November 20, 2023

Home for the Holidays Pet Adoption Special 

100% of the fun and snuggles, 50% of the cost, through December 3, 2023 

Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter wants to encourage families to consider adopting a new furry friend this holiday season! Because the Shelter has so many pets right now, they're offering ½ price adoption fees on most pets, and any dog or cat over 6 years of age has no fee (a $29 license fee is required for dogs). The adoption fee for puppies under 6 months old will be just $105 and adult dogs $75. Kittens are $60, adult cats $50. Rabbits are $35, and pets over 6 years of age have no fees. The reduced adoption fees still include vaccinations, spay or neuter surgery, and a microchip to help protect the pet and get families off on the right paw for a long, healthy life together! A long holiday weekend can be a great time to bring a pet home, since you may have a little more time to spend helping the pet adapt and get comfortable with new people, routines, and environments.  

The Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter at 1001 Rodriquez Ave, Santa Cruz 95062 is open from 11:00 to 6:00 every day (closed Thursday and Friday for Thanksgiving) and has hundreds of adoptable pets to choose from. To view available pets, visit www.scanimalshelter.org.

Development Proposed at 162 Hagemann Avenue

On October 30, 2023, a public outreach meeting was held via Zoom regarding the proposed redevelopment of 162 Hagemann Avenue. The project encompasses a multifamily development of three new buildings totaling 19,149 gross square feet. A combined site of three existing parcels enclosing 0.62 acre would feature seven new townhomes. The applicant is proposing to provide one residential unit at the low-income level and pay an in-lieu fee for a fractional (0.4) unit in conformance with the City’s inclusionary housing requirements. A combined site of three existing parcels enclosing 0.62 acre would feature seven new townhomes.

Located in the R-1-5 zoning district, the proposed site is bounded by lots with single-family homes. The applicant requested low-density residential designation, which allows a maximum of 10 dwelling units per acre (seven for this site). The applicant requested use of state density bonus incentives, concessions, and waivers for increased building height, reduced distances between buildings, and variation from setback requirements.

“Carriage units” are included in the site plan — non-habitable spaces that will be converted to accessory dwelling units (ADUs) during the permit phase. State ADU law sets that these cannot be considered part of the project.

Although the size of the project does not necessitate public outreach, the applicant voluntarily hosted the meeting to provide information, answer questions, and collect feedback on the project proposal.

At the meeting, the applicant provided an overview of the scope of work, shared the project design, and responded to questions. 38 community members attended, including owners and occupants of units surrounding the project site and residents from across the City.

Project Planner Timothy Maier replied to inquiries regarding

City processes. Attendees’

questions centered on potential impacts of the project related to:

• neighborhood character.
• cumulative impacts of the subject project
• development proposals within the vicinity of the project site.
• vehicular parking capacity and demand.
• generation of traffic.
• stormwater runoff and treatment.
• potential loss of sunlight exposure to neighboring properties.

Public hearings required for this process are expected to be held early next year before both the Planning Commission and the City Council.

Register to Compete in the 2024 Clam Chowder Cook-Off or Preorder Tasting Kits!  

Interested in competing in the 43^rd Annual Clam Chowder Cook-Off? Register your team today. The Cook-Off is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, February 24 and 25, 2024 at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.

Preorder your tasting kits, t-shirts, sweatshirts, and tote bags now! Tasting kits are $15 and include 6 tasting tickets, a bowl, spoon, napkin, and ballot to vote for your favorite Boston or Manhattan chowders.

Event details are available at www.cityofsantacruz.com/chowder or by calling 831-420-5273.

Enhancing Water Infrastructure

Recently, maintenance was completed on Thurber Lane in the Santa Cruz Gardens area. A team installed an isolation valve on the water main to minimize service disruptions in case of a leak or planned outage. Additionally, a valve responsible for flushing the main to enhance water quality was replaced, as these valves are susceptible to failure.

Ocean Street Pavement Rehabilitation Project – Striping Begins November 20, 2023

The Ocean Street Pavement Rehabilitation Project is wrapping up with the raising of utilities this week into next. Temporary lane shifts will be in effect on both Ocean Street and San Lorenzo Blvd. until the work is completed early next week.

Utility raising will be followed by the installation of new roadway striping with enhanced pedestrian and bicycle facilities starting on Ocean Street the week of November 20, 2023 and continuing with San Lorenzo Blvd. on November 30, 2023.  Completion is expected by December 8, 2023, weather permitting.

Please be aware of and comply with temporary traffic control, which will be in place while this work is completed. If possible, please avoid the area and use alternate routes during working hours.



Seabright Striping

The Street Maintenance Team installed new striping and paint on Broadway at Seabright. Striping allows space for busses to turn right onto Broadway and makes the bicycle lane more pronounced.  

Oversized Vehicle Ordinance Signs Installed

The Street Maintenance Sign Crew installed the Oversized Vehicle Ordinance (OVO) signs at key points within the City limits. Oversized vehicle parking permits were available for purchase starting on November 6, 2023 at the City's Parking Office at 124 Locust Street. Enforcement will begin on December 4, 2023. More information can be found on the OVO webpage.

Facility Maintenance Prepares for Winter

Facility Maintenance spent a significant amount of time this week preparing City buildings for a possible heavy rain event. Pre-winterization included clearing gutters, rooftop drains, and site drains; checking sump pumps; and spreading good cheer for the coming holidays.

City Takes Part in Santa Cruz County Trades Day

Trades Day saw active participation from various City departments such as Public Works, Water, Police, and the Fire Department. Throughout the event, the staff of each department responded to inquiries about their specific roles and interacted with attendees through a variety of engaging activities.



City of Santa Cruz

City Manager's Office

809 Center Street

Santa Cruz CA 95060

santacruzca.gov

831-420-5030