Board honors Pajaro long-term recovery leadership graduates

The Monterey County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday adopted a ceremonial resolution recognizing graduates of a community leadership training program formed in response to recent flooding in Pajaro.

Supervisor Church read the resolution, saying the program was created by the Community Action Board (CAB) with grant support from the Community Foundation for Monterey County and in partnership with a local group identified in the hearing as Casa de la Couture. The program, Church said, provided leadership development and capacity-building training to residents affected by the floods.

"This is a resolution to honor the 2025 graduates of the [Pajaro] program," Supervisor Church said, noting 18 residents completed training in advocacy, public speaking, equity and climate justice and that graduates had identified priority local issues including housing and community safety.

Sister Rosa, representing the local group named in the presentation, and other community members addressed the board, describing the program as a turning point for Pajaro's residents who were working to rebuild after disaster and advocating for continued engagement and visibility.

The board approved the ceremonial resolution on a motion by Supervisor Church, seconded by Supervisor Alejo; members voted in favor by voice and the measure carried.

Following the vote, supervisors and graduates gathered at the dais for a presentation and photographs.