Santa Cruz Clam Chowder Cook-Off Returns Feb. 22-23! | |
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Get ready for a weekend full of flavor! The Santa Cruz Clam Chowder Cook-Off returns to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk February 22–23. Join us to enjoy a friendly competition featuring some of the best chowders on the coast.
Amateur and professional chefs will showcase their culinary skills, serving everything from classic New England-style chowder to bold, creative Manhattan variations. Attendees can sample entries and vote for their favorites while soaking in the lively atmosphere of this beloved local tradition.
Event weekend sales tents open at 10 a.m. where you'll find:
- Limited-edition merchandise, including T-shirts and commemorative souvenirs.
- Tasting kits for attendees to sample chowders.
Proceeds from the event will benefit Santa Cruz Parks and Recreation programs, supporting local community events and initiatives year-round.
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Prevent Runaway Carts During Heavy Rain
Heavy rainstorms bring increased water flowing down our streets and gutters. Help ensure the free flow of water and prevent resource recovery carts from being swept down the street or potentially blocking drains. Position all collection carts — including bins for trash, recycling, food scraps, and yard waste — at least 18–24 inches away from curbs and gutters, then bring them in as soon as possible after collection.
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Calling All Young Writers!
Does your child or student love to write? Encourage them to showcase their creativity in the Hans Christian Andersen Writing Contest, presented by Sestri Levante—Santa Cruz’s Italian sister city.
Winners will have the opportunity to be recognized for their storytelling talents. Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to inspire the next generation of writers!
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Preparing for a Successful Spring and Summer Sports Season
With spring sports just around the corner, Parks and Recreation staff are hard at work preparing athletic fields for the busy months ahead. Fields are set to reopen on March 1, in time for Little League Opening Day at Harvey West Park.
In coordination with local sports leagues, staff are focused on optimizing field conditions, ensuring facility readiness, and enhancing the overall experience for athletes and spectators alike. Efforts include:
- Sports turf maintenance to provide safe, high-quality playing surfaces
- Irrigation system inspections and adjustments for optimal field health
- Infrastructure improvements to enhance accessibility and usability
- Spectator area maintenance for a more comfortable viewing experience
Work is underway at Harvey West Park, Lower DeLaveaga Park, and Depot Park, with strategic improvements designed to support players and fans. A big thank you to our dedicated maintenance staff for their work and commitment to keeping our fields and facilities in top condition.
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Join us for a Midweek Boost: Free Pilates Sculpt Class Wednesdays at Noon
Join us for a free Pilates Sculpt class every Wednesday from 12 – 1 p.m. at the Civic Auditorium! This class, sponsored by the City's Human Resources Department and led by Parks and Recreation, is a great way to stretch, strengthen, and reset during your workday.
All levels are welcome—whether you're a Pilates pro or trying it for the first time. Move, de-stress, and have fun with your coworkers and community members!
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FREE for everyone — bring a friend!
- Open to all City employees — no registration required.
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Community members welcome — registration required.
- What to Bring: A mat and comfortable workout clothes.
- A limited supply of bender balls and resistance bands will be available.
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Join Our Senior Trip to Golden Gate Park – Limited Spots Available!
Looking for a day of exploration and fun? There’s still space available for the upcoming Senior Trip to Golden Gate Park on March 4!
San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park offers something for everyone. Explore the Conservatory of Flowers, a stunning tropical greenhouse filled with rare plant species. Stroll through the serene Japanese Tea Garden, or immerse yourself in the wonders of the California Academy of Sciences, home to an aquarium, planetarium, natural history museum, and a four-story rainforest. Art lovers won’t want to miss the renowned DeYoung Museum.
Trip Details
- Date: March 4, 2025
- Cost: $60–$78. Includes round-trip transportation. (Lunch and attraction admission are at your discretion. Some museums offer free admission on the first Tuesday of the month.)
- The group will be dropped off in the park’s main courtyard. Each attraction is just a short 5–10 minute walk away, and a map will be provided.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes and dress in layers to prepare for any weather, including possible rain.
Don’t miss this chance for a fun and enriching day in one of California’s most iconic parks! Reserve your spot today!
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Join Us for a Wharf Wednesday Concert on Feb. 26 with Trianna Feruza and Friends | |
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On February 26 from 6–8 p.m., Wharf Wednesdays will feature Trianna Feruza and Friends — a dynamic, up-and-coming singer-songwriter.
Attendees are invited to sign up for a giveaway featuring $100 gift cards for each of the 18 non-seasonal Wharf businesses. The giveaway offers $100 gift cards to 18 winners each week.
This concert series was created to support Wharf businesses after the winter storm event and temporary closure of the Wharf in December. Economic Development and Housing is partnering with Parks and Recreation to offset the revenue loss from the post-storm closure during the peak holiday season. The final date is coming up on March 5th, when you can see Jive Machine!
The event is produced by Matthew Swinnerton from Event Santa Cruz who also produces popular events like Midtown Fridays in collaboration with the City’s Economic Development and Housing Department.
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Work Begins on Murray Street Bridge Project | |
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The City of Santa Cruz has begun work on the Murray Street Bridge Seismic Retrofit and Barrier Replacement Project. This essential infrastructure project is scheduled to be completed by January 2028 and aims to enhance public safety, improve seismic resilience, and upgrade traffic barriers on the bridge.
In addition to making the bridge more resilient to earthquakes, the project will result in a bridge deck with 6-foot-wide bike lanes and a 7.5-foot-wide sidewalk along the south (ocean) side to support a two-way pedestrian path of travel. The current elevated curbs along the bike lanes will be replaced with standard 6-inch-high curbs to improve the bicycle user experience. In addition, the current solid concrete vehicular barrier will be replaced with see-through barrier rails, allowing for better harbor and ocean views.
Beginning in early March, Murray Street will be reduced to one-way eastbound traffic for vehicles and bicycles. Detours will be clearly marked for all westbound traffic. Please expect delays and plan alternative routes. Two-way pedestrian traffic will be maintained, and temporary paths will be installed to accommodate foot and bike traffic. Periodic full lane closures will take place during various stages of the project, with advance notice provided through construction signage and official City communication channels.
Visit the project website at cityofsantacruz.com/msb to stay informed and sign up for email updates. You can also follow the City of Santa Cruz Public Works on Facebook and Instagram to stay connected to project news.
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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+.
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Join Us for an Informational Webinar on Enhanced Infrastructure Financing Districts | |
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The City of Santa Cruz invites community members to an informational webinar on Thursday, March 6, at 5:30 p.m. to learn about a potential Enhanced Infrastructure Financing District (EIFD) and how it could support City projects without adding new or increased taxes.
This session, led by City staff and Kosmont Companies, will cover:
- What an EIFD is and how it works.
- Potential benefits for Santa Cruz.
- Examples from other cities.
- Next steps in the process.
Following the presentation, there will be a Q&A session where attendees can submit questions through Zoom.
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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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