Summary: Tuesday, October 28, 2014 The Santa Cruz City Council is meeting this afternoon and evening, and there are a couple of items that may be of interest, particularly if you happen to live in or have a business in the City of Santa Cruz, or if you get your water service from the City. During the afternoon session that begins at 2:00 p.m., the Council will decide whether or not to join the so-called “Basin Implementation Group,” or BIG, currently comprised of representatives of the Soquel Creek Water District and the Central Water District. The City and the County have both been officially invited to join. The BIG is a collaborative effort, involving agencies that produce groundwater from the Soquel-Aptos Groundwater Management Area. The City of Santa Cruz does get a small amount of its water supply from that area, which is one reason for the City to join. In addition, this kind of collaboration could lead to cooperative efforts to deal with long-term water supply issues affecting all of North and Mid-County. Finally, the new state laws relating to groundwater management make clear that if local efforts don’t produce an acceptable plan for groundwater management, the state may come in and take control. Water issues are key to our community’s future. This is an important proposal. At 7:00 p.m., the Council is going to talk about the future of the Municipal Wharf. Some major changes are being contemplated. If you care, you should get involved now! More Information: Land Use Links Gary Patton’s Two Worlds Blog City Council Agenda, October 29, 2014 Agenda Item #18 – Regional Groundwater Initiatives Agenda Item #2 (7:00 p.m. session) – Wharf Master Plan
