County Snapshots: CSAC President’s August–September Visits

CSAC Staff

Date Published

September 18, 2025

President Griffiths continues his visits across California, and one theme remains consistent—California’s counties are resilient, innovative and on the frontlines facing the state’s biggest challenges head-on. These visits have shed light on the balancing act that counties face every day: tackling today’s challenges while preparing for tomorrow.

In Santa Cruz County, communities are still recovering from the 2020 CZU Fire, while also looking to the future. New housing and library projects, a coastal Rail Trail study and water recycling investment showcase the county’s innovation, and resilience. A new Children’s Crisis Center will open soon, offering 16 chairs and 8 beds, and providing immediate support for youth facing a mental health crisis.

Santa Cruz County Supervisor Manu Koenig, Santa Cruz County CAO Carlos Palacios, CSAC President and Inyo County Supervisor Jeff Griffiths, Santa Cruz County Supervisor Felipe Hernandez, and Santa Cruz County Staff view and discuss the need for better levee infrastructure.

President Griffiths visited El Dorado County in late August, where he received a tour of the new Sheriff/Public Safety Complex, the Swansboro Bridge and Apple Hill. The county highlighted the collaboration between law enforcement and health services that lead to a 70% decrease in overall homelessness in the county, as reflected in the 2024 Point in Time Count.

***El Dorado County Supervisor George Turnboo outlines plans for the $100M bridge project that will give some of their communities a secondary escape route in case a wildfire erupts.***

“County jails weren’t built to hold state inmates,” Sheriff Matt Kendall emphasized to President Griffiths during his visit to Mendocino County. The county is expanding its jail with a new modern “cell and spoke” design, meeting rooms and treatment spaces with the new wing being able to hold 58 beds, and the renovated facility holding more than 100 beds—increasing the county’s ability to hold more than 300 inmates.

***Mendocino County Supervisor John Haschak and CSAC President and Inyo County Supervisor Jeff Griffiths discuss the county’s budget along with impactful local issues.***

Stanislaus County leaders highlighted its successful public-private partnerships in economic development during President Griffiths’ visit on Sept. 17^th. Partnering with a nonprofit, the county has so far helped 83 individuals create new childcare businesses, with 664 permanent licensed spaces. The county reports an annual economic impact of $22.6 million to date. In addition, the county has organized all nine of its cities as well as other organizations involved in licensing and permitting to streamline the process for starting a small business.