Fire Department Pays Tribute to Fallen Firefighters at 2024 Statewide Memorial | |
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On Saturday, October 12th, a contingent from the Santa Cruz Fire Department participated in the 2024 California Professional Firefighters Fallen Firefighter Memorial at the capitol grounds in Sacramento. This event honored the sacrifice of 36 firefighters who passed away in the line of duty, including our own Fire Captain Brian Tracy, who succumbed to job-related brain cancer on April 27th, 2023. Captain Tracy was inducted into the memorial alongside Santa Cruz Firefighters Russ Long and Clayton Ogden, who also passed away due to job-related cancers.
Hundreds of firefighters from across the state gathered to pay tribute, joined by dignitaries such as California Governor Gavin Newsom and Attorney General Robert Bonta. Governor Newsom addressed the crowd, offering supportive words to the families and firefighters, recognizing their courage and sacrifice. The event was a powerful reminder of the risks firefighters face and the deep bond shared by all who serve.
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Neighbors Gather to Work on Safety at Grant Street Park
Last Wednesday, Parks & Recreation joined forces with Grant Park Neighbors, the SCPD, Mayor Keeley, and Supervisor McPherson to host a community discussion focused on the safety and future of Grant Street Park.
Nearly 50 residents attended, engaging in conversations ranging from enhanced policing efforts to innovative park design. Grant Park Neighbors, one of the City’s most active neighborhood groups, has been instrumental in efforts to revitalize the park. A morning security guard was recently added to improve safety during school pickup hours. Looking ahead, new playground equipment and additional amenities are set to transform the park, with completion expected by Summer 2025.
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Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium Completes Water Main Replacement
The Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium recently replaced its 84-year-old water main with new 2-inch galvanized copper pipes. Over the years, the old system had developed multiple leaks, which were repaired as needed. With the project now finished, leaks in the Staging Room and Maintenance Shop have been fully resolved.
The work also involved capping old fire hose outlets that hadn’t been used in years, one of the many historical quirks of the Civic, which has served the community for over 80 years.
We want to thank the Civic staff for their demo preparation and Geo H. Wilson Contractors for their skilled work. Next up is a project to add handrails to the stadium seating area.
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Community Feedback Gathered on Proposed Development at 1811, 1815, & 1819 Mission Street
On September 30th, a community meeting was held regarding the preapplication to redevelop 1811, 1815, and 1819 Mission Street with a six-story mixed-use building. The proposed development includes a ground floor commercial space at the corner of Mission and Dufour Streets, a designated outdoor seating area, 68 residential units on the upper levels, and a partial rooftop deck. Feedback from the community included concerns regarding traffic, parking (including the need for a loading zone), bike and pedestrian safety, height and massing of the building, and a zero-foot setback along the rear of the properties. Other feedback received was supportive of more affordable housing. A recording of the community meeting, a list of questions and answers and community meeting feedback notes are available on the project webpage.
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Downtown Safety Panel Held for Commercial Brokers
Economic Development and Housing recently convened a panel discussion to address public safety in downtown Santa Cruz. The event was organized in response to the ongoing discussions about public safety during our quarterly Broker Breakfast events. Local commercial brokers attended the event, which highlighted the collaborative efforts of the City and County to create a safer environment for businesses and the community.
Key topics included ongoing public safety initiatives led by local departments and organizations, upcoming projects to enhance safety and revitalize downtown, and opportunities for partnership between the City and the broker community. Panelists represented various organizations, including the City Manager's Office, City Council, Santa Cruz Police Department, Santa Cruz County Behavioral Health, Encompass Community Services, and the City Attorney's Office.
The event provided a valuable platform for attendees to learn about the latest public safety initiatives and ask questions. By fostering open dialogue and collaboration, the panel discussion aimed to increase community engagement in solutions that will contribute to a more vibrant and secure downtown for everyone.
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Rare Santa Cruz Black Salamander Spotted by Biologists
Biologists working at a local watershed project recently found a rare Santa Cruz black salamander. This uncommon species is hard to spot, measuring around five inches with solid black skin and is only found in the Santa Cruz Mountains.
This species of salamander — called plethodontid — is native to California and does not breathe through lungs. Instead, it conducts respiration through its skin and tissues lining its mouth. This requires it to live in damp environments on land. While plethodontid salamanders don't inhabit streams or bodies of water, they can survive for a short time if they fall into water.
Adapted for climbing with long toes, the Santa Cruz black salamander forages for small invertebrates, including millipedes, ants and termites, on the ground at night during wet weather and typically stays underground during dry periods.
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Public Comments Sought on Proposed Energy Efficient Renovations Ordinance
Did you know that buildings are the second-largest source of climate pollution in Santa Cruz? The City plans to cut greenhouse gas emissions from energy use in existing buildings by 40% by 2030. To achieve this goal, the City is developing a proposed “Energy Efficient Renovations Policy,” which will require energy-efficient improvements when major alterations or additions are made in existing residential buildings.
Learn more and share your input through the survey link below by Nov. 19, 2024. Comments will be reviewed before the policy is proposed to City Council on Nov. 19, 2024.
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Register for Biketober Santa Cruz — You Could Win $1,000 for Riding Your Bike! | |
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Biketober Santa Cruz is a fun, free challenge; you, your friends, and your co-workers are invited to participate. The aim is simple - to get more people to enjoy the benefits of riding bikes. You can ride anywhere, anytime in October to participate.
By logging your bike trips on Love to Ride or by using an app, you can win great prizes — the top prize is $1,000! Even more prizes are up for grabs if you encourage other people to get involved, too.
So, push those pedals, spread the bike love, and join the movement to get more people riding bikes this October.
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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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