The Board of Supervisors voted Aug. 19 to amend Santa Cruz County code governing abandoned, wrecked, dismantled and inoperative vehicles, granting county authorities additional tools to remove hazardous vehicles while directing stronger outreach and services for people who may be living in vehicles.

Public testimony and concerns: The item drew extended public comment. Several speakers said their vehicles functioned as homes and described traumatic experiences when vehicles were marked, towed or dismantled. "If my RV were to have been towed when I were homeless, you'd have been putting a family of 5 ... on the streets," a formerly unhoused resident said. Advocates urged expansion of safe-parking programs and criticized prior tow practices that they said destroyed people's households.

Law enforcement view: Under Sheriff Jacob Ainsworth and Lt. Baldridge told the board that current state law provides options for notice and for immediate removal in narrowly defined hazardous situations, but that tow operators sometimes decline to respond where costs and storage risks are high. They said an updated local ordinance would give the sheriff's office clearer authority to abate vehicles that are public-safety hazards and to insist on written notice when appropriate.

Board action and direction: After more debate, the board approved a motion to return the ordinance for a new first reading that incorporates additional direction: require posting of 10-day notices on vehicles (in English and Spanish), include a presentation from Housing for Health on engagement and services for people living in vehicles, and provide a clearer fiscal impact statement on tow and storage costs. The motion passed with one recorded no vote. Several supervisors stressed that enforcement should be accompanied by outreach and alternatives such as safe parking and shelter referrals.

Next steps: Staff will return with revised ordinance language, an analysis of fiscal impacts and a plan for coordinating enforcement with Housing for Health and community partners. The board asked that notices be accessible and that appeal and hearing information be included on posted notices.

Ending: The action gives county staff new authority while directing them to plan for humane, coordinated outreach to people who rely on vehicles for shelter.