April 10, 2025

Coastal Commission Approves 2025 Beach Management Plan

The City of Santa Cruz Parks and Recreation Department is excited to share that the California Coastal Commission has approved the City’s 2025 Beach Management Plan to guide beach operations through March 2030.



The plan reflects the City’s commitment to balancing environmental stewardship, public safety, and inclusive beach access. With clarifications to ensure equitable access for all, the updated plan will meet the needs of tribal groups and nonprofit organizations that host gatherings to serve the general public. The plan also maintains beach hours and expands opportunities for concessions at both Main and Cowell Beaches.

Photo credit: Black Surf Santa Cruz.

BIG NEWS: Construction on the Downtown Library & Affordable Housing Project is starting soon!

The building permit is substantially complete, and construction is expected to begin in June 2025!

This project will bring:

• 124 affordable housing units
• A modern, 41,000 sq. ft. Downtown Library
• Childcare facilities
• New commercial space
• Approx. 240 car + 201 bike parking spaces (with EV and e-bike charging!)
• 36 new trees

Super Saturday: Summer Parks and Recreation Registration is April 12!

Plan ahead — Super Saturday Summer Registration for Parks and Recreation camps, classes, and activities is almost here!

Online registration opens Friday, April 12:

8:00 a.m. for City of Santa Cruz residents

10:00 a.m. for non-residents

Popular programs fill up fast, so set a reminder and register early to lock in your spot!

• Double-check that your account login works
• Make sure your household information is up to date

Need assistance? Our friendly staff are happy to help! Call us at 831-420-5270.

Get ready to stay active, explore new interests, and make unforgettable memories this summer!

Santa Cruz Fire Department Drops First Episode of Hot Wings with Hot Topics

The Santa Cruz Fire Department is ready to eat hot wings and answer burning questions about fire safety and emergency response. Episode one of the Hot Wings and Hot Topics series is out now!

In the first episode of the web series, Deputy Fire Marshal Dave Graff and Fire Prevention Inspector Ian Burnham eat hot wings and discuss emergency preparedness. Watch them sweat while discussing these issues:

• What is the difference between an evacuation order and a warning?
• How do you get alerts with no power?
• What should you put in your go bag?

Thank you to The Parish Publick House for sponsoring HOT wings for our first episode!

Help Improve the City's Active Transportation Plan

The City of Santa Cruz is updating its Active Transportation Plan, and we want to hear from you! Share your thoughts on how we can improve walking, biking, and rolling in our community. Your input will ensure that the updated plan represents what the community wants and needs.

Youth Needed to Serve on New Sustainability & Resiliency Committee Apply Now!

The City is recruiting one at-large youth resident member (age 24 or younger) to serve on the new Sustainability and Resiliency Committee. Applicants should have an interest or expertise in climate advocacy, transportation, water, trees, waste, buildings, energy, or resiliency. This is a pilot committee that will serve as an advisory body to the Santa Cruz City Council on climate and resiliency, helping to guide operational decisions and implementation of initiatives to reach climate and resiliency goals. The committee will meet quarterly for 18 months, and stipends are available. Apply by April 28.

Sign Up for Murray Street Bridge Project Updates

Stay informed about the Murray Street Bridge Seismic Retrofit and Barrier Replacement Project by visiting the project website at cityofsantacruz.com/msb.

Sign up to receive email updates and follow the City of Santa Cruz Public Works on Facebook and Instagram to stay connected to project news. 

Apply for a Special Events Grant to

Receive Up to $2,500

Applications are open for the Special Event Grant Program for fiscal year 2026 (July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026).

Grants offer up to $2,500 to support events that enhance Santa Cruz’s vibrancy and community well-being.

To be eligible to receive a grant, events must be held in Santa Cruz city limits, be previously held or newly established, and comply with City policies. Applicants must be Santa Cruz-based or demonstrate clear community benefits for the Santa Cruz community.

Apply by April 16. Awards will be announced on June 2.

Santa Cruz Pride is a previous recipient of a City of Santa Cruz Special Event Grant.





City of Santa Cruz

City Manager's Office

809 Center Street

Santa Cruz CA 95060

santacruzca.gov

831-420-5010