January 31, 2025

Restoration & Improvements Underway at San Lorenzo Duck Pond

City Parks and Recreation staff want to ensure they address community members' questions and concerns about the necessary repairs underway at the San Lorenzo Duck Pond. The restoration work will replace failing systems, address critical maintenance challenges, and repair damaged infrastructure. The result will be an even more functional and attractive outdoor area for everyone to enjoy!

Repairing Damage and Aging Systems

The upper section of the park has several ongoing issues that make it difficult to maintain the pond: 

• Failing Pump Systems: The pumps aren't circulating water effectively, leading to inefficiencies. 
• Damaged Infrastructure: Cracks in the pond's underlayers are causing constant water loss. 
• High Water Costs: The water loss requires us to refill the pond almost daily—an unsustainable use of water and resources. 

Maintenance and Improvements in Progress

To tackle these challenges, we're putting in place temporary solutions that will improve the area right away: 

• Pond Sealing: We're applying a concrete slurry seal to part of the pond to stop leaks and help maintain water levels. 
• Landscaping Improvements: Soil from another park project will fill the area near the stage, creating a new landscaped section with colorful, low-maintenance plants. 
• Better Water Circulation: A small dam will separate the landscaped area from the main pond, which will keep its fountain and upgraded pump systems for better water flow. 
• Enhanced Habitat: We're keeping some aquatic plants to maintain a habitat for wildlife while adding gopher wire and weed barriers to make the area easier to care for. 

City Aims to Complete Work by May 2025

The San Lorenzo Duck Pond Restoration Project timeline depends on the contractor's availability and weather conditions. We aim to complete the work by May 1, 2025. These updates will make the pond a more functional, sustainable, and aesthetically pleasing amenity. The work will also lay the groundwork for future improvements, stabilizing operations, and reducing water use. 

Thank you for your patience as we work to make San Lorenzo Park a place we can all be proud of!

For more information, call Parks and Recreation at 831-420-5270 or click the button below to send an email to our team!

Applications Open for City of Santa Cruz

Master Recycler Volunteer Training Program

The City of Santa Cruz is now accepting applications for its 2025 Master Recycler Volunteer Training Program. Over eight weeks in February and March, participants will attend training sessions to become Master Recycler Volunteers for waste reduction and recycling.

The interactive classes are taught by the City’s Resource Recovery staff and local discard management professionals.

Program graduates will emerge with an agreement to put their new skills into practice through a minimum of 20 hours of

community service. They will be invited to

staff outreach tables and discard stations at special events, support Earth Day, and serve as recycle champions with the knowledge and confidence to educate and empower community members to waste less, rethink their habits, and “recycle right.”

Applications are available online and will be accepted until January 30. Space is limited, and priority consideration will be given to those who reside or work within the City of Santa Cruz. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age.

Economic Development and Housing Support Micro Enterprise Home Kitchen Workshop

Economic Development and Housing’s Business Support team assisted with the Micro Enterprise Home Kitchen (MEHKO) Workshop presented by El Pajaro CDC and Santa Cruz County Environmental Health. 25 community members attended the bilingual workshop, gaining an introduction to the Santa Cruz County MEKHO Program. MEHKO began accepting applications January 1, 2025.

A MEHKO is a small scale home-based food service operation limited to 30 meals a day, 90 meals a week, and $100,000 in gross annual sales (adjustable by the California Consumer Price Index). Since January 2019, a California law has allowed cities and counties to authorize MEHKO in their jurisdiction. In September, 2024, the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors approved a two year pilot MEHKO program.

Business Liaison Sarah Domondon presented the workshop, covering the process of obtaining the appropriate City licenses and permits for MEHKO businesses located within the City of Santa Cruz. She also shared Economic Development and Housing programs and resources.

Preapplication Submitted for Mixed-Use Development at 901 Pacific Avenue

On January 6^th, the Planning Department received an application for an SB330 and preapplication review of a potential development at 901 Pacific Avenue. The development would combine two parcels and include a seven-story mixed-use development consisting of ground floor commercial and parking with 91 residential units above.

The parcels are in the Central Business District, within the Pacific Avenue Retail District. The project appears to require approval of a density bonus with waivers to height, among other aspects.

A pre-application review is intended to assist the applicant in preparing their formal application and allows for an initial staff review of a potential project.

A public hearing or decision is not required for a pre-application review. During this phase, a community meeting will be required under the City’s Community Outreach Policy for Planning Projects. The feedback provided may contribute to alterations in the project design. Additional updates will be provided if a formal application is submitted following the pre-application review process.

Ryan Bane is the planner for the project.

James Durbin and the Lost Boys Kick off

Wharf Wednesdays

Similar to Parks and Rec’s Tuesday Night Concert series, ‘Wharf Wednesdays’ spans six weeks, from January 22 — February 26 — with a different musical performer each week. To kick off the series, James Durbin and the Lost Boys braved the cold on January 22 along with 100+ attendees.

To support Wharf businesses after the winter storm event and temporary closure of the Wharf last month, the Economic Development and Housing Department partnered with Parks and Recreation for a winter concert series titled “Wharf Wednesdays.”

The goal of the concert series is to draw people to the Wharf in the slower winter season to offset the revenue loss from the post-storm closure during the peak holiday season. City Council approved the event series as part of a package of relief efforts along with free 2-hour parking on the Wharf through the end of February.

