"As long-time elected representatives for the northernmost and southernmost reaches of Santa Cruz County, we believe the community conversation over the Rail Trail should be thoughtful, respectful, and inclusive," writes Bruce McPherson and Eduardo Montesino in a Guest Commentary. "We have sought to model those ideals both through our respective roles within county and city government and as members of the countywide Regional Transportation Commission."
"We've heard a lot of concern from the community, people who are frankly terrified at the idea of these lines going away and rightfully so," said 1st District Supervisor Manu Koenig who co-sponsored the resolution alongside 2nd District Supervisor Zach Friend.
The annual Downtown Holiday Parade featured 74 different groups, bands and performers of all types and brought thousands of Santa Cruz County residents and visitors from around the Bay Area.
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."
"After a very dynamic and fulfilling 34 years in transportation planning, programming, engineering and project delivery, I have decided on Dec. 1 I will pack up my empty coffee thermos, jump on my bike and ride home from (the) RTC office for the last time," said Executive Director Guy Preston.