The Vision Document synthesizes and analyzes the results of an extensive community outreach effort that involved over 1,200 community members throughout the Pajaro Valley. It includes qualitative information from the Vision Festival weekend, approximately 50 smaller community workshops and individual interviews and outreach throughout the community. Workshops were conducted with diverse groups ranging from ESL classes, environmental, arts and recreation organizations, seniors, neighborhood groups, schools, local business owners, City and County staff members, and non-profit organizations. Action Pajaro Valley also organized a Business Luncheon in which over 100 community business owners discussed the Valley's future.

Visions For The Future
A vision statement is usually thought of as a desired end state-an ideal future. A vision may not be achievable all at once or even for many years, and certainly not without the efforts of many individuals and institutions. The following vision statements represent the input and discussion of over a thousand community members in the Pajaro Valley. The challenge for the Pajaro Valley community is to find the appropriate balance when developing strategies and action plans based on the following vision statements.

In the future, the Pajaro Valley has... A Well-Planned Community A Sense of Place A Healthy Natural Environment A Strong Agricultural Base Affordable, Accessible, and Comfortable Housing Healthy, Safe and Secure Neighborhoods An Educated and Active Population A Balanced Economy A Strong Community Identity A Viable Water Supply

Action Pajaro Valley Project Area

The Pajaro Valley is a community as rich in cultural diversity as it is in natural resources. The Valley has an environmental, social and economic identity distinct from the areas that surround it. As a discrete sub- watershed within the Monterey Bay region, the Pajaro Valley is a unique planning area with many assets that have attracted both people and business throughout its history. The overall "Vision Process" examines the Pajaro Valley as a consolidated ecological unit that encompasses the Pajaro Valley watershed, extending into both Monterey and Santa Cruz counties and including the City of Watsonville.

At A Glance Purpose

     The purpose of the "Pajaro Valley At A Glance" strategy workbook is to begin to identify the major trends and issues that are affecting the communities of the Pajaro Valley. While available data has not been compiled describing the conditions within the specific boundaries of the Pajaro Valley, the information presented provides useful background on the area and its people. This strategy workbook provides a basic foundation for dialogue and discussion on the Valley's future.

Organization of the "Pajaro Valley At A Glance" strategy workbook

     The information in the workbook is intended to raise some of the issues that have been identified throughout the visioning process. It is not an exhaustive analysis, but rather focuses on strategic issues that are likely to shape the Pajaro Valley in the future. The chapters are organized with the following topics:

The People The Economy The Land

To receive a copy of Pajaro Valley At A Glance strategy workbook, contact Action Pajaro Valley at (831)786-8536.

Advisory Board discusses future growth scenarios.

The objective of this phase of the Action Pajaro Valley Vision Process is to develop a strategic plan for implementing a regional growth strategy for the Pajaro Valley. This strategy will be designed to meet multiple environmental, economic, and social objectives. After agreement is achieved, the strategy will be promoted and implemented by the members of Action Pajaro Valley.

The Growth Strategy will look at a number of options including an urban growth boundary (UGB) around the City of Watsonville and community of Pajaro, and, if one is agreed upon, will include a map showing the UGB. The Growth Strategy may include community growth boundaries around other unincorporated communities in Monterey or Santa Cruz counties. The APV Growth Strategy also will include recommended policies on development, both within and outside the growth boundaries.

     The emphasis for this phase of Action Pajaro Valley’s work will be on land use. The intent is that the results of the strategic plan will be the basis for amendments to the general plans of Watsonville, Santa Cruz County, and Monterey County. The results also will be the basis for other actions by these and other local entities, governmental or otherwise. The Growth Management Strategy Process is underway now, to get involved, contact Action Pajaro Valley at(831)786-8536 to get on the mailing list.

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Community Education Forum

Action Pajaro Valley's Community Education Forum Leadership Committee - Karell Reader, Lois Robin and John Maschino

With the goal of creating a growth management strategy for the future, Action Pajaro Valley members launched a series of educational talks. The Community Education Forum was created in June of 2000 and has hosted over two events per month. We have been fortunate to host the following forums (with more on the way):

• Paul Zykofsky of the Livable Communities Program of the Local Government Commission - Paul discussed topics such as; transit oriented and infill development, walkable communities, street design, higher density housing and much more.
• Vic Desotelle of InKNOWvate - Vic focused on "Regenerative Commerce," a system based on a broad understanding of the term "technology."
• Matthew Taecker a Community Designer from Calthorpe Associates - Matt shared examples of compact, mixed-use development, communities that are environmentally sound, and economically diverse.
• Carl Hauge from the Department of Water Resources - Carl led a lively discussion about groundwater supplies and groundwater management.
• Ken Gray of Marina 2020 - Ken gave a talk about a citizen driven "urban growth boundary" initiative that will be voted on this November.
• Doug Jackson of the Great Valley Center - Doug was our host for the opening of the exhibit called "Housing the Next 10 Million" a partnership of the Great Valley Center and the American Institute of Architects. The exhibit illustrates alternative land use models, creative solutions to housing dilemmas, and provides communities with options for meeting their growth challenges.
• Neil Havlik, Natural Resources Program from the City of San Luis Obispo - Neil's talk focused on eco-tourism in the Pajaro Valley. He says we can bank on it.
• Karena Pushnik of Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission, Maria Carranza of City of Watsonville Public Works and Mary Orrison of the Transportation Association of Monterey County gave an update on transportation projects coming on line in the Pajaro Valley.

The goal of our series is to educate Action Pajaro Valley Advisory Board members in specific areas as they begin to take action on local issues and to provide our general community with information to inspire creative thinking and dialogue about the future of the Pajaro Valley region. The program will continue as long as we have interest in the community. Many thanks to those that have given so much of their free time to participate.

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