Business Santa Cruz County CEO anticipates move to new McPherson Center office

During the recent Santa Cruz Board of Supervisors meeting on March 11, 2025, community concerns about marijuana use and its impact on youth mental health took center stage. A local resident expressed deep worries about the perception of marijuana as a safe product, particularly among younger generations. The speaker, a parent, shared personal experiences of how their adult children faced negative mental health effects linked to marijuana use, urging the board to consider the broader implications of their decisions regarding cannabis policies.

The discussion highlighted the need for the county to take a comprehensive approach when addressing issues related to marijuana, especially given its legal status in California. The resident's plea underscored the importance of fostering a responsible attitude towards marijuana use among young adults, emphasizing the potential risks associated with its consumption.

In addition to the marijuana discussion, the meeting welcomed new supervisors, Martinez and DeSerpa, and acknowledged the contributions of retired supervisor McPherson. Terrence Kincannon, CEO of Business Santa Cruz County, expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming move of their offices to the McPherson Center, which is set to enhance the county's tourism efforts. This relocation is expected to be completed by July and aims to improve visitor engagement in the area.

The meeting also noted an unusual number of amendments to the agenda, prompting questions about the reasons behind this increase. The board's ability to manage these changes effectively will be crucial as they navigate community concerns and administrative tasks.

As the county moves forward, the discussions from this meeting reflect ongoing efforts to balance community health, governance, and economic development, ensuring that decisions made today will positively impact Santa Cruz County residents in the future.