Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Santa Cruz County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
5 issues in public safety with high priority
Pre-winter flood risk reduction executive order request
A potentially record-strong El Niño is forecast; the county detailed road, levee, alert-system, and resiliency-center preparations, and will bring back a resiliency center activation policy before year's end.
Severe weather shelter activation criteria
Supervisors De Serpa and Cummings will lead an ad hoc subcommittee reviewing the county's severe weather shelter activation policies after numerous resident complaints.
Sexually violent predator placement opposition
The Board is formally opposing the state's proposed placement of convicted sexually violent predator Michael Cheek near Soquel-San Jose Road — the fifth such placement attempt in the county. Koenig urged legislators to change state law on placements.
Behavioral health — Hope Forward and the strategic plan
Advocates asked the Board to pull item 33 so three parenting programs — not just one — are included in the county's behavioral health plan. Supervisors asked the health director to look at adding culturally responsive programs in Spanish and Mixteco.
Probation staffing and service reductions from expiring grants
Probation is losing 3 positions and cutting funding for diversion, reentry and treatment coordination as Prop 47 and Title II grants end — even as Prop 36 increases caseloads. That could mean less support for people coming out of custody.