Press Releases

The City of Gonzales announced today that the April 15–17 monthly California Coastal Commission hearing will be held in Gonzales, as part of the agency's ongoing effort to hear from inland communities.

The three-day public hearing will take place at the Dennis and Janice Caprara Community Center, bringing one of California's most influential land use and environmental decision-making bodies to South Monterey County. The meeting also comes shortly after Supervisor Chris Lopez joined the Commission as Monterey County's newest representative.

Coastal Commission hearings are typically held in coastal communities throughout California. Hosting the meeting in Gonzales underscores how decisions made by the Commission  intersect with issues important to inland communities, including those related to water, agriculture, infrastructure, and public access.

"This meeting is an opportunity to broaden public access and make sure more communities in Monterey County can directly engage in decisions that affect our region," said Supervisor Lopez. "Coastal policy affects far more than the shoreline and bringing the Commission to Gonzales acknowledges the important role inland communities play in the long-term stewardship of our coast and shared resources."

Gonzales is located within Lopez's supervisorial district, adding local significance to the Commission's decision to meet there. Holding the hearing in South Monterey County signals that inland communities are part of the broader public conversation, not just observers of coastal policy. The meeting also places Gonzales in the statewide spotlight as a host city for one of California's most visible public regulatory forums.

"We are honored to welcome the California Coastal Commission to Gonzales," said Carmen Gil, City Manager for Gonzales. "Hosting this meeting at the Dennis and Janice Caprara Community Center reflects Gonzales' growing role as a regional gathering place and creates an opportunity for broader public participation in important statewide discussions."

The recently opened community center at 620 5th Street provides a modern venue to support major public meetings, civic events, and community programs.

The hearing will include public comment opportunities and Commission consideration of agenda items affecting California's coastal regions. The meeting agenda and public participation details will be posted on the California Coastal Commission website in advance of the meeting.