Attendees were invited to sign up for a giveaway featuring $100 gift cards for each of the 18 non-seasonal Wharf businesses. Nearly every attendee signed up. This giveaway will be offered each week with 18 winners receiving $100 gift cards.

The event is produced by Matthew Swinnerton from Event Santa Cruz who also produces popular events like Midtown Fridays in collaboration with the City’s Economic Development and Housing Department.

Join us from 6:00pm – 8:00pm on Wednesdays through February 26!

Wharf Wednesday Lineup

February 5 – Alex Lucero Band

Febraury 12 – Jive Machine

February 19 – Trestles

Febraury 26 – Trianna Feruza and Friends

Join the CPVAW as a Youth Commissioner!

The Commission on the Prevention of Violence Against Women (CPVAW) is looking for a passionate and motivated non-voting Youth member to join the Commission! This is a unique opportunity for a high school student to serve as a bridge between youth and the Commission, ensuring youth voices are heard in local government decision-making.

As a Youth Commissioner, you will:

• Provide advice and share your perspectives with CPVAW.
• Help connect the ideas and concerns of young people to the Commission’s work.

Youth Commission Details:

• Term: One year from the date of appointment
• Meetings: 6:30 PM, first Wednesdays of February, March, May, August, September, and November
• Stipend: $75 per meeting
• Eligibility: Open to students in grades 9–12 who live in the City of Santa Cruz
• Deadline to Apply: February 20, 2025

Downtown Santa Cruz Welcomes New Kiosk Tenants

Last week, we welcomed two new businesses into our Downtown Kiosks: Crepe Cones and Gabrielitas Tamaleria.

Santa Cruz's acclaimed Gabriella Café has opened Gabrielita Tamaleria, a new kiosk near the Del Mar Theatre. Owner Paul Cocking and Chef Gema Cruz offer a concise menu of tamales, burritos, and drinks, with plans to add street tacos and rice bowls in the future. All dishes feature homemade proteins like pork in salsa verde and chicken mole, made with ingredients sourced from the Santa Cruz Farmers Market. Tamales are available individually or in bulk, and the kiosk offers a limited menu distinct from Gabriella Café's focus on seasonal Californian cuisine. This venture allows Chef Cruz, who hails from Oaxaca, Mexico, to showcase her traditional Mexican culinary expertise.

Additionally, Crepe Cones has opened in front of Bookshop Santa Cruz. Owned by local resident Matt McCabe, the shop offers a variety of sweet and savory crepes, including vegan and gluten-free options. Enjoy delicious crepes at affordable prices, with some options starting as low as $5.



The Downtown Kiosk Program is managed by Economic Development and Housing.

Santa Cruz–Scotts Valley Intertie Project Begins

This Winter

The City of Santa Cruz Water Department and Scotts Valley Water District will soon break ground on a collaborative, $6.5 million intertie pipeline project to connect the two water agencies. This critically important project will increase system resilience, improve emergency preparedness, and ensure the availability of reliable, safe drinking water for customers of both agencies.

The project will construct a new two-mile pipeline and pump station. The pipeline route will include La Madrona Drive, Sims Road, and Firehouse Lane. Construction starts soon and will take approximately 12 months with anticipated traffic impacts in the area. Funding for the project came from the state Department of Water Resources Grant and both water agencies.

A project community meeting will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 4, from 4:30-5:30 PM in the Santa Margarita Room at the Scotts Valley Water District, located at 2 Civic Center Drive in Scotts Valley.

Gas Powered Leaf Blowers Ordinance Begins July 1

Gas-powered leaf blowers are a significant source of carbon emissions that contribute to global warming and negatively impact public health. City Council adopted an ordinance that will prohibit the use of gas-powered leaf blowers citywide with limited exceptions — the ordinance will go into effect on July 1, 2025. This regulation will help the City meet local and state goals of reducing carbon emissions to 40% of 1990 levels by 2030.

Incentives for electric landscaping equipment are constantly changing. Residents and businesses in Monterey, Santa Cruz, and San Benito Counties are potentially eligible for rebates and incentive programs to help switch from gas-powered landscaping tools to new, zero-emissions equipment.

Register for March 19 Santa Cruz County Skilled Trades Job Fair

Are you looking for a job or training in the skilled trades? Attend the Santa Cruz County Skilled Trades Job Fair on March 19 to meet employers in construction, building, solar, electrical, plumbing, welding, HVAC, carpentry, agriculture and more! Learn about job opportunities, classes, apprenticeships, and pre-apprenticeships.

On-site resume review and translation services will be available.

Join the City's New Sustainability and Resiliency Committee!

The City of Santa Cruz is recruiting residents with expertise in climate advocacy, transportation, water, trees, waste, buildings, energy, or resiliency for three at-large members (including one youth age 24 or younger) to serve on the new Sustainability and Resiliency Committee.

This is a pilot committee that serves as an advisory body to the Santa Cruz City Council on climate and resiliency issues, helping to guide the operationalization and implementation of activities to reach climate and resiliency goals. The application deadline is Monday, February 24.



City of Santa Cruz

City Manager's Office

809 Center Street

Santa Cruz CA 95060

santacruzca.gov

831-420-5010