Citizens Oversight Advisory Board

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Measure Q establishes a nine-member Citizens Oversight Advisory Board (COAB) to ensure transparency and alignment with community goals. The COAB also engages with the community, helps develop Vision Plans to guide awards and provides annual reporting to the Board of Supervisors. All meetings are open to the public.

Of the nine subject-matter experts on the COAB, five are appointed by the County’s Board of Supervisors and one by each city in the County. The COAB meets no less than quarterly. Members of the public are welcome to attend and provide input.

Agendas, including dates and locations for meetings, can be found here.

Rachel Dann, Chair

City of Santa Cruz Appointee

Rachel Dann, a public policy professional, has extensive experience in government and community advocacy. She focuses on water quality, public safety, and sustainability, ensuring responsible allocation of Measure Q funds.

Term: 4/01/2025 - 4/01/2029

Julissa Espindola, Vice Chair

District 4 Appointee

Julissa Espindola, an advocate for environmental justice, holds a degree in Environmental Management. She has worked with organizations like the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary to promote conservation education and equitable environmental access.

Term: 4/01/2025 - 4/01/2027

Julie Howard

District 1 Appointee

Julie Howard, a Registered Professional Forester with over 15 years of experience, is dedicated to advancing sustainable, wildfire- and climate-resilient forests across California. As CAL FIRE’s Forest Health Program Manager, she leads the distribution of multi-million-dollar grants to support forest resilience projects throughout the state.

Term: 4/01/2025 - 4/01/2029

Dennis Webb

District 2 Appointee

Dennis Webb is Chief Forester at Big Creek Lumber, where he oversees approximately 17,500 acres of company and client-owned forest land. As President of the Santa Cruz County Farm Bureau, he works to advance the sustainability and viability of the industries and communities that rely on healthy working lands.

Term: 4/01/2025 - 4/01/2029

Sandy Brown

District 3 Appointee

Sandy Brown, Ph.D. in Geography, is a former Santa Cruz City Council member and policy expert in social and environmental justice. She champions sustainable land use and responsible resource management.

Term: 4/01/2025 - 4/01/2027

Mark Correria

District 5 Appointee

Mark Correira is a Fire Chief and Emergency Manager with over 35 years of experience in public safety. He also served for over 8 years on his local Parks and Open Space Commission. With expertise in disaster response and preparedness and an advocate for protecting open space, he is committed to enhancing wildfire response and resilience, and environmental stewardship.

Term: 4/01/2025 - 4/01/2029

Scott Harway

City of Capitola Appointee

Scott Harway, a retired Fire Captain and Paramedic, served 25+ years in fire and emergency response. Committed to public safety and community service, he ensures responsible and transparent resource management.

Term: 3/25/2025 - 3/25/2029

David Sanguinetti

City of Scotts Valley Appointee

Retired after 34 years in open space management, David Sanguinetti led large-scale public access, land management, resource protection, law enforcement, fire suppression, and emergency service efforts. As the former Operations Manager for the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District, he managed 24 preserves over 64,000 acres with 40+ field staff, ensuring environmental protection and public access.

Term: 3/25/2025 - 3/25/2029

City of Watsonville Appointee

To be appointed