“I have used public funding to navigate some of the most complex issues facing our community,” said Martinez. “I know how public systems work, and I also know how they can fail us, and this is why I’m the right candidate at the right time for the Fifth District.”

“I am known as somebody who goes against the way things have always been done, who brings new solutions, such as changing from funding only shelters in this community to funding affordable housing with the same dollars,” she said. “I have a track record of creating change and I’m really proud of the support that I’ve earned based on my long history.”

Lookout | September 18, 2024

Editorial | Elect Monica Martinez in 5th District

"[Martinez] brings years of experience in public policy and in budget and providing leadership in dealing with unfunded state mandates...Martinez has developed an extensive set of policy recommendations and priorities that include a “housing first” approach to homelessness, disaster response, public transit and road repair funding and solving the ongoing Big Basin Water Co. troubles.

Monica Martinez has an established track record working with county departments and budgets, along with proven problem-solving abilities. We recommend her election as 5th District supervisor.

Santa Cruz Sentinel; August 28, 2024

Monica Martinez for District 5 supervisor: We need someone ready to challenge the status quo and bring positive change

"Let’s face it – our county’s failure to adapt to changing times has contributed to our lack of preparedness for natural disasters, housing shortages and unfulfilled infrastructure needs. Santa Cruz County needs a leader experienced in getting results, someone who believes that more is possible, and possesses the courage to lead change despite potential resistance. I am ready to be that leader and usher in a new era for our community."

Lookout; February 8, 2024

Editorial | Elect Monica Martinez in 5th District supervisor’s race

"She’s running along with three other candidates. All bring impressive resumes to the campaign, but none come close to Martinez’s track record, which also includes a stint heading up homeless services in Santa Cruz County. She took over leadership of Encompass a decade ago; the nonprofit oversees about 40 programs in Santa Cruz County including behavioral health, family and social services, early childhood education, and housing. In other words, programs the county also helps fund and oversee.

All four candidates are in the race for the right reasons, but Martinez will bring invaluable experience and expertise to the board and should be elected as the next 5th District Supervisor."

Santa Cruz Sentinel; January 21, 2024

Supervisor Bruce McPherson announced today that he has endorsed Monica Martinez to succeed him as Fifth District County Supervisor upon his retirement in 2024.

“I believe Monica has the right skill set, experience and dedication to our community needed to take on this role,” Supervisor McPherson said. “She has been a terrific leader for our County, especially when it comes to health and human services, which are critical areas for the Board of Supervisors. I know she will work hard for the people of the Fifth District.”

Press release; December 10, 2023

Sheriff Jim Hart makes decision on District 5 county supervisor race

"On Oct. 30, Martinez announced that Hart, along with former Assemblymember Mark Stone, had formally endorsed her campaign. Martinez stopped short of calling Hart’s support a surprise, but said the endorsement provides a substantial boost to her campaign in the now three-person race. She said she understood the endorsement as a confirmation that he would not be seeking the supervisor’s seat next year."

Lookout; November 7, 2023

Affordable Rentals Coming to Watsonville

"Property to build affordable apartment rentals is hard to find in Santa Cruz County. So MidPen Housing teamed up with Encompass Community Services, which was operating an aging drug treatment center on Miles Lane in Watsonville, to develop the site and neighboring properties as 72 affordable apartments and expand treatment by building a new state of the art facility."

Times Publishing Group; October 16, 2023

Supervisor Bruce McPherson to retire at end of third term

"The 5th District seat will now be wide open for the upcoming March 5 Presidential Primary Election next year. Encompass Community Services CEO and Felton resident Monica Martinez announced in April that she will be running for the seat and received a quick endorsement from [Santa Cruz Mayor Fred] Keeley."

Santa Cruz Sentinel; June 16, 2023

County supervisors’ response to CZU recovery investigation ‘does not align’ with reality, District 5 candidates say

“The county’s claim that it did not fail in the rebuilding process is not what I’m hearing from the people who have been navigating that system,” Martinez said. “Residents have felt overwhelmed by bureaucracy, delays and unclear communication — particularly within the planning department. … The county must take responsibility for the culture within the planning department and across agencies. We cannot allow residents, especially disaster victims, to feel ignored or mistreated by the very systems meant to help them.”

