City of Santa Cruz Holiday Closure. | |
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Many City offices will be closed over the holidays. City Hall will be closed from Monday, December 23, 2024, through Friday, January 3, 2025. Offices will reopen on Monday, January 6, 2025.
Additional resources, services and facilities will have modified hours during the holiday closure. Please note that Emergency 9-1-1 services are not affected.
This is our final newsletter for 2024! The Weekly Update will take a brief holiday break and return the week of January 6, 2025.
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Two-Way Traffic is BACK at 900 Block
of West Cliff Drive!
We are excited to share that two-way traffic will be restored on the 900 block of West Cliff Drive starting December 20, 2024. As part of the ongoing recovery from the January 2023 storms, all temporary traffic controls and closures in this area will be removed, significantly improving access for the community.
The restoration of traffic on this section of West Cliff Drive marks a key milestone in the City’s efforts to address the extensive storm damage. The severe weather caused multiple pathway failures, damaged fencing, signage, and other vital infrastructure along West Cliff Drive. While two-way traffic is now restored on the 900 block, the City is continuing its work to repair and rebuild damaged sections of the roadway and restore West Cliff Drive to its pre-storm conditions.
Stay informed about ongoing updates and projects by visiting the City’s website at www.cityofsantacruz.com/westcliff.
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Santa Cruz County Mobile Crisis Response Team Services are Available 24/7 | |
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Santa Cruz County Behavioral Health is pleased to announce that Mobile Crisis Response Teams (MCRT) are now available 24/7/365 to respond to behavioral health crises for youth and adults across Santa Cruz County, including the cities of Santa Cruz, Watsonville, Scotts Valley, Capitola, and all unincorporated areas. The MCRT helps remove barriers to crisis support access by meeting individuals where they are—whether that’s a park, school, or other safe location, including faith-based sites.
When a community member calls for an MCRT response to the 24-hour Access Line, trained crisis call takers will assess the situation to determine if an individual is undergoing a behavioral health crisis. If appropriate, a team is dispatched to provide on-site evaluation and intervention. Once the immediate crisis is stabilized, the MCRT will assist with a transition to follow-up care by connecting individuals with services and community-based resources.
For more information about the Santa Cruz County Mobile Crisis Response Team, visit santacruzhealth.org/crisisresponse or call 1-800-952-2335.
If you or someone you love is struggling with thoughts of suicide, please reach out for help. You are not alone. Call or text 988 to connect with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Trained counselors are available 24/7 to provide free and confidential support.
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New Year's Eve Galactic Celebration | |
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Get ready to launch into the New Year at the most cosmic NYE bash in Santa Cruz!
When: Tuesday, December 31, 2024 | 9:00 PM
Where: Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium
Celebrate in style with an unforgettable galactic-themed extravaganza. Dance, dine, and countdown under the stars for a night that’s truly out of this world!
Highlights Include:
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Stellar Entertainment: Groove to electrifying beats from top DJs, thrilling live performances, and a full-production show that will transport you to another galaxy.
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Interstellar Bites and Drinks: Refuel at our cosmic food stations and sip on otherworldly cocktails throughout the night.
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VIP Galactic Experience: Take your celebration to new heights with exclusive VIP packages, including champagne service, a private booth, a personal server, and cosmic goodie bags.
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Midnight Countdown Spectacle: Ring in 2025 with a dazzling display of confetti, psychedelic lasers, and a celebration like no other.
Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind celebration — it’s the ultimate way to start the New Year!
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Downtown Library and Affordable Housing Project Awarded $110 Million to Begin Construction Phase 1
The City of Santa Cruz, Eden Housing, and For The Future Housing announced that the Downtown Library and Affordable Housing Project has been granted the final funding award needed to begin construction. The visionary project will provide the community with much-needed affordable housing, a modern library, quality childcare facilities and parking for residents, library patrons and visitors to the Downtown area.
