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Sweet Connections at
National Night Out
This week, we had a great time celebrating National Night Out at the Santa Cruz Wharf. The event brought together our community and public safety teams for an evening of connection, conversation, and fun.
Santa Cruz Police and Fire were out in full force, sharing the work they do to keep our City safe and spending quality time with residents.
One of the highlights of the night was the highly anticipated donut-eating contest, where Police Chief Bernie Escalante and Fire Chief Rob Oatey went head-to-head in a friendly but fierce competition. With a cheering crowd watching closely, both chiefs gave it their all in a race to the last bite. It was a close call, ultimately decided by crowd applause, but in the end, Chief Escalante took home the trophy (and bragging rights) for the Santa Cruz Police Department.
Thank you to everyone who joined us!
| | Ride the Harbor Water Taxi | |
The free inner-harbor water taxi operates during the summer, from Memorial Day through Labor Day, on weekends and holidays from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM. In addition to weekend service, the water taxi operates on Thursday evenings during the Crow's Nest beach barbecues from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
NEW! As part of a trial to assess public demand during the Murray Street Bridge construction, Friday service has been added, from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Your ridership will help guide future service decisions, so hop aboard!
Operating Hours:
- Thursdays: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM (During Crow's Nest beach barbecues)
- Fridays: 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM (Trial basis – new!)
- Saturdays & Sundays: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Holidays: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day)
Passengers may be picked up and dropped off at the following locations:
- X-1 Gate
- AA Dock
- Launch Ramp
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Harvey West Pool Reopens with Free Weekend “Dip In Days” Starting August 16
The City of Santa Cruz Parks and Recreation Department is thrilled to announce the reopening of Harvey West Pool with free “Dip In Days” every weekend beginning Saturday, August 16, through Sunday, September 28. The pool will be open to the public at no cost on Saturdays and Sundays from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., offering a fun, family-friendly way to cool off and reconnect with community this summer.
To celebrate the reopening, Mayor Fred Keeley will take the first ceremonial dip at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, August 16, during a brief ribbon-cutting ceremony at the pool. Immediately following the event, attendees are invited to enjoy free recreational swim as part of the “Dip In Days” kickoff.
Dip In Days – Free Weekend Swim!
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What: Free recreational swim at Harvey West Pool
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When: Saturdays & Sundays, 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., from August 16 through September 28
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Where: Harvey West Pool, 275 Harvey West Blvd, Santa Cruz, CA
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Cost: Free and open to the public
A full schedule of aquatic programming is expected to roll out later this year. For updates and future program information, visit www.cityofsantacruz.com/harveywestpool.
Have Questions? Call (831) 420-5270 or email parksandrec@santacruzca.gov
Visit santacruzparksandrec.com for updates.
| | Anthropologie Coming to Downtown! | |
The Planning Department has approved an application for minor improvements to the historic building located at 1134 Pacific Avenue (former site of the Downtown New Leaf) to facilitate occupancy by the retail store, Anthropologie.
The planning application consisted of a Historic Alteration Permit, Design Permit, and Sign Permit, which was reviewed at the staff level with no public hearings. Exterior improvements are limited to new entry doors at the front and rear of the building and building signage. Improvements will also include interior remodeling, which will be reviewed separately through a building permit application.
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Help Shape the 2025 City of Santa Cruz Active Transportation Plan!
Active transportation is for everyone. It supports parents with strollers, students biking to school, seniors walking, skaters, wheelchair users, and tourists alike. By creating a safe, connected network for walking, biking, and rolling, we build a more vibrant, accessible city for all.
The City of Santa Cruz is updating its current Active Transportation Plan (ATP) to reflect the community’s evolving needs and future vision. This effort, focused on creating a safe and accessible city for all, will unfold in three phases with ongoing community involvement. After gathering input during the community outreach phase, the ATP team has formulated recommendations and needs your feedback!
Come share your thoughts!
- Event: Active Transportation Plan Open House
- Date: Thursday, August 14
- Time: 4-6pm
- Place: London Nelson Community Center Room 3
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City of Santa Cruz Parks & Recreation
Releases Fall 2025 Activity Guide
Online Registration Opens Monday, August 11 at 8:00 AM
The Parks and Recreation Fall 2025 Activity Guide is now available online! Packed with exciting classes, programs, and events for all ages, the guide is your go-to resource for staying active, creative, and connected this season.
From youth sports, art, and after-school enrichment to adult fitness, dance, and cultural offerings, there's something for everyone to enjoy this fall.
Online registration opens Monday, August 11, at 8:00 AM.
Families seeking financial assistance are encouraged to apply through the Friends of Parks and Recreation (FOPAR) scholarship program. Scholarships are available to help ensure cost is not a barrier, making it possible for all families to participate. Applications are due by Thursday, August 1 and may be submitted online.
For questions about programs, registration, or scholarships, contact the Parks and Recreation Department at (831) 420-5270 or parksandrec@cityofsantacruz.com.
| | 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.
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Race the Wave
In an effort to increase public awareness and preparedness for tsunami emergencies, the City of Santa Cruz is proud to announce the first ever Race the Wave, taking place on Sept. 13, 2025.
The Tsunami Awareness Run is not just a race — it’s a movement. With a timed 3K route participants will follow an evacuation route from a high-risk coastal location to higher ground.
Race Details:
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Date: Sept. 13, 2025
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Start Time: 8 a.m.
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Location: 21 Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz, CA US 95060
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Registration: Race the Wave
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Entry Fee: Adults are only $20 and kids 12 and under are $10
Participants will receive a commemorative t-shirt, safety materials, and post-run refreshments at the finish line where a preparedness fare will be hosted.
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New Little Library Opens at Laurel Park!
We’re excited to celebrate the ribbon-cutting of a brand-new Little Library at Laurel Park, outside the London Nelson Community Center! Installed by the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at UC Santa Cruz, this free community library will be stocked with rotating themed books curated by OLLI, starting with a public recreation theme in honor of Parks and Recreation Month (July).
OLLI’s motto is “Stay Curious,” and this new addition invites readers of all ages to keep learning, exploring, and connecting through the power of books.
| | 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.
| | 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, August 15 from 10-11:30 a.m.
- Friday, August 15 from 1-2:30 p.m.
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CPVAW Meeting Recap
The Commission for the Prevention of Violence Against Women (CPVAW) met this week and established several ad hoc committees to plan and implement initiatives related to Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Sexual Assault Awareness Month, Education and Empowerment, and more.
One of these ad hoc committees is organizing a roundtable discussion with community-based organizations (CBOs) and governmental agencies to foster collaboration, share knowledge and skills, and support one another’s efforts to prevent and end violence against women. CPVAW is committed to identifying strengths and addressing gaps within the CBO community and will facilitate this gathering on an annual basis.
| | 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!
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