Lookout | October 7, 2024

‘We’re only here for a moment’: The urgency behind Monica Martinez’s bid for Santa Cruz County supervisor

“If you’re elected for four years, that’s only four budget votes to make a difference before you run for reelection,” Martinez [said]. “That’s not that many for something that could change the trajectory of the county. Time is too valuable and precious to just rubber-stamp and allow things to go the way they’ve always gone. We’re only here for a moment to try and make an impact. That’s how I view everything.”

Lookout | September 15, 2024

Roads, climate, mental health, CZU rebuild fuel county supervisor hopefuls in Districts 2 and 5 during forum

"The candidates agreed that they feel as though the current board of supervisors is on “autopilot,”...and that county staff hold more power than elected officials...Martinez said her work as CEO of nonprofit Encompass Community Services will allow her to do just that, since she’s used to being a “pain in the butt” to the county.

“We haven’t had a representative who’s ready to advocate for the community and be part of San Lorenzo Valley, advocating for change,” she said. “I’m going to bring that sense of accountability.”"

Lookout; January 23, 2024

Fifth District Supervisor Hopefuls

“I represent diverse voices who haven’t had a seat at the table for a very long time, if at all,” [Martinez} said. “Not only that, I also bring deep experience in navigating the public sector, public service, public funding.”

Martinez said being displaced during the CZU fires—and seeing her neighbors struggling with rebuilding from that and the winter storms—cemented her desire to use her skills and experience to streamline county services."

Good Times; December 20, 2023

Political Notebook: Nonprofit leader Martinez aims to be 1st out Santa Cruz supervisor

"If she does win the race for a four-year term, Martinez will be the first woman elected to the District 5 seat; she told the B.A.R. a woman was appointed to it in 1979 and served two years. She would also be the first woman to serve on the county board since 2012 and the first elected since 2008.

"I am ready to work as hard as I can all the way through the election because diverse candidates like myself, we don't have the privilege of walking into these seats," said Martinez. "I am ready to work hard to understand the needs of our district so I can represent it well as a supervisor."

Bay Area Reporter; December 6, 2023

Local Women Speak On Challenges In Political World

“Our current representation is lacking in diversity,” Martinez said. “It’s missing many voices. It’s missing a woman’s voice at the county level. If elected, I would be the first LGBTQ supervisor in the history of the county.” There are many deterrents that keep women—and particularly women of color—from running for office. These include male-dominated political networks, access to funding and internalized racism. Some of the suggestions to make politics a more even playing field included changing campaign financing, workshops offered for women of color to understand their trauma and conscious support from white women."

Good Times; October 18, 2023

State of the race: An early peek inside races for three Santa Cruz County supervisor seats

"Encompass Community Services CEO and Felton resident Monica Martinez has already publicly announced her intentions to replace [Supervisor Bruce] McPherson, campaigning on her years of experience in public health and ability to navigate government bureaucracies."

Santa Cruz Sentinel; July 1, 2023

Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors: Monica Martinez announces bid for 5th District

"Martinez has placed her years of experience in the public service sphere front and center in her campaign, saying her work with local government has familiarized her with its strengths and weaknesses and will prove useful in helping the community secure the resources it needs."

Santa Cruz Sentinel; April 3, 2023

Felton Resident Announces Candidacy for County Board of Supervisors

"“I think it’s time that the Fifth District gets the resources that it deserves,” she said. “It’s overlooked.”"

"“I think our community is ready for a fresh voice,” [Martinez] said. “I believe that diverse voices and diverse representation lead to better decision-making.”"

Press Banner; April 3, 2023

Through the grapevine: Potential Santa Cruz County supervisor vacancies stir political intrigue for 2024

"'I’m taking the calls for a change and a fresh voice seriously,” said Martinez, who began thinking about a supervisor run after what she called a frustrating county response to the CZU fires in 2020. “My career and life’s work has been helping others and putting public resources into the hands that need it most.'"

Lookout Santa Cruz; March 8, 2023

Encompass receives $9 million for Watsonville behavioral health center

“'Encompass has long dreamed of building a bright, new behavioral health center in Watsonville to reduce barriers to treatment and make personalized, high-quality behavioral health care accessible to everyone in our community,' said Encompass CEO Monica Martinez."

Santa Cruz Sentinel; December 22, 2022

MONICA IN THE NEWS

Lookout | October 22, 2024

Santa Cruz Local | October 5, 2024

Lookout | October 7, 2024

Lookout | September 15, 2024

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