More news about the Santa Cruz County District 5

Looking back at what we accomplished in 2015, I want you to know that it has been a huge honor to serve on the Board of Supervisors over the last three years. I know that we’ve accomplished many significant things together. Going forward into 2016, there is still much work to do.
I continue to invite you to work with me during the coming year. We have many challenges before us, but together we can make the improvements that will further enhance our environment and make it even more wonderful to live here.
 
San Lorenzo Valley Traffic Update
 
On the plus side, downtown Boulder Creek had new street lights installed this year. On the minus side, traffic on Graham Hill, Mount Hermon, and Highway 9 was terrible last summer. Caltrans, the San Lorenzo Valley Water District, and PG&E were completing infrastructure projects at the same time, projects that – as beneficial as they are for the community – caused daily frustration for drivers. I am working to avoid any more “perfect storms” of traffic projects in the future.
A master needs analysis plan is being developed for the Highway 9 corridor through San LorenzoValley. If approved for funding next spring, the plan will evaluate pedestrian, bicycle, transit, and automobile needs between Felton and Boulder Creek. This will make San LorenzoValley infrastructure projects more competitive for funding.
Community Energy Choices Ahead
The Monterey Bay Community Power project that includes all 21 Counties and Cities in the region will reach a significant milestone by year’s end. A feasibility study will be completed which will allow us to consider assuming responsibility for providing electrical power to customers in partnership with PG&E. The CountyBoard of Supervisors should be considering results of the study by early spring. For more information, please visit the project website – montererybaycca.org – or call my office which is leading the regional effort.
 
Working to Quiet the Sky
 
The Federal Aviation Administration has responded to the noise impact complaints of the new NextGen flight paths with a work plan intended to demonstrate how seriously they are taking our local cry for relief. The FAA has agreed to investigate mitigations suggested by the local advocacy group, Save Our Skies, but has also made it clear that any adjustments would need to be tested before implementation, which takes a minimum of six months.
In the near term, the FAA will investigate violations regarding flight altitudes, noise associated with jet breaking, and other so-called Class B airspace regulations which could be addressed in a much shorter timeframe.
Many of us feel that the plan simply does not go far enough in addressing the impacts. Senators John McCain and Jeff Flake of Arizona have introduced federal legislation that establishes an FAA process to mitigate noise impacts from recent flight path changes and would allow local airports and communities to be involved in future flight path decisions. The Senate is slated to vote on this legislation shortly.
 
Making Chronic Offenders Accountable
 
Congratulations to the Bob Lee Community Partnership for Accountability, Connection and Treatment, a collaboration of the County and City of Santa Cruz for receiving the California State Association of Counties 2015 “Challenge Award.”
In the first year of the program, arrests and citations rates for PACT-intervened clients dropped by 70 percent, and ambulance rides to the hospital emergency room dropped by 80 percent. In 2016, the PACT program will be expanded to other hot spots, possibly Felton and GrantsPark, where chronic offenders impact public safety and social services.
I look forward to 2016 and to your continuing support. I am honored to work on your behalf.
Bruce McPherson is the Santa Cruz County Fifth District Supervisor