Members of the public wait their turn Tuesday during the public comment section of the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors session at the County Government Center.
New to this cycle is the Affirmatively Further Fair Housing state law requiring jurisdictions to take "meaningful actions, in addition to combating discrimination, that overcome patterns of segregation and fosters inclusive communities free from barriers that restrict access to opportunity."
In a nod to recent policy leadership here locally, Santa Cruz County Supervisor and Board Chair Zach Friend took a trip to Washington Monday to participate in President Joe Biden's executive order signing ceremony aimed at promoting responsible development of AI tools.
The supervisors unanimously approved, in concept, a new ordinance establishing a $75 stipend per meeting for community members serving on county commissions or committees as compensation for their public service.
"Representing this County has been the nonpareil opportunity of a lifetime.” said Friend in a release. "We are a region blessed with the most caring people, unrivaled natural gifts and unmatched innovation. The privilege of representing our area has been remarkable."