Striking a decidedly conciliatory note, Santa Cruz County officials have acknowledged errors relating to a $300,000 Economic Development Agency grant aimed at capturing increased “cuisine tourism” spending in Sonoita-Elgin. 

At a May 28 meeting, attended by about 35 residents, Frank Dillon, County Community Development Director, reported that the Oregon-based consulting firm hired by the County to spearhead the coordination between residents and government had been let go “due to miscommunication.” He said the County will pursue a new firm more aligned with the sensitivities of the area. 

The admission of errors came at a meeting of the local cuisine tourism steering committee, during which county leaders committed to better communication and collaboration. 

“We, your elected officials, have learned so much about eastern Santa Cruz County through this process from you, and we thank you,” said District 3 Supervisor Bruce Bracker.

The steering committee, made up of volunteers, was formed in February in response to the first of two County surveys. The first survey, intended to gauge community preferences in economic development, received 299 people responses with the preservation of rural lifestyle and culture identified as a priority. The limited availability of water was a topic of deep concern at the initial meeting and a resounding theme at all subsequent meetings. 

A second community survey, created by members of the steering committee, highlighted similar concerns regarding water. 216 people responded to this survey. In response to a question on whether the Sonoita/Elgin area could support more businesses, one resident noted, “depends on the water survey that will be done this year. Without adequate water resources, there can be no expansion of businesses or homes.” 

Robin Breault, a consultant hired by the County to facilitate four community meetings, noted that the steering committee has until June 15 to determine if it would like to move forward with drafting an economic development plan. (This deadline represents a six-month extension given by the federal agency as a result of public input.) If the steering committee makes the determination to move forward, two factors must be addressed: 

  • Whether to pursue an overlay district that would take into consideration design priorities. 
  • Whether local businesses, specifically wineries, would like to move forward with developing a business plan to address shared needs. 

This plan must be completed by June 2025. 

If the steering committee decides not to move forward with the planning grant, another Santa Cruz County community will be identified by the supervisors for possible economic development. 

“There are a lot of smart, passionate people in the community, and I love the spirit of self-determination the region embodies,” Breault said. Breault’s role in the grant process is now complete. 

Ann Gardner, of Hannah’s Hill Vineyard in Elgin, volunteered to serve as the communication liaison between the steering committee and the county. 

According to steering committee member Matt Parilli, of Elgin, the current plan is for the group to meet the week of June 10th to decide whether to move forward with the County on a plan or not. 

“The underlying documentation [for making this decision] will be the two surveys, and it’s going to be binary, yes or no,” Parilli said. “Here are the numbers. This is what the people are telling us. Here’s what we are going to do. Count the numbers in the surveys and that will decide. There’s no other way to do it.”