The rate increase proposed for SLV Water District customers is not only justified; it is necessary. Concern for low-income residents is shared not only by those opposed to the increase, but also by every SLV Water District Board Member, and every employee. They have been diligent and careful in their evaluation of the district’s needs for long-term efficiency, centralizing district operations, dealing with the threat of long-term drought years and possible emergencies, and maintaining a quality supply of water in sufficient quantity to meet our current and future needs.

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The excessive rate increase proposed by SLV Water District has taken on a whole new spin within the recently sent public notifications. Hiring a new and expensive PR firm will do that. The $6 million administrative campus, after 8 years in planning and $3 million already spent outside of rate-payer oversight, has suddenly become a facilities consolidation project. But they didn’t tell you the price tag has jumped to $9 million, did they?

Until it happens to your town, this sort of news seems like another distant struggle. When we — residents of Boulder Creek — discovered that a 50-foot cell tower had been proposed smack in the heart of their historic downtown, we were shattered. We are currently in a battle with Verizon over the location of a proposed cell tower. We are asking the county of Santa Cruz to uphold the county code and deny this application. The third hearing is set for 9 a.m. Friday, Sept. 20 at the county building, 701 Ocean Street, 5th floor in Santa Cruz.