November 26, 2024

City Hall Closed for Thanksgiving Holiday

City Hall will be closed on Thursday, November 28, and Friday, November 29, in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday. We will close at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, November 27th and will reopen for regular business hours on Monday, December 2.

Coming Soon: Small Business Saturday | Nov. 30th


As the holidays approach, we would like to encourage you to consider shopping locally whenever you can. Our City is home to so many fantastic small businesses that offer unique gifts, great food, and quality services—all right here in our community! Join us in choosing local this holiday season and beyond—it’s a small choice that makes a big difference in our community.

Your Guide to Small Business Saturday!

Light Up the Night — Join the

Holiday Glow Guide and Contest!

With the arrival of darker days and winter festivities around the corner, holiday lights are almost here! You can join the inaugural Holiday Glow Guide, a local festive decorations list; the guide helps the community know which decorations are up and available for viewing.


From Friday, November 29 to Tuesday, December 31, submit the location of your home and a photograph of your decorations through the Parks and Recreation website.


Each entry will receive a $5 promo code to use when registering for a class activity offered by the Parks and Recreation Classes Department. All entries will be entered in a contest for the best decoration, and the winner will receive a $50 Parks and Recreation gift card!

Share your lights, lawn decorations, and other festive frills by adding your home to the Holiday Glow Guide map. When you register, add additional information you'd like to share about your home and decorations in the comments section. If you have any questions, please reach out to Parks and Recreation via email with the subject line "Holiday Glow Guide Map Listing."


For more information, visit the Parks and Recreation website.

Go with the Glow!

Redevelopment Under Consideration for Lots at North Pacific and Knight Intersection


On October 23, the Planning Department received a formal application to redevelop two lots located at 2020 North Pacific Avenue and 113 Knight Street. The applicant proposed demolishing the existing commercial buildings and constructing an eight-story commercial/residential mixed-use project. The project includes 174,850 square-feet of space, including 221 residential units, 7,757 square feet of ground-floor commercial space, and 49 parking spaces on the approximately 0.64-acre project site.

 

A community meeting will be held to provide more information and facilitate public input on the project. Timothy Maier is the planner reviewing the project

Treat Yourself to

Parent's Night Out!


Looking for a fun and relaxing night out without the kids? Treat yourself to a well-deserved break on December 7th with our Parents' Night Out event hosted by Santa Cruz Parks and Recreation Summer Camp staff! This is the perfect opportunity to enjoy a date night, catch up with friends, or just have some quiet time while your kids are in safe, capable hands.


Our trained and enthusiastic staff will entertain your children with various fun, supervised activities. From games, arts and crafts, movies, and more, your kids will have a blast in a safe, welcoming environment. Plus, they'll have the chance to make new friends and engage in interactive play, all while you get to recharge and enjoy some time for yourself.

Drop-off begins at 4:00 p.m. at the Teen Center at London Nelson Community Center, giving you plenty of time to head out for dinner or take advantage of holiday shopping. We'll provide snacks and fun until pick-up at 9:30 p.m., so you can enjoy your evening knowing your children are in great hands.


Spots are limited, so be sure to register early! Whether it's been a while since your last date night or you need a few hours of child-free time, Parents' Night Out is here to help. Let us take care of the kids—you deserve a night off!

Register for Parent's Night Out!

Six-Story Commercial and Residential Building Proposed for Water Street and Stanford Avenue

An application for a modification and density bonus was submitted in October for the mixed-use development proposed at 915, 917, 919, 923 Water Street, and 109 Stanford Avenue. The application would modify an approved zoning permit to allow the construction of a six-story, approximately 105,193 square-foot mixed-use commercial/residential building. The proposal includes 83 apartment units, 1,073 square feet of ground-floor commercial space, and 36 parking spaces at the site.


Proposed revisions would allow two additional stories while reducing the unit count by 22. The proposal also makes minor revisions to the building design to facilitate a 100% affordable housing use. As a 100% affordable housing project located within a half-mile of a major transit stop, the project is exempt from maximum density controls and is entitled to receive a maximum height increase of up to three additional stories. A community meeting was held on October 21, 2024, to present the modifications to the public and gather public feedback, with about 50 community members attending. The project requires review by the Planning Commission, which is expected to occur in the next few months. Timothy Maier is the planner who is reviewing the project. 

 

44th Annual Clam Chowder Cook-Off Pre-Sales Now Open!


Get ready to chow down! The 44th Annual Clam Chowder Cook-Off at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is just around the corner, and pre-sales are officially open! Mark your calendars for February 22 – 23, 2025 and get your pre-sales today.


Don't miss your chance to enjoy one of the most beloved events on the coast. This year's cook-off promises to be better than ever, with teams from all over the region competing for the title of Best Clam Chowder in both Manhattan and New England categories.


Exclusive Pre-sale Items:

  • Tasting Kits: Skip the lines and secure your tasting kit in advance. Each kit includes 6 tasting tickets, a cup, spoon, napkin, white voting card, and red voting card.
  • Merchandise: Show off your love for the event with exclusive Clam Chowder Cook-Off merchandise, including t-shirts, totes, and more.
  • Bundles: Get the best value with our special pre-sale bundles! Combine your tasting kit with merchandise for the ultimate cook-off experience.


Pre-sales are limited, so be sure to purchase early for guaranteed access to all the deliciousness. Whether you're a chowder connoisseur or just looking for a fun day in Santa Cruz, this is an event you won’t want to miss! We can't wait to see you at the 44th Annual Clam Chowder Cook-Off! Tasting kit sales benefit Santa Cruz Parks & Recreation!



Buy Your Tasting Kit Now!

Thank you, Parks & Rec Commission!


This year, the Parks & Recreation Commission established an ad hoc sub-committee to focus on the department’s budget, financial health, and long-term strategies for fiscal sustainability. The sub-committee plans to present its findings at the December 9 commission meeting. Thank you to commission members Brad Angell, Jane Mio, and Jacob Pollock, who spent the last six months with staff exploring and strategizing the Parks & Recreation Department budget!


Pictured Commission members Brad Angell, Jane Mio, and Jacob Pollock with Director Tony Eliott and Principal Management Analyst Lindsay Bass.

Three Santa Cruz Probationary Firefighters Complete Hands-On Final


On Friday, November 22, three Santa Cruz Fire Department members completed their Probationary Hands-On Firefighter Final.


The final for a probationary firefighter in California consists of a series of events that test the skills needed to be a firefighter. The Santa Cruz Fire Department's final consists of six major events covering the skills needed to be a firefighter in Santa Cruz. Congratulations, Firefighter McDonald, Firefighter Fender and Firefighter Rodger. Welcome to the team!

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City of Santa Cruz

City Manager's Office

809 Center Street

Santa Cruz CA 95060

santacruzca.gov

831-420-5010