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Board debates renaming Watsonville low‑barrier navigation center; vote later challenged on legal grounds
Summary
Monterey County supervisors on Oct. 8 debated whether to rename a low‑barrier navigation center in Watsonville that county grant materials had labeled "RDF," with supervisors proposing bilingual options while residents and partners urged preserving the name they said encampment residents chose.
Monterey County supervisors on Oct. 8 engaged in a lengthy public debate over whether to rename a low‑barrier navigation center under construction in Watsonville. The project, developed with Santa Cruz County, a church site and community partners, had been identified in grant application materials by an acronym the county refers to in files as “RDF.”
Supervisor Alejo introduced a referral that sought a name change prior to the site’s opening, proposing alternatives including Casitas de Esperanza (Spanish) and Hope Village (an English name with the acronym “HOPE” suggested as “Housing, Opportunity, Programs and Employment”). Alejo said a different name would be easier to pronounce, convey mission and help build community support and fundraising.
Support and opposition: Several elected officials from Watsonville and Santa Cruz—Mayor Maria Orozco, Santa Cruz CEO Carlos Palacios and Watsonville council members—told Alejo they supported a name change. Several members of the public and project partners argued against…
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