Celebrate Lake Appreciation Month at Loch Lomond | |
Nestled in the heart of nature, Loch Lomond offers a picturesque escape for your next outdoor adventure. Celebrate Lake Appreciation Month this July and beyond by planning a day of fishing, boating, picnicking, hiking, and more!
Free interpretive tours on the Newell Jewell pontoon boat are offered the second weekend of each month, from April to October, from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Tours are available for up to 25 people and can be signed up for in the park store. In addition, join FREE staff-led Loch Walks to learn about the 180-acre reservoir and the native species that call it home.
Call 831-335-7424 to register for one of the following upcoming events:
- San Lorenzo Valley Cultural History - August 30 from 9-11 a.m.
- Loch Lomond Fall Birding - October 4 from 9-11 a.m.
| | The Second Time is Twice as Nice! | |
For the second year in a row, the City of Santa Cruz’s Purchasing Division has been recognized with the Achievement of Excellence® in Procurement award by the National Procurement Institute. The award recognizes organizational excellence in public and non-profit procurement. The City team continues to set the standard in public procurement, driving innovation, demonstrating outstanding professionalism, leading in e-procurement solutions, and delivering strong, visionary leadership.
The City of Santa Cruz is 1 out of only 85 cities in the United States and Canada to receive the award this year. A heartfelt thank you to our Procurement team for upholding excellence and delivering superior service to the residents of the City of Santa Cruz.
| | You're Invited: London Nelson Open House July 22–25 | | |
Join us this week for the London Nelson Open House, a week of activities celebrating community, history, and recreation. Whether you're curious about the building’s legacy or ready to jump into a new activity, there’s something for everyone. Visit our website or stop by the front desk for more information and registration links. We hope to see you there!
Behind-the-Scenes Tours
Go beyond the front desk and discover the inner workings of the London Nelson Center. Sign up now! Spaces are limited.
- Wednesday, July 23
- 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
- 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
“History of the Center” Art Exhibit
Visit this month-long exhibit showcasing historic photos and stories of the Center, including images of the original Laurel School.
Drop-in Classes for Older Adults
Interested in trying one of our classes? This week is a great time. Classes are designed for new participants—no experience needed.
Ping Pong Tournament
Show off your skills or just have fun. Sign up by Thursday, July 18. All levels welcome.
- Singles: Tuesday, July 22
- Doubles: Thursday, July 24
Lobby Refreshments
Stop by throughout the week for complimentary refreshments and a friendly welcome.
Little Library Ribbon Cutting
Celebrate the launch of our new Little Library. More details to come.
| | PG&E Helping Customers Pay Past Due Bills and Save on Energy Costs | |
A new PG&E program is helping customers catch up on past due energy bills, offering up to $1,000 in bill credits. It's called Match My Payment Program and it's available to both low- and moderate-income customers. For example, a family of four making less than $128,600 a year could qualify for assistance multiple times a year. PG&E estimates thousands of customers may be eligible for the program in the Central Coast.
In addition, an estimated 150,000-plus PG&E customers are now eligible for an 18% electric rate discount. The Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program is expanding to include one- and two-person households.
| | Pride Themed Signal Box Art Restored After Vandalism | |
Thanks to the quick and generous work of Jake Ingham from Catto’s Graphics, the Pride-themed traffic signal box at Broadway and Branciforte has been fully repaired after it was vandalized earlier this month. Jake volunteered his time and materials to restore the artwork at no cost. Thank you, Jake and Catto’s Graphics, for all you do for our community!
The original art, created by the B40 Muskequeers, was part of a City Arts funded initiative to paint several utility boxes across the city with Pride-themed imagery, in partnership with Santa Cruz Pride to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Santa Cruz Pride. The Branciforte Middle School Muskequeers is an active Queer Straight Alliance club which includes students in sixth, seventh and eighth grade, that loves to do art, socialize, empower queer students, and educate/provide advocacy for LGBTQ students. These signal boxes serve as everyday reminders that LGBTQ+ visibility and representation in our community.
| | Discover Seabright: Beachside Bliss in Our Backyard | Santa Cruz’s charming Seabright neighborhood is calling, and even with the Murray Street Bridge under construction, the fun doesn’t stop! The latest Visit Santa Cruz blog post, “Beachside Bliss: Seabright,” highlights our Seabright neighborhood! | | Murray Street Bridge Harbor Access Path Closure | |
To facilitate continued construction work, sections of the harbor access path will be closed to bike and pedestrian traffic.
