I have a few time-sensitive issues I want to keep the community aware of as we begin 2026. King Tides - Jan. 2-3, 2026, BESS Proposed Ordinance, and reminders about voicing your concerns around off-shore oil drilling and upcoming office hours.
Warmly, |
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Kimberly De Serpa
Second District Supervisor
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Seasonal king tides and heavy rain/winds are expected in Santa Cruz County starting Wednesday morning (12/31/25) through Saturday (1/3/26) and may cause flooding in low-lying areas. These extremely high tides can flood roadways even without rain, but impacts increase significantly when storms coincide with elevated tides. The National Weather Service has issued a Coastal Flood Advisory during this window.
Predicted king tide dates in Santa Cruz,
according to the Santa Cruz tide gauge (chart)
• Weds Dec 31, 2025 – peak tide @ 6:41 a.m. (6.4 feet)
• Thurs Jan 1, 2026 - peak tide @ 7:29 a.m. (6.6 feet)
• Fri Jan 2, 2026 - peak tide @ 8.20 a.m. (6.7 feet)
• Sat Jan 3, 2026 - peak tide @ 9:11 a.m. (6.7 feet)
NOAA Tidal Predictions - 9413745 Santa Cruz, Monterey Bay, CA
What Are King Tides? The highest tides of the year,
caused by gravitational alignment of the sun and moon.
Learn more (NOAA) |
Strong winds are anticipated this Friday (1/2/26) that may deliver a second round of power outages to our community. In the event of widespread power outages, the County may open “Resilience Centers” from 10am – 4pm at one or more of the following community rooms at the public library locations where residents can get warm and charge devices:
• Boulder Creek Library
• Felton Library
• Scotts Valley Library
• Aptos Library
Stay Informed & Prepared
• Check Cruz511 for traffic and transit updates.
• Visit the County OR3 website for local emergency resources.
• Sign up for CruzAware notifications and verify your contact details.
• View nearly real-time rainfall data at Santa Cruz County’s OneRain webpage.
• Follow @countyofsantacruz and @santacruzcountycdi on Facebook, Twitter/X and Instagram for storm updates.
• Sand and sandbags are available at the following locations.
• During storm events, always call 911 for emergencies; for non-emergency road impacts report to Santa Cruz County 24/7 Public Works Dispatch at (831)477-3999. |
The County of Santa Cruz has released an updated draft ordinance regulating the siting and development of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and is inviting public review ahead of Board of Supervisors consideration at the January 13, 2026 meeting.
The proposed ordinance is designed to maintain local control over the siting, design, and operation of BESS facilities, with the goals of maximizing public safety, enhancing environmental protection, and ensuring compatibility with surrounding communities. The updated draft reflects suggested additions based on feedback from Board members and members of the public during the November 18, 2025 Board meeting.
To read the updated draft ordinance, please visit:
https://cdi.santacruzcountyca.gov/UPC/GetInvolved/MajorProjectApplications/BatteryEnergyStorageSystemsOrdinance.aspx
This local ordinance seeks to balance the need for renewable energy storage infrastructure—critical to meeting the County’s clean energy goals, improving grid resiliency, reducing blackouts, and addressing climate change—with the County’s commitment to public safety, thoughtful land use planning, and environmental stewardship. The draft represents the culmination of more than a year of careful planning and consideration.
Before final adoption, the ordinance will undergo environmental review and be considered by the Board of Supervisors as well as several advisory bodies, including the Planning Commission, providing multiple opportunities for public input. |
Our coastline and marine environment remain under real threat from offshore oil and gas drilling proposals, and this is a critical moment to make our voices heard. I have joined Supervisor Justin Cummings and his office in actively lobbying and fighting to protect Monterey Bay from offshore drilling, but public input is essential to this effort.
Public comments on offshore oil and gas drilling are open only until January 23, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. EST. This is a firm deadline, and every comment matters. Strong public opposition helps demonstrate that our community will not accept new drilling that puts our coast, wildlife, and local economy at risk.
Please take a few minutes today to submit a comment and help protect our coast for future generations. You can share your thoughts at:
www.SaveMyCoast.org. |
January 29, 6:00 pm Aptos Library, Betty Leonard Community Room, Aptos
District 2 Strategic Plan Town Hall
Thursday, February 26, 6:30 pm
Aptos Library, Betty Leonard Community Room |
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