O'Neill Cold Water Classic Returns to Santa Cruz' Steamer Lane November 15–19, 2023 | |
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On November 15, 2023 the World Surf League North American Qualifying Series returns to Steamer Lane for the O’Neill Cold Water Classic QS 1,000.
Steamer Lane will host both a men’s and women’s competition from November 15–19, 2023. A live broadcast will be available on the World Surf League site and will connect the international surf community to the action in Santa Cruz.
Local legends Nat Young, John Mel, Sam Coffey, and Shaun Burns will be representing the men’s field, while Autumn Hayes, Esme Brigham, Keanna Miller, and Maddie Storrer will be representing the women's. This will be the first time in several years that the event will expand over the weekend, giving more opportunity for surf fans to travel to our City for the event. On land, a vendor village will be set up for spectators to enjoy between heats. More information on the event can be found at O'Neill Cold Water Classic.
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Proposal Submitted to Update Gateway Plaza Façade
Last week, the Planning and Community Development Department received an application from Fuse Architects + Builders to conduct minor site alterations and update the façade of the buildings at the Gateway Plaza Shopping Center to modernize the overall look of the property.
The applicant proposes the redevelopment of the pavilion area adjacent to River Street with a pergola, seating area underneath, and a large open space. The pedestrian entrance from River Street connecting through this pavilion area to the shopping center is proposed to be closed to allow for more usable open space for tenants and customers. Other pedestrian entrances to the shopping center will be maintained. Improvements are proposed to one of the buildings, a former Ross Dress for Less store, that will be reviewed under a separate application as requested by the applicant.
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The 470 River Street property is located within the Community Commercial zone district and the San Lorenzo Urban River Plan Area. The project site is currently developed with several buildings across four parcels for commercial uses, such as retail and restaurants, with direct pedestrian connections from River Street to the riverwalk along the San Lorenzo River.
The proposed application requires a Minor Modification to Permit #95-002, which approved the existing Gateway Plaza Shopping Center, to allow staff to review the façade and site alteration improvements. A staff level review is required with no public hearing. The appropriate environmental review document under the California Environmental Quality Act will be determined during the initial City review. Rina Zhou will serve as the planner on the application.
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Assemblywoman Pellerin Meets with Public Works, Water, and the Resource Conservation District
Public Works and Water Department staff met with the Resource Conservation District and California Assemblywoman Gale Pellerin this week. We discussed her support for advancing a fish passage enhancement project along Branciforte Creek, which would improve fish passage conditions for steelhead and coho.
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Finance Wins 10th Consecutive National GFOA Award
The Finance Department received the 10th consecutive Government Finance Officers Association Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for its FY 2024 Budget. This award reflects the commitment of the City and staff to meet the highest principles of governmental budgeting. The submitted document met nationally recognized guidelines for effective budget presentation, designed to assess how well an entity's budget serves as a policy document, a financial plan, an operations guide, and a communications device.
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Water Treatment Plant CTR Project Basin Cleanup Complete
Last week, Aidan Robinson and Erin Ellis from the Graham Hill Water Treatment Plant Production Team worked on the draining and cleaning of Basin One. This cleaning is essential for inspecting submerged treatment equipment and removing accumulated solids and algae from the basin walls. Aidan and Erin are pictured in their fall arrest harnesses and confined space PPE, assisting in moving scaffolding system parts out of the basin after replacing the solids removal hose, which is connected near the top of the basin. The basin cleanout is complete, and the basin is connected to the new solids tank as part of the project.
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2023 President's Award Recipient
Rosemary Menard
At the recent Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies conference, Rosemary Menard, Water Director, was honored with the 2023 President's Award. Join us in recognizing her significant contributions to water supply management!
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NOLO Neighborhood Holds 26th Annual Fall Clean-Up | |
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The NOLO neighborhood marked its 26th annual fall clean-up day on October 28, 2023 in partnership with the City of Santa Cruz. Key participants in this event included City staff of Planning and Community Development (Code Compliance and Current Planning Divisions), Public Works (Solid Waste and Sanitation), and Parks and Recreation Departments, as well as NOLO neighbors and Community Bridges/Nueva Vista Center representatives.
The goal of the event was to provide property owners, tenants, and business owners a means to dispose of rubbish from their properties. Residents also had the opportunity to work collectively to keep their neighborhood free of unsightly refuse. Nearly 30 families participated this year.
| At the same time, the clean-up event provided an excellent opportunity for neighbors to meet, greet, share information, and eat snacks. Some residents traded reusable "treasures.” At the Grey Bears collection station on Barson Street, residents found furniture, toys, bicycles, and other household goods to use. When these items are re-purposed, it prevents usable household materials from going into the City landfill. | |
This neighborhood clean-up event is possible with our partnerships between NOLO volunteers (JD Sotelo and Zeke Bean); Public Works, Solid Waste (Janice Kelly), Sanitation staff and drivers (Daniel Gutgesell and Jorge Gonsalez); City Manager’s Office (Peter Bichier); Community Bridges (Pamela Nell); and City Planning staff (Nancy Concepcion and Jenna Wilson).
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Downtown Kiosk Available for Rent
The City of Santa Cruz has one of four Downtown Kiosks available for lease, located at 1520 K2 Pacific Avenue, near the intersection of Locust Street and Pacific Avenue. The kiosk is an approximately 60-square-foot food service space.
The Downtown Kiosk Program is not looking to duplicate, replicate, or expand on existing food-service themes currently in the downtown. Respondents should propose concepts that appeal broadly to diverse customer bases, complement rather than compete with nearby businesses, and provide a memorable experience to potential customers and window shoppers. Learn more and apply here by November 15, 2023 to be considered for priority review.
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Hotel Paradox Hosts Grand Reveal Event
It is official: Hotel Paradox knows how to throw a party! After completing renovations, the hotel hosted an interactive Grand Reveal Event to show off its new space and share new menu items from Solaire. Each participant received a card, similar to Bingo, and was encouraged to visit each of the vendor rooms, each featuring a unique experience from terrarium making with the Little Shop of Horticulture to mixology demos from Santa Cruz Spirits to mini-facials with Yoso Wellness and more. There was truly something for everyone. And, in true Santa Cruz fashion, there was plenty of live music before and after Mayor Keeley's ribbon cutting. Check out the fun here.
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City of Santa Cruz
City Manager's Office
809 Center Street
Santa Cruz CA 95060
santacruzca.gov
831-420-5030
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