The east harbor access path will be closed starting Monday, July 21, and is expected to reopen in January 2026.
The harbor access paths are located under the east and west sides of the bridge, connecting the north and south sides of the harbor. Only one access path will be closed at a time for construction-related activities.
Visit cityofsantacruz.com/msb to learn more about the Murray Street Bridge Seismic Retrofit and Barrier Rail Project and sign up to receive project email updates.
| | Reminder: Gas Powered Leaf Blowers Ordinance In Effect | |
Gas-powered leaf blowers are a major source of carbon emissions and air pollution, posing risks to both the environment and public health. To address this, City Council adopted an ordinance that bans the use of gas-powered leaf blowers throughout the city, effective July 1, 2025. This regulation will help the City meet local and state goals of reducing carbon emissions to 40% of 1990 levels by 2030.
The ordinance only applies to gas-powered leaf blowers. Electric and battery-powered leaf blowers can still be used within city limits. Want to report a concern? Visit the Community Request for Service Portal (CRSP) and select the Code Violation option.
Please do not call 911 or Santa Cruz Police.
| | Upcoming Tuesday Night Live Concerts | |
Join us for live music on the Wharf! The 3rd Annual Tuesday Night Live series features free shows on the second Tuesdays of each month through September, plus bonus concerts on the fourth Tuesdays of June, July, and August. Presented by the Wharf Tenants, Parks & Recreation, Friends of Parks & Recreation, and Economic Development, all shows are free and start at 6 p.m. on the Wharf Common Stage.
Upcoming Shows
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August 12 — The Joint Chiefs
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August 26 — Sweet VooDoo
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September 9 — Jive Machine
| | Become a Waste Reduction Pro! Register for a FREE Recycling Center Tour | |
Join us for an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the City's Resource Recovery Facility this summer to learn what happens to the 30 to 50 tons of recyclables Santa Cruz residents toss into their blue bins every day. Whether you're a recycling rookie or waste warrior, you’ll leave empowered to make smarter, greener choices.
Tours are 90 minutes long and take place every Friday through August 15 at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Spots are limited. Register today!
Upcoming Tours
- Friday, July 25 from 10-11:30 a.m.
- Friday, July 25 from 1-2:30 p.m.
- Friday, August 1 from 10-11:30 a.m.
- Friday, August 1 from 1-2:30 p.m.
- Friday, August 8 from 10-11:30 a.m.
- Friday, August 8 from 1-2:30 p.m.
- Friday, August 15 from 10-11:30 a.m.
- Friday, August 15 from 1-2:30 p.m.
| | Santa Cruz Police Department Community Survey Open Through July 31 | |
As part of a staffing study by Citygate Associates, the Santa Cruz Police Department is seeking community feedback through a short, confidential survey. Your input will help identify opportunities for improvement and guide future planning.
The survey is open through July 31, and all responses are completely anonymous.
| | Midtown Fridays Summer Block Parties | |
The Event Santa Cruz Midtown Fridays Summer Block Party is back for its 5th year, and it's bigger and better than ever!
Every Friday night from May 30 through August 29, they're hosting the ultimate summer block party right in the heart of Midtown at 1111 Soquel Ave. It's free, family-friendly, featuring over 16 of the most popular bands in Santa Cruz hitting the stage all summer long, plus a rotating lineup of great local food trucks!
| | Upcoming Parks and Recreation Month Events | | | | |
City of Santa Cruz | City Manager's Office
809 Center St. Santa Cruz, CA 95060
santacruzca.gov | 831-420-5010
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