Monterey County supervisors sworn in; new members pledge focus on housing, services

Kate Daniels, Luis Alejo and Wendy Askew took oaths of office at a public ceremony at the Monterey County Government Center on Tuesday, Jan. 7, formally beginning their terms on the Monterey County Board of Supervisors.

Supervisor Kate Daniels, sworn in as the board member for District 5, thanked supporters and outlined priorities for the county’s workforce and infrastructure. “Together, we are gonna move Monterey County forward and now is the time,” Daniels said during brief remarks after the oath.

Supervisor Luis Alejo, sworn in for a third term representing District 1, framed his return around countywide responsibilities including housing, homelessness and emergency response. “During my tenure on this board, the pandemic, the wildfires, the Pajaro floods, our housing and homelessness crisis ... reminded me why those of us in local government play such a critical role,” Alejo said.

Supervisor Wendy Askew, sworn in for District 4, emphasized long-term investments in services for children, seniors and families and noted county accomplishments on libraries, homeless shelters and climate planning during previous terms.

Why it matters: The ceremony marked a change in membership on a board that oversees county services affecting public safety, health, roads and housing. New and returning supervisors used their remarks to underscore continuity on regional priorities — particularly housing and homelessness — while promising to work with city partners, labor and community organizations.

Public comments: Dozens of community leaders and residents addressed the board after the ceremonial oaths. Speakers represented labor unions, renters’ advocacy groups and nonprofit organizations. Casey Van Huebel, identified as business representative for Sheet Metal Workers Local 104 and president of the Monterey-Santa Cruz Building Trades Council, praised the supervisors’ work for labor and called for partnership on local jobs. Esther Malkin of Monterey County Renters United urged action on affordable rent as a primary tool to prevent homelessness. Sheriff Tina Nieto spoke from the dais to congratulate the newly sworn supervisors and stressed the need to include law enforcement perspectives when Measure AA funding is allocated for public safety purposes.

What the supervisors said they’ll do next: Daniels announced staff hires for her office and listed initial priorities including reopening Highway 1 at Ragged Point (the “regent slide/Big Sur” reopening was cited by Daniels as a large infrastructure challenge) and other infrastructure and workforce issues. Alejo and Askew reiterated plans to continue partnership-driven approaches for homelessness, emergency management and rural infrastructure.

Background: The ceremony included invocation, a libation rite and music as part of the formal program. The board recessed after the swearing-in to take up the regular meeting agenda later the same day.

Ending: Supervisors invited members of the public and community partners to continue engaging with their offices on housing, public safety and infrastructure as the board begins its new term.