Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Homeless Services topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board authorizes signs for Pajaro oversized‑vehicle ban, pauses enforcement while outreach continues
Summary
After months of outreach, Monterey County supervisors authorized placement of signs for Ordinance 5443 (no oversized‑vehicle parking on Railroad and Allison avenues in Pajaro) and voted to delay enforcement to allow targeted outreach and the identification of safe‑parking alternatives; staff will return with a memorandum on outreach and options.
The Monterey County Board of Supervisors on April 21 directed staff to post signage for Ordinance 5443 — a prohibition on oversized‑vehicle parking along Railroad Avenue and Allison Road in the Pajaro area — and to delay enforcement while outreach and alternatives are pursued.
Public‑comment speakers described families living in recreational vehicles in Pajaro, urged compassion and safe alternatives, and warned that enforcement without alternatives would displace children and workers. "Stop this. Restore the process and respect the public you serve," said Chris Barrera, president of LUAC Council 2055, during public comment alleging procurement concerns related to a separate consent item. Other residents urged the county to develop safe‑parking options with showers and sanitation.
Staff presentation: Public works Director Randall Ishi and Homeless Services Director Roxanne Wilson told the board that outreach with Santa Cruz County and Watsonville is ongoing. Wilson reported an outreach census in late April showed 10 RVs remaining on Railroad Avenue; outreach teams identified two nearby safe‑parking spaces in Watsonville but those programs had vehicle‑length limits that prevented placement of some vehicles.
Board debate and decision: Supervisors discussed the tension between neighborhood impacts and the need to avoid displacing vulnerable families. Several supervisors urged that enforcement not begin until reliable alternatives and outreach are in place. After debate the board approved a motion to place the ordinance signs at the most feasible locations and delay enforcement while staff completes more outreach and returns to the board with a memorandum detailing outreach and identified alternatives.
Implementation and next steps: Staff said they will provide a board memorandum listing outreach activities, identified safe‑parking sites (including Monterey County rotating programs and Peninsula options), and proposed timelines for enforcement. The board asked staff to coordinate with school districts and non‑profit outreach partners to reach families who may be undocumented or unavailable during daytime outreach.
What to expect: Posting of signs is expected promptly; enforcement will be suspended during the outreach window established by the board and resumed only after the board reviews staff—indings and alternatives.
