September 27, 2024

Pedestrian Safety Starts with You: Stay Alert to Protect People Walking

September is Pedestrian Safety Month in California 

Santa Cruz Police Department would like to remind drivers to slow down and be alert for people walking on our roads. By taking extra precautions, you can help protect our community and reduce crashes and injuries. Walking should always be a safe option for getting around any community. 

According to projections from the Governors Highway Safety Association, 7,318 pedestrians were killed in traffic crashes across the United States in 2023. In California alone, pedestrian deaths make up more than 27 percent of all traffic-related fatalities, highlighting the urgent need for increased awareness and safety measures on our roads.

“Every step we take towards greater pedestrian safety is a step towards saving lives," Santa Cruz Police Lieutenant Wes Morey says. 

"We want to remind everyone that safety begins with you, whether behind the

wheel or on foot. Small actions, like slowing down,

putting away distractions and yielding at crosswalks can make a life-saving difference.” 

Santa Cruz Police Department offers safe driving and walking tips, including staying off the phone when behind the wheel or walking. 

Drivers 

• Do not speed, and please slow down at intersections. Be prepared to stop for pedestrians at marked and unmarked crosswalks. 
• Avoid blocking crosswalks while waiting to make a right-hand turn. 
• Never drive impaired. 

Pedestrians 

• Be predictable. Use signalized crosswalks where drivers may anticipate foot traffic. 
• Watch for approaching vehicles and practice safely crossing the street. At 30 mph, a driver needs at least 90 feet to stop.

• Make it easier for drivers to see you at night – consider wearing bright colors and reflective material, or use a flashlight!
• Be careful crossing streets or entering crosswalks at night or on busier streets with higher speed limits. 

Share your thoughts about pedestrian safety by participating in the Go Safely Movement, a call-to-action traffic safety survey from the California Office of Traffic Safety. Take the survey at gosafelyca.org. 

A grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration funds this program. 

SCPL Book Buddy Program Brings Books and Library Materials to Homebound Patrons

The Santa Cruz Public Libraries (SCPL) is pleased to announce the return of the Book Buddy program after a long hiatus. Book Buddy will be available to patrons on Tuesday, October 1.

The SCPL Book Buddy program matches homebound library patrons with volunteers who check out and transport books and other library materials directly to their homes. It brings to life SCPL's commitment to inclusion and community engagement.

Patrons who otherwise would not be able to come to any of our ten branches and access resources get renewed access to our local library resources. For questions about becoming a Book Buddy recipient, contact Homebound Services at 831-427-7700 x 7614 or email homebound@santacruzpl.org.

Book Buddy is a volunteer-run program, and SCPL invites those interested in serving as Book Buddies to reach out to our Volunteer Services to sign up — contact them at 831-427-7700 x 7638 or email volunteer@santacruzpl.org.

Public Comments Sought on City's Application for Equitable Housing and Climate Resilience Project Funding From HUD

Between September 23 and October 7, the City is circulating its draft proposal to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development's Pathways to Removing Obstacles to Housing Grant Program for a project entitled Preserving and Promoting Equitable Housing Affordability and Climate Resilience in Santa Cruz, CA.

The application and its associated components are available for review as printed hard copies in Spanish and English at the City Hall City Manager's Office reception desk at 809 Center Street, Room 9/10, and can be accessed online.

Comments should be submitted by Monday, October 7, 2024, at 5:00 PM via the feedback form on the project webpage. You can also provide comments at the City Council hearing on October 8, 2024. Thank you for your comments which will be used to refine and finalize the proposal due October 15 to HUD.

Provide Nourishment to Local People Through the Second Harvest Art Auction

The time has come for our annual Second Harvest Art Auction! The pieces up for auction have all been made by our extremely talented City staff. The auction starts at noon on September 18^th and will close at noon on September 26th. Let’s help raise money for a great cause in our community!

Detail of art by Laura Ramsey, entitled "Off-Duty" in the Second Harvest Art Auction.

Click the link below to check out the Second Harvest Art Auction page. Select the green “View All Items” button, then create an account to view and make offers. Learn more about other ways to donate to Second Harvest.

Those interested in checking out the pieces before the end of the auction can do so on September 25^th from 11 a.m. to 12 noon. The pieces will be displayed in the Public Works Annex Conference Room at 809 Center Street, Room 201.

Detail of art by Amanda Bird, entitled "Sunshine Yellow" in the Second Harvest Art Auction.

Local Students Tour Santa Cruz Police Department

This week, the Santa Cruz Police Department had the pleasure of giving a tour to local elementary school students. During the tour, the kids learned about police officer duties and the organization's history. 

Do you know a school or group that would like a tour? Contact the Santa Cruz Police Department today! 



City of Santa Cruz

City Manager's Office

809 Center Street

Santa Cruz CA 95060

santacruzca.gov

831-420-5010