District 2 Council Member· 2024-2028
Sonja Brunner
Santa Cruz
No biography on file yet.
Voice
- Meetings spoken in
- 15
- Total speaking time
- 2:20:00
- Avg per meeting
- 9:20
- Segments
- 1216
Want every word Brunner has said?
The OpenCity MCP for Claude.ai answers questions like “what has Brunner said about housing this year” with one prompt — full speaking history, with YouTube timestamps.
Top issues during term (20)(General)
public health services
While the program itself doesn't cost much, it could save the city big bucks down the line by preventing costly disease outbreaks.
2025 Police Department Accountability and Staffing Report
Salary and benefit increases totaling 16 percent over three years for police officers.
Downtown Plan Expansion
This could mean new development and economic opportunities, but also potential costs for infrastructure upgrades.
Bathroom and Water Access for Unhoused Residents
Up to $409,115 reallocated from existing homelessness-response funds — not new money.
Sidewalk safety and 'sidewalk upon sale' ordinance
Sidewalks are expensive — a recent $3.9 million paving project on Escalona included only ten sidewalk frontages and 50 curb ramps — and the city currently spends far more on bike paths than sidewalks.
local news roundup
Your tax dollars are being discussed for county budgets and transit, so pay attention!
Police Military Equipment Reporting (AB 481)
Drones cost $29,177 each over five years, paid from asset forfeiture funds.
surveillance cameras
No major cost changes are expected either way, but the city might save money if they turn them off.
surveillance technology contract
Canceling the contract could save the city money, but keeping it means ongoing costs for surveillance.
Homelessness and safety in parks
This policy failure could end up costing the city more in the long run.
Lighthouse Point Hazard and Engineering Analysis
$387,032 for the study, with future protection costs still unknown.
Flock ALPR contract termination
The city is cutting ties, so they'll stop paying Flock, but there might be some costs to remove the cameras.
data privacy
The city might save money by not paying for a service that could be illegal.
ADU Regulation Updates and Short-Term Rental Policy
No direct cost to residents; the short-term rental change could add transient occupancy tax revenue if adopted later.
infrastructure damage
Repairing the wharf is gonna cost a pretty penny, impacting city funds and potentially tourism.
homelessness statistics
While the city might see some savings, the county's rising numbers could mean more strain on their resources.
downtown expansion
More development means more money flowing into the city, but watch out for those potential parking and traffic costs.
homeless deaths
This crisis likely means more strain on emergency services and healthcare, costing the city more.
rental market
Renting here will continue to drain your wallet faster than anywhere else in the country.
public health ordinance
Expect fewer cigarette options on store shelves, potentially impacting sales for tobacco retailers.
Decisions during term (6)
Recorded while Brunner was in office — not necessarily decisions they moved, spoke to, or voted on.
Housing Element Municipal Code and General Plan Amendments; Lot Consolidation Fee Deferred (Item 13)
Zoning Ordinance and General Plan amendments (recommendation to City Council)
Municipal Code Housing Amendments and General Plan Climate Adaptation Changes
General Obligation Refunding Bonds - Tax Rate Authorization (FN)
Authorize the Purchase of Police Patrol Vehicle Equipment and Associated Labor to Upfit Three (3) Police Patrol Vehicles Using General Capital Improvement 350 Funds - Budget Adjustment (PD/PW)
Annual Housing Element and General Plan Progress Reports and ADU Condominium Report
Voting record (1)(General)
Oldest to newest — hover a bar for the item.