March 6, 2025

Play Ball! Parks & Recreation Celebrates Successful Little League Opening Day

A huge shoutout to our Community Parks and Recreation Sports teams for their dedication and teamwork in preparing for Santa Cruz Little League’s Opening Day on March 1. Their hard work, in collaboration with Santa Cruz Little League, helped make the day a home run!


This season, exciting improvements were made to the fields, including fresh clay fines in the infields, new backstops, an upgraded sound system, and brand-new solar panel shade structures with protective netting. These enhancements will make the ballpark experience even better for players and fans alike.


Thank you to everyone who contributed to making this season’s kickoff a success!

New Assistant Director of Libraries Selected

Santa Cruz Public Libraries (SCPL) is excited to announce that Laura Whaley has been selected for the position of Assistant Director of Libraries, effective March 1st, joining Director Christopher Platt in the Library leadership.


The Assistant Director of Libraries oversees the organization's public service divisions, including all branches, outreach, and adult and youth programs and services. Holding a Masters in Library Science from the University of North Texas, Laura Whaley expanded her leadership skills as a Fellow with the California State Library's Eureka Leadership Program as well as a member of the 2017 cohort of Leadership Santa Cruz County.


Whaley began her SCPL career in 1997 and has held many different positions with the SCPL organization since then. Her experience includes serving as a library assistant for youth programs, a branch manager, a volunteer coordinator, a librarian in the Programs and Partnerships Department, a regional manager, and a facilities manager. At various points throughout her career, Whaley served in a variety of interim leadership assignments in different library departments, including serving as interim assistant director in several instances.


"It is always exciting to embark on a new opportunity," said Whaley. "I am looking forward to supporting our director's goals, working with staff, and sharing my years of experience with SCPL and supporting the organization in this capacity."


Library Director Christopher Platt added, "As assistant director, Laura brings her knowledge, experience, and commitment to our Santa Cruz region to support the staff and patrons in bringing the Library's mission of 'Inclusion, Connection, Collaboration' to life."



Don’t Miss Out! Winter & Spring Activities Are Still Available!


The 2025 Winter/Spring Activity Guide is here, packed with events, classes, activities, and program updates for all ages! There’s still time to sign up and make the most of the season with Parks & Rec.


Check out the Activity Guide in English and Spanish!

Join the Youth and Family Town Hall!


The City of Santa Cruz wants to hear from you! Join us for a Youth and Family Town Hall to share your thoughts on the programs, services, and resources that matter most to young people in our community.


Date: March 24

Location: London Nelson Community Center

Time: 5 – 6:15 p.m.


We want to know:

✅ What’s working?

✅ What programs or services do you value most?

✅ Are there resources or opportunities you wish were available?


This is your chance to help shape the future of youth services in Santa Cruz. Your voice matters — share your ideas!

Get Involved Now — Take the Survey!

Join Us for a Community Meeting About the Murray Street Bridge Project on March 11


Join us to learn about the Murray Street Bridge Seismic Retrofit and Barrier Rail Project! Representatives from the Santa Cruz Harbor and the City of Santa Cruz will provide an overview of the project and discuss traffic and harbor impacts.


Event Details

Date: Tuesday, March 11

Time: 7–8:30 p.m.

Location: Simpkins Family Swim Center

Live Oak Community Center

979 17th Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95062

Learn More!

Register for March 19 Santa Cruz County Skilled Trades Job Fair


Looking for a job or training in the skilled trades? Attend the Santa Cruz County Skilled Trades Job Fair on March 19!


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. Open to ages 18+.

Register for Free Today!
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City of Santa Cruz

City Manager's Office

809 Center Street

Santa Cruz CA 95060

santacruzca.gov

831-420-5010