U.S. Rep. Jimmy Panetta joined local officials in Scotts Valley on April 1 to announce $682,000 in federal funding for a public safety communications upgrade for the city’s police department.
Panetta appeared alongside Mayor Donna Lind, Police Chief Jayson Rutherford, Chamber of Commerce President Victor Alejandro and other representatives to unveil the funding, which will go toward a new dual analog-digital encrypted radio system for the Scotts Valley Police Department.
City officials said the investment will improve coordination among first responders and enhance public safety during emergencies.
“Although Scotts Valley’s first responders do a tremendous job keeping our community safe, the city’s outdated communication system can limit their ability,” Panetta said. “By investing in updated, state-of-the-art radio equipment, our emergency responders will have the tools that they need to protect and serve our families. I’m proud to secure this federal funding for this local project and ensure that the federal government uses the power of the purse to enhance our public safety.”
Lind said the upgrade will help maintain the city’s strong safety record.
“As mayor, I’m proud that Scotts Valley has consistently been ranked one of the safest communities in California. Our police officers and dispatchers work tirelessly every day to keep it that way. Having the latest communication equipment is critical to keeping them safe and our community safe,” Lind said. “We are so grateful to Congressman Panetta for securing this funding to ensure our Police Department can continue to protect our community.”
Chief Rutherford said the funding will allow the department to replace outdated systems that do not meet current requirements.
“On behalf of the Scotts Valley Police Department, we are excited to receive this Community Project Funding to replace our outdated and non-compliant dispatch systems. Our current radio system does not meet State and Federal mandates, but with this funding, we will be able to provide the most up to date equipment for our dispatch center,” Rutherford said. “Our officers will have better radio coverage, thereby increasing officer safety. The new equipment will also provide for better radio communication with our allied agencies, which is imperative when responding and managing critical incidents. I want to thank Congressman Panetta for recognizing the importance of having reliable, intraoperative radio systems and prioritizing this critical equipment for first responders.”
The project will replace an aging analog system with a dual analog-digital encrypted P25 radio system, improving interoperability with federal, state and local agencies, particularly during emergencies.
Panetta secured the funding as part of the fiscal year 2026 appropriations process. In total, he obtained $5.92 million in community project funding for Santa Cruz County projects and more than $15 million for 14 projects across California’s 19th Congressional District.
