Midtown Fridays Summer Block Party is back
The Event Santa Cruz Midtown Fridays Summer Block Party is back for its 5th year, and it's bigger and better than ever!
Every Friday night from May 30 through August 29, they're hosting the ultimate summer block party right in the heart of Midtown at 1111 Soquel Ave. It's free, family-friendly, featuring over 16 of the most popular bands in Santa Cruz hitting the stage all summer long, plus a rotating lineup of great local food trucks!
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Quick Work on Seabright Valve Repair
Water staff recently performed work on the 1600 block of Seabright Avenue to replace a broken 4” fire service valve serving Lilian’s and the U.S. Postal Service buildings. The team efficiently sectioned in a new 6” tee and 4” valve, completing the repair quickly and minimizing water interruption to nearby businesses. Great work, team!
| | Pavement Rehabilitation Project | |
The 2024 Pavement Rehabilitation Project has been underway and will enhance safety for all roadway users, pedestrians, and bicyclists. The proposed improvements in the project area include the removal of non-ADA-compliant curb ramps and the installation of ADA-compliant curb ramps, the removal and replacement of asphalt pavement, the installation of missing sidewalks in specific areas, and the installation of new striping to help reduce potential conflicts between motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians. Paving is being completed on Escalona Drive (between Walnut Avenue and Peyton Street). Paving of Highland Avenue (between Mission and High Streets / between Spring Street and Hillcrest Terrace) will start soon!
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Vegetation Management
The Wastewater Collections team coordinated vegetation management at 620 Water Street, along the Branciforte Creek channel. Routine vegetation management near waterways supports maintenance activities and prevents debris from blocking the channel throughout the year.
| | Provide Your Feedback on the City's Local Coastal Program by July 14 | |
The City's Advance Planning Division has released the public review draft of a new Local Coastal Program (LCP) Beaches and Bluffs Chapter and is accepting public feedback through July 14 before bringing it to City Council public hearings for adoption, tentatively slated for Fall 2025.
California's commitment to protecting its coast began with Proposition 20 in 1972 and the Coastal Act of 1976, which ensures public access and environmental protection. Coastal cities are required to adopt Local Coastal Programs (LCPs) to guide development in the Coastal Zone. Our current LCP, adopted in 1992, is now being updated to align with the City's 2013 General Plan and to address today's critical issues, like climate change and sea level rise. This is an exciting step toward a more resilient and sustainable coastal future.
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It's Plastic Free July
Waste Free Santa Cruz and partners are launching the Plastic Free July Challenge!
You can take part by:
Downloading a BINGO card on the WFSC website!
| | Reminder: Gas Powered Leaf Blowers Ordinance Begins July 1 | |
Gas-powered leaf blowers are a major source of carbon emissions and air pollution, posing risks to both the environment and public health. To address this, the City Council has adopted an ordinance that bans the use of gas-powered leaf blowers citywide starting 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.
Residents and businesses may be eligible for rebates and incentive programs to help transition from gas-powered landscaping tools to zero-emission equipment.
Using a leaf blower for the first time or need a refresher? Follow these safety tips:
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Gear Up: Always wear protective equipment, including safety goggles, earplugs, and a dust mask to shield yourself from debris, noise, and dust.
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Use Responsibly: Keep the nozzle pointed away from people and pets. Never operate a leaf blower on unstable surfaces like ladders or rooftops.
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Protect Your Home: Make sure all nearby doors and windows are closed to prevent dust and debris from blowing inside.
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Report a Concern: Please use CRSP. Please, do not call 911 or Santa Cruz Police.
| | Upcoming Tuesday Night Live Concerts | |
Join us for live music on the Wharf! The 3rd Annual Tuesday Night Live series features free shows on the second Tuesdays of each month through September, plus bonus concerts on the fourth Tuesdays of June, July, and August. Presented by the Wharf Tenants, Parks & Recreation, Friends of Parks & Recreation, and Economic Development, all shows are free and start at 6 p.m. on the Wharf Common Stage.
Upcoming Shows
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July 22 — Fish Hook
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August 12 — The Joint Chiefs
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August 26 — Sweet VooDoo
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September 9 — Jive Machine
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Santa Cruz Police Department Community Survey – Open Now through July 31, 2025
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As part of a staffing study by Citygate Associates, the Santa Cruz Police Department is seeking community feedback through a short, confidential survey. Your input will help identify opportunities for improvement and guide future planning.
The survey is open through July 31, 2025, and all responses are completely anonymous.
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| Upcoming Free Santa Cruz Recycling Center Tours | |
Ever wonder where your recycling and food scraps go? Join us for an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the City's Resource Recovery Facility to learn what happens to the 30 to 50 tons of recyclables Santa Cruz residents toss into their blue bins every day. Whether you're a recycling rookie or waste warrior, you’ll leave empowered to make smarter, greener choices.
Sign up for a tour today to:
- Discover why “recycling right” matters.
- Learn how to avoid common mistakes like “wish-cycling.”
- Get up close to a mountain of scrap metal.
- Explore the Household Hazardous Waste Program.
- Watch the amazing Food Scrap Pre-Processor in action.
Tours are 90 minutes long and take place every Friday through August 15 at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Spots are limited. Register today!
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City of Santa Cruz | City Manager's Office
809 Center St. Santa Cruz, CA 95060
santacruzca.gov | 831-420-5010
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