SANTA CRUZ — Community members packed the Santa Cruz City Council Chambers Tuesday evening to say goodbye to two longtime public servants and welcome two newcomers, Susie O’Hara and Gabriela Trigueiro, to the council alongside reelected members Sonja Brunner and Shebreh Kalantari-Johnson.
Before the new and returning public servants were sworn in, outgoing Santa Cruz City Councilmembers Sandy Brown, who was ill and attending the meeting through Zoom — and Martine Watkins, who was absent from both sessions of the City Council meeting Tuesday — were honored with resolutions from state Sen. John Laird and Assemblymember Gail Pellerin, who spoke at the ceremony Tuesday evening.
“It’s my great pleasure to be here to celebrate Sandy Brown and Martine Watkins for your eight years of outstanding public service to our city,” said Pellerin. “Sandy has been a powerhouse when it comes to advocating for affordable housing, renter’s protections, social justice and environmental sustainability. Your passion for services for those currently experiencing homelessness and those at risk of being homeless is just bar none. It is above and beyond.
“Certainly, Martine made history as being our first biracial woman to serve as mayor of Santa Cruz during her first term and then later she served as vice mayor,” added Pellerin. “She has a deep commitment to equity and inclusivity. She has championed policies supporting women, children, youth and families while promoting equity and healthy communities.”
Brown then expressed gratitude to the mayor, councilmembers and city workers in her goodbye address at the meeting, albeit virtually.
“In 2016, I heeded Sen. Bernie Sanders’ call to get involved in local government as really a critical arena to fight for economic, racial, social and environmental justice for all of us, and the voters called my bluff and twice elected me to serve,” said Brown. “It’s been an honor and an experience that has enriched me tremendously. It’s frustrated me too at times, but mostly enriched. And I’m really filled with gratitude for the opportunity to learn how the sausage gets made in local government.
“Finally, I wanted to leave you with a more serious couple of thoughts,” added Brown. “During my eight years on the City Council, average monthly rents have increased by approximately 60% — in eight years. While I’m proud of the city’s commitment to affordable housing and think that we have a terrific team working in this arena, if we’re being honest, we know it’s just a drop in the bucket. We will not build our way out of this problem.”
After speaking to the issues facing unhoused residents in the city and encouraging listeners to “lead with empathy,” Brown was thanked for her service by Santa Cruz Mayor Fred Keeley and the councilmembers.
“You, Sandy Brown, are a pillar of integrity and decency,” said Keeley. “You’re very abundantly clear with the public who you are, what your politics are about and what you are managing toward in public life. And that has been an inspiration to lots of city councilmembers and lots of people in the community, not only those that serve in elected office, but those who served in other capacities. Sandy Brown, I’m going to miss you like crazy on this City Council.”
Although she wasn’t present at the meeting, councilmembers spoke directly to Watkins, who championed the recently passed Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Tax, in hopes that she was watching.
“Martine, you are an inspiration,” said Kalantari-Johnson. “Your deep love and commitment to the children and youth in this community, and the innovative policies that you have not only brought to our community, but you’ve set things in motion for the rest of the state and in some cases the rest of the country, is a true inspiration.”
Santa Cruz City Clerk Bonnie Bush then swore in the new and returning councilmembers who were all given a chance to speak, such as the inaugural District 5 representative O’Hara.
“I plan on focusing every day on how to make our community members’ lives just a little bit better or a lot better if those opportunities present themselves,” said O’Hara. “And I’m sure they will, because we’re Santa Cruz and we tend to push boundaries and try really hard things.”
Following O’Hara, Trigueiro spoke to her intentions as the city’s newly elected District 1 representative.
“I am (here) to foster a culture where every decision reflects shared values and aspirations and I look forward to serving along with these others to challenge norms and push for a more inclusive and more resilient community as I strived for in the past,” said Trigueiro. “As we continue to move forward, I remain committed to shaping a community with transparency, compassion and a commitment to inclusion — true inclusion.”
Brunner, who is transitioning from an at-large councilmember to a representative of the city’s 2nd District, mentioned that she has been working with city staff to learn more about her district.
“I hope to continue to do the best I can do to represent all of you,” said Brunner. “I’m looking forward to the next four years.”
Following remarks from the sworn-in members, Vice Mayor Renee Golder suggested that the role of vice mayor be given to Kalantari-Johnson and the council approved the action unanimously. As she officially handed off her role of vice mayor, Golder seconded the mayor’s unofficial motion to adjourn the meeting for the last time.
To watch the meeting, visit cityofsantacruz.com.
