By Manu Koenig, First District Supervisor
UPDATE: The date the board will be voting on the 2021 Live Oak Parking Program previously announced was incorrect. The vote will take place at the April 13 board of supervisors meeting.
Looking back at the last month, we’ve made enormous strides in COVID vaccinations, responded to lots of questions and suggestions about Live Oak Parking Program changes, and welcomed the opening of the Heart of Soquel Parkway.
Manu Koenig
In the next month, we are looking forward to making progress on initiatives for pre-approved ADU plans and managed community villages to end homelessness. As always, I welcome your feedback on these and other issues. Here are a few highlights from the last month in the First District office:
COVID-19 Updates
Santa Cruz County has made great progress in vaccinating our community, and now ranks 2nd for California counties with populations of 250,000 or above. According to data compiled by the state, Santa Cruz County has given more than 71,000 doses of the vaccine, and has vaccinated over half of residents ages 65 and older.
Eligibility for vaccinations has been extended to certain occupational groups, and the majority of teachers, and all law enforcement officers, fire, and first responders have been given access to the vaccine. The County is expecting more vaccines coming soon from Johnson & Johnson, and on March 15, vaccines are expected to be available to persons aged 16-64 with certain medical conditions.
Santa Cruz County is still currently in the Purple “widespread” tier, but we expect to go to the Red tier in 2-3 weeks, at which point gyms and indoor dining can reopen.
For more information, including a description of the tiers, visit the County’s Vaccine Page.
Live Oak Parking
The current Live Oak Parking Program faces problems. It is underserving residents in impacted neighborhoods, running in the red, and potentially in violation of the California Coastal Act.
Over the last month I hosted two public meetings with Public Works Director Matt Machado and his team to answer community questions and take suggestions on potential changes.
The 2021 Live Oak Parking Program program will be voted on by the Board of Supervisors at our April 13 meeting. If you have feedback on the program please email my office at [email protected]
Heart of Soquel Parkway
This month we were excited to open the new Heart of Soquel Parkway. I welcome you to enjoy it! We extend a huge thank you to everyone who made the new Soquel Parkway a reality.
This is just the beginning of many more improvements for biking and walking in our community. At the last RTC meeting, I requested that staff study a trail-only solution that’s not impeded by the rail. My office is also working on pop-up bike lane projects throughout the First District.
Housing Initiatives
Throughout the campaign, I heard from voters that creating more affordable housing options is a high priority. At the Board of Supervisors meeting on Jan. 26, I introduced an item I authored to legalize moveable tiny homes as housing.
We expect to hear from the Planning Department on next steps for a process and timeline for creating such an ordinance and conducting public outreach on the topic at our next Board meeting on March 9.
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Our next focus will be an initiative to bring pre-approved ADU plans to the County website. Other jurisdictions, including the City of Capitola, are considering similar proposals. Pre-approved plans would make building and permitting an ADU quicker, easier, and more affordable.
Our office welcomes your feedback on these and other important issues. I will host constituent meetings from 6 – 7 p.m. on Monday evenings prior to Tuesday Board meetings as an opportunity to provide feedback on any and all agenda items; links are available on my Board of Supervisors page on the County website. Other upcoming meetings include:
- Constituent Meeting, Monday, March 8, 6-7pm
- Board Meeting, Tuesday, March 9, 9am
- Summit Meeting, Wednesday, March 17, 5-6pm
- Constituent Meeting, Monday March 22, 6-7pm
- Board Meeting, Tuesday, March 23, 9 am
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Manu Koenig is county supervisor representing the First District, Live Oak, Soquel and the Summit. manukoenig.com