Press Release On December 7, 2023, at a special meeting of the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors, the Board of Supervisors voted to appoint Miguel A. Lopez as Justice of the Peace, effective December 11, 2023. Mr. Lopez was appointed to replace Justice of the Peace Emilio G. Velasquez, who retired on December 1, 2023.
The incoming Justice of the Peace said, “I am honored to have been entrusted with this esteemed position, and I look forward to fulfilling the duties of the office, upholding the principles of justice integrity, and community service.”
Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors Chairman Manuel Ruiz conveyed, “On behalf of the Board of Supervisors, I want to thank the five people who applied for the position. Everyone has great qualifications, but the Board had to select one person. Congratulations to Mr. Lopez on being selected. Santa Cruz County voters can decide who they want in that position during next year’s general election cycle.”
Meanwhile, Board of Supervisors Vice-Chairman Bruce Bracker expressed: “I would like to thank the five candidates who stepped up and submitted their names for consideration to become the next Justice of the Peace. They each are contributing to our community in their own way and their efforts are greatly appreciated. I would like to congratulate Miguel Lopez on his appointment to succeed Judge Velasquez. And in closing, I would like to thank Judge Velasquez, who was a steadfast leader and initiated innovative programs into the JP court system to help people in our community when they really needed it.”