Press Release: Sen. Laird, Asm. Pellerin, Community Leaders Launch Campaign for the Santa Cruz County Water and Wildfire Protection Act
November ballot measure focuses on natural water source protection, wildfire risk reduction, health of Monterey Bay and improvement of parks
CORCORAN LAGOON, SANTA CRUZ COUNTY, Calif. — Climate change resilience was a core theme for attendees at today’s campaign launch of the Water and Wildfire Protection Act, which will be on the November ballot. The event, held at Corcoran Lagoon in Live Oak, showcased support from Senator John Laird, Assemblymembers Gail Pellerin and Dawn Addis, Santa Cruz Mayor Fred Keeley, Watsonville City Councilmember Eduardo Montesino and community leaders from throughout Santa Cruz County.
The Water and Wildfire Protection Act will make essential investments to protect natural water sources, reduce wildfire risks and improve parks and natural areas, as well as protect and enhance the health of the Monterey Bay and our beaches, forests and wildlife habitats.
"Flooding, fires and other threats from climate change are real. We've seen the impacts in the Pajaro Valley, as well as throughout Santa Cruz County. We have to do more now and for future generations to become climate change resilient," said Supervisor Felipe Hernandez. "The Water and Wildfire Protection Act invests in our communities, in our natural habitats and in our future. I'm proud to support this measure.”
"Santa Cruz County redwoods, watersheds and communities are facing unprecedented challenges—especially climate change. With this measure voters can unite and take action against climate change by investing in water and wildfire protections we know will make a difference," said Sara Barth, Sempervirens Fund Executive Director. "Sempervirens is proud to help lead the effort to pass this essential ballot measure in Santa Cruz County."
“The CZU Lightning Complex Fire and the Pajaro River flood were not just catastrophic and heartbreaking for our community, they also served as a wake-up call,” said Sarah Newkirk, Executive Director of Land Trust of Santa Cruz County. “I’m excited about the coalition that has come together to support this measure because, for the first time, we have the opportunity to take collective action to stand up to climate change in Santa Cruz County.”
Support Grows for the Water and Wildfire Protection Act
Led by Land Trust of Santa Cruz County, Sempervirens Fund and Peninsula Open Space Trust, the measure has earned the endorsement of numerous local organizations, including: Save Our Shores, Fire Safe Council of Santa Cruz County, Coastal Watershed Council, Watsonville Wetlands Watch, Save the Redwoods League, Regeneración - Pajaro Valley Climate Action, County Park Friends, Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks, Friends of Watsonville Parks & Community Services, Resource Conservation District of Santa Cruz County, Santa Cruz County Farm Bureau, Santa Cruz Mountains Trail Stewardship and Mid County Democratic Club.
A full list of endorsements, including dozens of elected officials and community leaders, is available at www.sccforwaterandwildfireprotection.org/endorsements.
Learn more about the Water and Wildfire Protection Act at www.SCCforWaterandWildfireProtection.org or via Facebook and Instagram.
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