Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Santa Cruz County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
7 issues in environment
Measure Q environmental and parks funding
Voter-approved Measure Q dollars — about $8.9 million next year — fund water protection, wildfire risk reduction, parks, and habitat preservation, split between county grants, cities, unincorporated areas, and land partners.
Bag reduction ordinance alignment with state law
The county's 2011 bag ordinance is being updated to match SB 1053, which bans single-use film plastic bags at checkout and raises recycled paper content requirements starting in 2028.
Moran Lake monarch habitat and neighborhood tree safety
The county adopted a plan to manage the Moran Lake eucalyptus grove for monarch butterflies while reducing hazard trees near homes. Neighbors on Placer Street pressed for faster, lower trimming before an El Niño winter; staff said funding discussions come August 25.
Oil and gas / deep-sea mining ballot measure
The Board reaffirmed opposition to a petition that would ban recreational fishing at Pleasure Point and Santa Cruz-area MPAs, aligning with the Department of Fish and Wildlife's recommendation to reject it.
Zone 7 Flood Control District Budget and Pajaro Transfers
The Zone 7 board approved a $3.16 million budget that sends 96 percent of assessment revenue (about $2 million) to the Pajaro flood management agency. A caller demanded audits and a nexus study to make sure the money actually prevents a repeat of the 2023 Pajaro flooding.
SB 1250 wildlife connectivity and AB 2494 state forests
The board backed SB 1250 to build wildlife crossings into highway planning (building on the Highway 17 undercrossing success), while the AB 2494 opposition letter was pulled from the agenda — though Supervisor De Serpa said she'll send her own letter defending the Soquel Demonstration State Forest.
Climate Resilience Project Inventory
Supervisors urged proactive planning for sea-level rise, flooding, wildfire, and erosion — including reconsidering downtown Santa Cruz's flood exposure and possibly focusing growth in mid-county on higher ground.