonville, on Saturday, June 10 from 10am–2pm. Services and benefits will be available for those who served in the US Military, regardless of combat or peace time duty, period served, branch or ERA. Dependents and family members are also welcome!
There will be a Veterans Affairs benefits enrollment and rate increase workshop as well.
The following services will be on site: Veterans Affairs Medical staff, housing assistance and vouchers, employment and vocational training, legal aid for record clearance, arrests and citations, veteran service counselors as well as support staff helping with educational benefits. Please bring proof of military service such as an ID card or DD214. For more information, email [email protected] or text 345.6465.
Supervisor’s Update is a recurring column from Santa Cruz County Supervisor Felipe Hernandez’s Office.
