June 26, 2025

In observance of the July 4th holiday, we'll be taking a brief break—there will be no newsletter the week of July 4th. We'll be back in your inbox the following week with updates and news from around the City! Starting the week of July 7th, the City Manager's Weekly Update will transition to a bi-weekly format - stay tuned!

Celebrating Parks and Recreation Month - 40 Years of Community Connection!

July is Parks and Recreation Month, and this year marks the 40th National anniversary! We’re proud to celebrate four decades of creating vibrant spaces, enriching programs, and unforgettable experiences that connect people to nature, health, and each other.

Join the Celebration!

Each week in July, we’ll be spotlighting different parts of the department, from events and youth programs to park stewardship and senior services. Follow us on social media and join us at events around town!

Proclamation Coming Soon!

Keep an eye out for the official City proclamation recognizing July as Parks and Recreation Month. It’s a great reminder of the value our parks, programs, and people bring to Santa Cruz.

Did You Know?

Santa Cruz boasts over 30 parks and open spaces, 7 facilities, and a full slate of classes and events that engage thousands of residents and visitors every year.

Show Your Park Pride!

Share your favorite park photos and memories with us on social media using #SantaCruzParksAndRec for a chance to be featured.

West Cliff Restoration Complete

We’re excited to share that West Cliff Drive has been fully restored to pre-storm conditions and is now open to two-way traffic, with paving and striping completed this week! This milestone marks the completion of a major recovery effort that began in the aftermath of the devastating winter storms of 2023.

Thank you for your patience and support throughout this process!

Save the Date!

We’re thrilled to invite you to a special West Cliff Celebration – a community event to celebrate the completion of this major construction project and the reopening of the roadway! 

Date: Friday, August 15th 

Time: 5:00 – 8:00 PM

Lighthouse Point, 701 West Cliff 

More details are coming soon!

Provide Your Feedback on the City's Local Coastal Program by July 14 

The City's Advance Planning Division has released the public review draft of a new Local Coastal Program (LCP) Beaches and Bluffs Chapter and is accepting public feedback through July 14 before bringing it to City Council public hearings for adoption, tentatively slated for Fall 2025. 

California's commitment to protecting its coast began with Proposition 20 in 1972 and the Coastal Act of 1976, which ensures public access and environmental protection. Coastal cities are required to adopt Local Coastal Programs (LCPs) to guide development in the Coastal Zone. Our current LCP, adopted in 1992, is now being updated to align with the City's 2013 General Plan and to address today's critical issues, like climate change and sea level rise. This is an exciting step toward a more resilient and sustainable coastal future. 

Reminder: Gas Powered Leaf Blowers Ordinance Begins July 1 

Gas-powered leaf blowers are a major source of carbon emissions and air pollution, posing risks to both the environment and public health. To address this, the City Council has adopted an ordinance that bans the use of gas-powered leaf blowers citywide starting 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. 

Residents and businesses may be eligible for rebates and incentive programs to help transition from gas-powered landscaping tools to zero-emission equipment. 

Using a leaf blower for the first time or need a refresher? Follow these safety tips: 

• Gear Up: Always wear protective equipment, including safety goggles, earplugs, and a dust mask to shield yourself from debris, noise, and dust. 
• Use Responsibly: Keep the nozzle pointed away from people and pets. Never operate a leaf blower on unstable surfaces like ladders or rooftops. 
• Protect Your Home: Make sure all nearby doors and windows are closed to prevent dust and debris from blowing inside. 

Upcoming Tuesday Night Live Concerts

Join us for live music on the Wharf! The 3rd Annual Tuesday Night Live series features free shows on the second Tuesdays of each month through September, plus bonus concerts on the fourth Tuesdays of June, July, and August. Presented by the Wharf Tenants, Parks & Recreation, Friends of Parks & Recreation, and Economic Development, all shows are free and start at 6 p.m. on the Wharf Common Stage.

Upcoming Shows

• July 8 — The Lost Boys featuring James Durbin
• July 22 — Fish Hook
• August 12 — The Joint Chiefs
• August 26 — Sweet VooDoo
• September 9 — Jive Machine

All Fireworks Illegal in Santa Cruz - Citywide Safety Enhancement Zone with Triple Fine Penalties in Effect July 4-7

With thousands expected to visit Santa Cruz for the upcoming Independence Day holiday weekend, City Council has implemented measures to ensure the safety and cleanliness for all residents and visitors. A citywide Safety Enhancement Zone will be in effect from Friday, July 4, at 8 a.m. through Monday, July 7, at 8 a.m. Under the Safety Enhancement Zone designation, fines for violations of the City's municipal code, including the illegal discharge of fireworks, littering, and public consumption of alcohol, will be tripled.

Important Reminders

Fireworks Ban: Possessing, discharging, or selling fireworks in Santa Cruz is strictly prohibited.

Triple Fines: Violations subject to triple fines include, but are not limited to:

• Fireworks possession.
• Possession of open containers or consumption of alcoholic beverages in public places.
• Graffiti.
• Noise violations.
• Trespassing.
• Misconduct on public property.

The Santa Cruz Police Department (SCPD) is committed to ensuring a safe and enjoyable holiday experience. If you witness the discharge of illegal fireworks, please report it to the SCPD non-emergency line at 831-471-1131.

Fireworks spark fires every year in the City. Drought and windy conditions increase the risk in both wildland and urban areas. SCPD and the Santa Cruz Fire Department remind everyone that all fireworks, including those marked "Safe and Sane," are illegal in the City of Santa Cruz.

GO BIKE! Bicycle Incentive Program Applications Open

To encourage the switch from driving to biking, GO Santa Cruz County’s GO BIKE! Incentive Program provides cash vouchers to eligible participants for discounts on bikes, e-bikes and B-Cycle memberships. The program provides eligible participants with vouchers ranging from $300 - $1,200, dependent on bike purchased. Vouchers are redeemed at the time of sale and purchase price will be reduced by the amount of the voucher.

Upcoming Free Santa Cruz Recycling Center Tours

Ever wonder where your recycling and food scraps go? Join us for an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the City's Resource Recovery Facility to learn what happens to the 30 to 50 tons of recyclables Santa Cruz residents toss into their blue bins every day. Whether you're a recycling rookie or waste warrior, you’ll leave empowered to make smarter, greener choices.

Sign up for a tour today to:

• Discover why “recycling right” matters.
• Learn how to avoid common mistakes like “wish-cycling.”
• Get up close to a mountain of scrap metal.
• Explore the Household Hazardous Waste Program.
• Watch the amazing Food Scrap Pre-Processor in action.

Tours are 90 minutes long and take place every Friday through August 15 at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Spots are limited. Register today!

Register for the Annual Secchi Dip-In on July 12

The Santa Cruz Water Department invites you to join the annual Secchi Dip-In on Saturday, July 12, from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. The Dip-In is a special celebration of Lakes Appreciation Month at Loch Lomond. Enjoy a guided tour aboard the Newell Jewell, complete with hands-on water quality sampling and a closer look at what keeps our lake healthy. Space is limited. Call 831-335-7424 to reserve your FREE spot today!

City of Santa Cruz | City Manager's Office

809 Center St. Santa Cruz, CA 95060

santacruzca.gov | 831-420-5010