Supervisor meetings move to online only

Last meeting of the year focuses on the theme of change

SANTA CRUZ >> The final Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors meeting of 2020 brought many changes that address the needs of the community in 2021, including but not limited to the institution of online board meetings and the appointment of a new county clerk.

But the changes, such as the impending regional stay-at-home order introduced by Gov. Gavin Newsom last week, were fought tooth and nail by attendees during public comment periods. For nearly two hours before any votes were called, those frustrated with the regulations set by county and state health officials to try to mitigate the effects of the novel coronavirus complained of the possibility of business and other closures and purely virtual meetings.

“Our community is being destroyed by your actions, shame on you!” one speaker yelled into the microphone as people cheered in the hallway behind her, positioned in a way that made social distancing impossible. “You are all personally liable for what you are doing… you will all be held responsible.”

More than a dozen individuals, many of whom did not give their names or cities of residence, came to represent the “New California” movement, a call for a 51st state to break off of California and its alleged tyrannous leadership. Those referencing and wearing New California memorabilia listed concerns around the legitimacy of masks, COVID-19 testing and future vaccinations.

“There’s a great danger in the direction mandates are heading,” another speaker said, citing a belief that “quarantine camps” in New Zealand exist where people are allegedly being held against their will until they test positive for COVID-19. “Social distancing, lockdown and masks are not legitimate health measures. Please do your homework.”

New Zealand’s oldest newspaper, Otago Daily Times, debunked the belief in October after it was exposed as a myth spread by Fox News host Laura Ingraham. Ingraham had pulled old, out of context footage of Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern to support her claim.

Meanwhile, the board moved on to honor Supervisor John Leopold at his last meeting and take on the issues criticized by public speakers.

“If all we do is try to stop those policies and developments which represent some kind of change, we can guarantee that we will be successful in doing nothing,” the longtime elected official said in his farewell remarks. “While that might seem romantic, that we can keep everything the way it is, it’s unrealistic to meeting the needs of the community.”

‘Zoom’ on

The board approved the request to conduct all meetings only virtually beginning in January and directed staff to return in March for a review of the policy as a part of a sweeping vote to pass the consent agenda. This and future related actions were suggested by County Administrative Officer Carlos J. Palacios.

Since March, the board has conducted its meetings in a hybrid format, with Supervisors Greg Caput and Leopold attending in person and Supervisors Bruce McPherson, Zach Friend and Ryan Coonerty attending through Zoom.

“Due to the current surge in positive COVID cases in both the state and

the county, it is being recommended that all in-person participation at Board of Supervisor meetings be suspended for the near future,” Palacios wrote in his staff report. “Protecting the health and safety of our community is a primary priority and in-person meetings increase the potential for disease transmission.”

Though the board agreed with Palacios, not all of the public attendees felt the same way.

“How will people without internet access participate in local government?” Becky Steinbruner, a rural Aptos resident, asked the board. “How will people who cannot go to a public library because they’re all closed participate in local government? There must be an alternative that works for everyone.”

County clerk appointment

Outgoing County Clerk Gail Pellerin’s right-hand woman, Assistant County Clerk Tricia Webber, was appointed to replace Pellerin beginning in 2021 just after the 28-year public servant was recognized for her work that the supervisors felt had transformed the office of the County Clerk. Surely, the County Clerk’s main role is to run elections but with a vigor that extended into functions like weddings. Pellerin did all she could to keep those functions alive during the pandemic, moving ceremonies outdoors with the help of other county staff.

“I pulled this item not because I object to it, I stand strongly in support,” Leopold said of Webber’s appointment and the agenda item that made it possible. “As an office that is chosen by the people normally, I felt it was important we put this on

the regular agenda so that people know about the great work that Tricia has done and will continue to do.”

McPherson said that he felt no one was more qualified or better suited than Webber to try to fill Pellerin’s shoes. Those shoes were big and sturdy, Pellerin’s own daughter Emily pointed out during a tribute to her mother, as she had broken ceilings for women and election officials as a whole.

“They say it takes a village to run an election, I know that’s a true statement,” Webber said in a prepared remarks as she looked up at the board members present through reflective plexiglass. “I am so honored and blessed that my village includes all of you.”

Webber has served the county through its Elections Department for 22 years.