Experience. Commitment.
Proven Results.
I’m Bruce Jaffe, Ph.D and I’m running for Supervisor to represent the 2nd District of Santa Cruz County.
Working together for a better future for the people of Santa Cruz County
We are at a pivotal moment in Santa Cruz County history. A new Board of Supervisors must address the challenges of affordable housing, homelessness, transportation, climate change, and disaster preparedness and response. I will represent the interests of the 2nd District to create a stronger future and turn challenges into opportunities. Leadership matters.
“I’m ready to create a brighter, more inclusive future for all.”
Community Support
Endorsements
Gary Griggs Distinguished Professor of Earth and Planetary Sciences at UC Santa Cruz
Ken Kimes Organic Farmer (past Santa Cruz County Farmer of the Year)
314 Action Fund Electing scientists who will use evidence and facts to fight climate change
Mary Selby
Bill Kelsey
Claire Biancalana
Janet Yantis Lecturer, CSUMB
Carla Christensen Environmental Scientist, Soquel Creek Water Board
Rachel Lather Engineer, Soquel Creek Water Board
Tom LaHue Small Business Owner, Veterinarian, Soquel Creek Water Board
Paul Thorn Musician
Ricardo de la Cruz Westwinds Memory Care
John Kennedy Board Member, Regional Water Agency
Ilga Celmins Retired Pro Volleyball Player, Chemical engineer/software developer
Jill Dean Commercial Security Consultant
Eileen Paris Psychotherapist
Laurel Nakanishi Speech Pathologist
Paul Elerick Founder Aptos Neighbors, former Santa Cruz County Democrat of the Year
John Marquez Businessman/Local Surfer
Joy Marquez Neuropsychologist
Joe Edwards Transportation Expert
David Wilcox Small Business Owner
Elaine McCarthy Small Business Owner
Steve McCarthy former Lab Director at Dominican Hospital
Doug Bird Attorney
Keith Redfield Retired
Sue Bird Aptos Homeowner
Tony Barnett Sourcing Manager
SeanPaul La Selle Geologist
Steve Wilkins Businessman, Homeowner, Aptos
Jessica Wilkins Nurse Watsonville Hospital, L&D
Mark Hull Retired Educator
Marie Mosley Retired Teacher
Michelle Harlan Teacher
Jacob Rodriguez Retired Code Officer
Dean Mitchell
*Titles provided for identification purposes only
Priorities for a better Santa Cruz County for all
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Accessible housing is fundamental to ensuring everyone's right to a dignified life. The soaring housing expenses are reshaping our community's demographics and exacerbating homelessness, demanding urgent action and inclusive policies for affordable housing solutions.
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I am dedicated to creating an equitable landscape for all residents by championing policies that bridge economic disparities, fostering inclusive community development and prioritizing equal access to essential services. I support allocating the resources and opportunities needed for all to reach an equal outcome.
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Everyone deserves equal economic, political and social rights and opportunities. I plan to develop and support programs that uplift marginalized voices. Together, we can build a county where every resident feels safe, empowered and has equal access to opportunities, regardless of their background or circumstances.
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I have worked with world experts for 20 years on the effects of climate change and sea level rise. Santa Cruz County is forecast to experience more frequent and more severe periods of drought, wildfires, extreme heat, flooding, and storms, worsening air quality, and more frequent landslides. In addition, sea level rise will increase coastal erosion and threaten coastal aquifers. I support directing resources to mitigate climate change effects and the creation of the most up-to-date plan for adapting to climate change.
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Creating a comprehensive short- and long-term disaster resiliency plan is essential. Drawing upon my firsthand experience witnessing the aftermath of various disasters like tsunamis, storms, floods, earthquakes, and fires, I am well-equipped to assess and enhance the County's capacity to mitigate, respond to, and recover from such disasters effectively.
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I am committed to implementing comprehensive transportation improvements, including investing in sustainable infrastructure, promoting eco-friendly modes of transit such as rail, and fostering collaborations with local communities to address specific mobility needs. We need to develop a more resilient and environmentally conscious transportation system that reduces traffic and pollution and meets the needs of all our residents.
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I will work with the community and listen to different perspectives, while analyzing current information and best practices regarding public safety and health. My goal is to build a safer, healthier county that addresses the diverse needs of our residents and fosters a sense of well-being for everyone.
Community Stewardship
I believe in the Malay proverb, “Prepare the umbrella before it rains.”
Scientific Wisdom
With a masters in Oceanography and a Ph.D in Earth Sciences from UCSC, I have worked as a professional Oceanographer and Geologist for 41 years.
I have studied and responded to disasters throughout the globe (tsunamis, hurricanes, storms, floods) and witnessed first hand what is required to help those affected.
It all starts with proper planning.
Public Service
Currently I am the President of the Soquel Creek Water District Board. I’ve been elected to six terms on the board, serving the community over 20 years of continuous guidance.
I’ve ensured a sustainable water supply for our future by developing a water purification and seawater intrusion prevention project. The purification plant is scheduled to produce water in the fall of 2024.
Decreased cost to customers with State and Federal Grants and low interest, long-term loans.
Created the Santa Cruz Mid-County Groundwater Agency (MGA) to protect our water sources and served as its first chair.
Community
I have lived in the 2nd District for 40 years and am active in the community.
As a founding member of the Nisene-to-Sea Open Space Alliance, we stopped an inappropriate development of 20 houses proposed for land behind Cabrillo College and worked with County staff to create a trail preserving public access on the land.
I am happily married and have raised 2 children, now in college, in the mid-County.
I am dedicated to improving the lives of 2nd District residents by representing them in decisions made by the Board of Supervisors. Our community is diverse and needs a supervisor that will engage all stakeholders. Among my personal qualities that prepare me for being an effective Supervisor are good listening skills, open mindedness, patience, and experience in leadership.