August 28, 2023

‘Dancing Waters’ Mural Debuts on River Front Garage

As part of the City Arts Recovery Design program, a new mural was installed outside the river-facing entrance of the River Front Garage last Wednesday. Created by local artist Maha Taitano, the Santa Cruz-inspired mosaic mural depicts the full water cycle, from raindrops to the ocean, around a directionally accurate compass. Taitano sought input through a pair of community meetings and discussions with local cultural leaders. Community artist Kathleen Crocetti, who founded Watsonville-based Community Arts & Empowerment to support up-and-coming artists of color, assisted Taitano in the process. Dancing Waters is a true community effort, with more than 100 volunteers helping to bring the project to life. Read more about Dancing Waters here.



Celebrating the Summer Teen Intern Program

The Santa Cruz Teen Center is celebrating the successful return of the Summer Teen Intern Program. Fourteen teens were placed in internships in several departments this summer, including Public Works, Planning, Parks and Recreation, and Finance. Collectively, the interns worked a total of 1,582 hours. Seven of our interns performed so well that they secured themselves temporary positions after their internships ended and will continue employment with the City!



Complete Climate Action Survey to Reduce Climate Risks

The City's Climate Action Program seeks community input to reduce the risks of natural disasters and vulnerabilities to climate hazards before they occur. Those who live and/or work in the City of Santa Cruz can take the short Local Hazard Mitigation + Climate Adaptation Plan Public Survey in English or Spanish. Thank you for contributing to our efforts! Learn more about the City’s climate action efforts and future opportunities to engage with the Local Hazard Mitigation and Climate Adaptation Plan update process here.



Show Your City Aloha Spirit!

There is still room and time to register a team for the 31^st Annual Aloha Outrigger Races happening on Saturday, September 16, 2023! These short-course outrigger races are designed especially for the new or novice paddlers. Every racer receives Wharf perk coupons to Wharf establishments and one parking pass per team. Come out and support the racers as well as enjoy hula performances by Kūhai Hālau O Mehanakealohakalaua'eikapoli Pā 'Ōlapa Kahiko at 1:30 PM!

This event would not be possible without the Pu Pu 'O Hawaii Outrigger Canoe Club! Registration is quick and easy. Click here to register your team today!



Downtown Office Hours Featured In-Person Mentoring from the Small Business Development Center

In a continued effort to create a bridge between current and/or aspiring business owners and business resources, the Economic Development Department held Office Hours in Abbott Square Market last Wednesday. The event has traveled to various districts in the City of Santa Cruz throughout this year, and this time the team was joined by Santa Cruz Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Business Advisors Keith Holtaway and Larry Hebert. The SBDC Director Alex Pederson and representatives from the Downtown Association also joined the event.

During this two-hour event, a handful of Santa Cruz business owners spoke with the group about their business aspirations and received powerful insights from the advisors. The SBDC is a free service for aspiring and current business owners in Santa Cruz County.

Explore the 50-Year Vision for West Cliff Drive

As we work to develop a 50-year vision for West Cliff Drive, including emergency repairs to areas damaged by the winter storms, learn about our latest updates in this new video.

Seeking Holiday-Themed Pop-Up for Midtown Parking Lot

The Economic Development Department is requesting proposals to transform the Midtown Public Parking Lot into a holiday-themed pop-up this winter. Examples include: maker’s market with holiday-themed gifts, pumpkin patch, or tree farm to create a festive environment and support local artists and businesses.

Proposals are due September 15, 2023. More information is available here.

Resource Recovery Brings Food Scrap Collection to Clearview Court Mobile Home Community

Staff from the Waste Reduction Team met with residents at Clearview Court Mobile Home Community to roll out the Food Scrap Collection Program. Each resident received a 2-gallon countertop pail and a flyer highlighting best practices, including how to prevent odors and the items allowed in the container.

Transportation Engineering

We are scheduled to begin construction of the Unsignalized Crossing Improvements Project on Monday, Aug. 28. The project will increase safety for pedestrians and cyclists with new ADA curb ramps, regulatory and warning signs, pedestrian activated beacons, traffic striping, and pavement markings at six locations outlined on the map below. 



City of Santa Cruz

City Manager's Office

809 Center Street

Santa Cruz CA 95060

santacruzca.gov

831-420-5030