The project secured a $55.1 million tax credit award through the California Tax Credit Allocation Committee (CTCAC) and a $55.6 million bond award through the California Debt Allocation Committee (CDLAC). The funding was announced on Dec. 11.
The Downtown Library and Affordable Housing Project will be built on a city-owned surface parking lot (Lot 4), bounded by Cathcart, Cedar and Lincoln Streets, where the weekly Downtown Farmer’s Market is currently held on Wednesdays. The Farmers’ Market will relocate to a new, permanent home in downtown Santa Cruz as part of this project.
The Downtown Library and Affordable Housing‘s key components and features include:
- 124 units of housing, 100% of which will be affordable units (with the exception of one manager’s unit)
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New Downtown Library, approximately 41,000 square feet
- Childcare facility, including 1,231 square feet of indoor space and 674 square feet of outdoor space
- Commercial tenant space, approximately 9,598 square feet
- 240 parking spaces for cars, including 25 level 2 EV charging stations
- 203 parking spaces for bikes, including a mix of varying sizes, bike lockers and e-bike charging
- 36 new trees to be planted, including 14 on the project site and 22 to be planted in other locations in the City, to replace the existing 12 trees that will be removed for the project. Wood from existing trees on the site will be prioritized for potential use in the project.
The new modern library portion of the project, leveraging funds from voter-approved Measure S and community contributions, will replace the existing downtown library. The TCAC award requires construction to begin by June 2025.
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Coastal Rail Trail Updates | | |
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Paving began last week on the Coastal Rail Trail Segment 7 Phase 2 (Bay/California Streets to Pacific Avenue) and will continue through the remainder of the calendar year, weather permitting. Paving is a major milestone that will help winterize the 0.8-mile-long bicycle/pedestrian path project site as it enters the rainy season.
Final work includes fencing, lighting, trail end work, signs and striping. The project is on track for a trail opening in Spring 2025.
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Honoring Commissioners Hollie Locatelli and Kristina Glavis | |
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This week, the Parks and Recreation Commission recognized the exceptional contributions of Commissioners Hollie Locatelli and Kristina Glavis, who concluded their second terms, each serving an impressive eight years. Their dedication and leadership have left a lasting impact on our parks, programs, and policies.
During their tenure, Commissioners Locatelli and Glavis played pivotal roles in shaping the future of Santa Cruz Parks and Recreation. Here are just a few highlights of their accomplishments:
Strategic Approvals and Plans
- Parks Master Plan, Beach Management Plan, Street Tree Master Plan, and Wharf Master Plan: Providing a clear vision for sustainable and vibrant community spaces.
- Adoption of the Golf Course and Civic Operational Plans: Ensuring operational efficiency and long-term viability.
Policy Advancements
- Ordinance Revisions: Guided updates on park adoptions, tree-in-lieu fees, special events, sidewalk vending, and the London Nelson name change.
- Strategic Input: Reviewed the department's mission, vision, and values, shaping its first-ever Strategic Plan.
Critical Reviews and Approvals
- Supported landmark projects such as the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History Expansion, Sgt. Derby Skatepark enhancements and various phases of the San Lorenzo Park redesign.
- Reviewed and expanded the Street Tree List, adding diverse native options.
- Named the "Harry Schoenfeld" Lawn Bowls and addressed numerous tree appeals.
Leadership During the COVID-19 Pandemic
- Advised on system-wide closures and recovery planning.
Strengthening the Department
- Participated in Ad Hoc Committees for Harvey West Pool, staff safety, and financial sustainability.
- Reviewed seven budget proposals and four Annual Reports.
Their steadfast commitment to preserving and enhancing the natural beauty and community spirit of Santa Cruz has been inspiring. As we bid farewell to these leaders, we invite dedicated community members to step into their shoes. Applications are now open for two vacancies on the Parks and Recreation Commission, with appointments to be made by the City Council in January 2025.
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City of Santa Cruz
City Manager's Office
809 Center Street
Santa Cruz CA 95060
santacruzca.gov
831-420-5010
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