9/4/25 SCCRTC P2 - Commissioner Reports

9/4/25 SCCRTC P2 - Commissioner Reports SummaryOverviewCommissioner Jillian Ritter introduced as new First District RTC alternate.Ad hoc committee continues work on encroachments and easements along Santa Cruz Branch Trail.Updates on regional rail and transportation projects, including hydrogen train demonstration.Support and flexibility for Capitola event logistics highlighted as economic boost.Proclamations and activities planned for 'Week Without Driving' to promote mobility equity.Commissioner Ritter's Introduction and BackgroundJillian Ritter introduced as first district alternate to RTC, appointed June.Joined Supervisor Koenig's office as staff in May.Lifelong District 1 resident, Santa Cruz County.Worked with Board of Supervisors (2016–2022) and various county departments, including Parks Department during rail trail project transition.Ad Hoc Committee on Trail Encroachments and EasementsAd hoc committee for Santa Cruz Branch Trail encroachments/easements held second meeting on August 25.Committee continues to gather information and assess relief/mitigation options for mobile homeowners.Regional Rail and Hydrogen Train UpdatesAttended Coastal Rail Coordinating Council in Los Angeles; discussed infrastructure planning for Olympics.Observed South County rail projects.Visited San Bernardino to inspect proposed hydrogen train for Santa Cruz.Interacted with engineers and toured train maintenance facility.Collaborated with colleagues from Monterey, San Luis Obispo, and Santa Barbara counties.Event Coordination for Capitola Art & Wine FestivalExpressed gratitude to Executive Director Sarah Christensen, Commissioner Manne Koenig, and Kim Serfer for support with Bay and Porter ramp closures in Capitola.Acknowledged flexibility in closure timing due to upcoming Art and Wine Festival, which provides significant economic benefit to the community.'Week Without Driving' Proclamations and Mobility EquityWeek Without Driving scheduled for late September to early October.RTC, Santa Cruz Metro, Community Traffic Safety Coalition, and County Office of Transportation participate with events and activities.Key events: Hazard Report webinar (Sept 29), Countywide Celebration at Capitola Mall (Sept 30), RTC Challenge contest (week-long), Route 78 ride in Watsonville (Oct 1).County and local city proclamations planned; commissioners and staff participating.Initiative emphasizes mobility access, public health, and understanding non-driver transportation challenges.