Through a unanimous vote of fellow commissioners Wednesday, Santa Cruz County Supervisor Justin Cummings has been chosen to lead the powerful California Coastal Commission as chair.
One of the most influential arms of state government, the 12-member Coastal Commission oversees land use and development along California’s 1,100 miles of coastline. Given its purview over the highly desirable and environmentally valuable coastal resources, the commission has been called the most powerful land-use authority in the United States.
Cummings will now have responsibility over setting the Coastal Commission’s agenda and leading its monthly three-day meetings that deal with everything from approving major housing developments and setting policy on short-term rentals, to hearing appeals on local policies such as Santa Cruz’s oversized vehicle and camping ordinances…