County chooses planning director

Kathy Previsich was named Santa Cruz County’s next planning director this week.
Previsich, 50, will replace Tom Burns, who retired in December. She will take over the post March 1. The salary range for the planning director is between $145,000 and $195,000 per year.
With nearly 20 years of experience in California planning organizations, Previsich has worked as Morgan Hill’s community development director. She also spent nine years in Capitola with the same title.
The Santa Cruz resident said she plans to streamline the permit process and will take the opportunity to clarify any needlessly complex rules.
“I will be taking a look at development regulations to make sure there is consistency and efficiency,” Previsich said.
She said she is already getting ready for her new post.
“I know there will be some challenges in preparing the budget for the upcoming year with the difficult economy,” she said. “I will be listening a lot to what the stakeholders in the community have to say.”