Wharf Recovery Updates:
Santa Cruz City Council approved $155,000 from the Economic Development Trust Fund to support wharf business recovery efforts.
Free Parking Extended!
Enjoy 2 hours of free parking on the Wharf through February—perfect for your next visit!
Join us every Wednesday from 6–8 PM, January 22–February 26, for live music and a weekly raffle!
Raffle Details:
Win 1 of 18 $100 gift cards to Wharf businesses/restaurants every week!
To enter, spend $20+ at any Wharf business/restaurant during January or February and show your receipt.
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Registration Open for Santa Cruz Parks and Recreation Activities | |
Kick off 2025 with exciting programs for all ages! Registration is now open for winter and spring activities through Santa Cruz Parks and Recreation. From fitness and enrichment to arts and outdoor adventures, there’s something for everyone.
New This Season
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Roller Skating at the Civic Auditorium — sessions, lessons, and rentals available! Activity numbers: Little Skaters (113620), Open Skate (113619), Skate Lessons (113618)
- Free Community Classes
- Birdwatching: Discover local habitats and meet feathered friends (Activity numbers: 114911 & 114912)
- Pilates Sculpt: Build strength and flexibility in a supportive group setting (Activity number 112144)
- Bike Workshops: Enhance your cycling skills and safety awareness. (Activity numbers: 115615 & 115616)
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After-School Enrichment programs for kids at Santa Cruz City Elementary Schools.
Choose Santa Cruz Parks and Recreation
We’re the heartbeat of our community, offering quality programs that inspire, educate, and connect people of all ages. Classes fill quickly, so early registration is encouraged. Secure your spot by visiting cityofsantacruz.com/register.
Stay Connected!
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Just Bring It: New Campaign Launches January 18th!
Waste Free Santa Cruz is launching the "Just Bring It" BYO Coffee Cup Campaign on Saturday, January 18th!
They hope to inspire Santa Cruz residents and visitors to take action and reduce single-use coffee cup waste by bringing reusable coffee cups wherever they go. They're aiming for a 20% reduction in single-use coffee cup usage within 3 months of the campaign kickoff.
Be part of the change—just bring it!
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Downtown Sewer Rehabilitation Project Update | |
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The Public Works Wastewater Collections team recently inspected freshly lined manholes in Downtown Santa Cruz. This epoxy-coated lining was installed as part of the Front/Spruce/Pacific 54-Inch Sewer Rehabilitation project, which included improvements to roughly 3,200 feet of a 54-inch sanitary sewer. The project uses a trenchless-process known as cured-in-place-pipe, lining seven associated manholes to prevent further pipeline deterioration.
Manholes are lined to protect interior surfaces from corrosion, erosion, and other damage caused by harsh sewer system conditions. This process helps extend their lifespan by providing a smooth, protective barrier against chemicals, wastewater, and wear and tear. The result is better functionality, structural integrity and leak prevention for many years to come.
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Community Asked to Report Wharf-Related Debris and Information
If you find any wharf-related commemorations, memorial benches, or memorabilia, please contact Santa Cruz Parks and Recreation at recreationevents@santacruzca.gov or 831-420-5270. All other wharf debris information can be reported to reportdebris@santacruzca.gov.
Community members recently returned the NOAA interpretive plaque to the wharf. Big thanks to Santa Cruz Police for their help in reuniting this asset!
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Love Clam Chowder? Join us for the
44th Annual Santa Cruz Clam Chowder Cook-Off!
Chef Registration, Tickets & Merch Available Now
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The Annual Santa Cruz Clam Chowder Cook-Off takes place February 22 – 23 at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Purchase your tasting kit in advance, then join us to taste your heart out and cast your vote for the best chowder! Purchase your merch and tasting kits online now!
Chefs — enter your team by Monday, February 7, for a chance to win the title of best chowder in the country's largest and longest-running clam chowder competition. Enter online today!
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SCZFD Helps Battle Southern California Fires
The Santa Cruz Fire Department (SCZFD), along with several strike teams from Santa Cruz County, recently headed to Southern California to assist with the devastating fires. Teams from Watsonville, Santa Cruz, Scotts Valley, and Central Fire departed on Jan. 8 and will be assigned to fight the Eaton Fire, providing crucial support in combating this destructive blaze. Please keep our firefighters and everyone affected by the fires in your thoughts.
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Santa Cruz Woodies Club Supports Local Surfing Museum
The Santa Cruz Woodies Club recently donated $1,059 to support the operation and upkeep of our beloved Santa Cruz Surfing Museum.
The Surfing Museum, located in the lighthouse, is such an important part of Santa Cruz culture, and this financial support helps keep our surfing history alive and accessible.
A big thank-you to all the Woodies Club members, families, and friends who bought raffle tickets at last year's event. Your support truly makes a difference! We can’t wait for this year—mark your calendars for Saturday, June 21, 2025, when we’ll celebrate the 29th annual Woodies on the Wharf. It’s going to be a fantastic day filled with fun, music, and classic Woodies on the Wharf!
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Draft Environmental Impact Report for Downtown Expansion Now Available
The Draft Subsequent Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the Downtown Plan Expansion — South of Laurel Area — is available for your review and comments now! This project aims to expand the Downtown Plan, increase housing options, boost economic vitality, and enhance connectivity and public spaces.
Key Highlights:
- Adds multi-family and affordable housing.
- Supports businesses and includes plans for a permanent Warriors arena.
- Introduces new public spaces and improved bike/pedestrian routes.
Review the Draft EIR:
Submit comments by February 21, 2025, at 5 p.m. to sneuse@santacruzca.gov or call the Planning Department at (831) 420-5092.
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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, which 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.
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City of Santa Cruz
City Manager's Office
809 Center Street
Santa Cruz CA 95060
santacruzca.gov
831-420-5010
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