October 30, 2023

Water Department Completes Critical Tie-Ins to GHWTP Pump Stations and Tank

The Production Team from the Water Department has recently been engaged in two crucial tie-in tasks as part of the Concrete Tank Replacement Project at the Graham Hill Water Treatment Plant (GHWTP). The first task involved connecting the new reclaim pump station to the existing recycled water clarifiers, while the second task focused on linking the filter backwash pipe to the new reclaim tank. These projects demanded creative problem-solving and dedication, and both were executed successfully, thanks to the dedicated teams' exceptional efforts!

After 63 years of continuous service to the community of Santa Cruz, the GHWTP reclaim pump station is now retired.

Water Department team members worked late into the night with contractors on the Concrete Tank Replacement Project. This photo was taken from the old reclaim tank looking down on the pipeline tie-in for the filter backwash pipe to the new reclaim tank.

Engineering Team Continues San Lorenzo River Lagoon Breaches to Alleviate Flooding

On Thursday, a bilingual postcard was mailed to community members in the Beach Flats and Lower Ocean Street neighborhoods. The postcard communicated that we are conducting regular breaches of the San Lorenzo River Lagoon to alleviate flooding in areas of Lower Ocean Street and Beach Flats.

Breaching will be needed until significant rainfall increases the flow of the San Lorenzo River. A notice of the next breaching day and time is posted at http://www.cityofsantacruz.com/culvert at least one day prior to each breach.

The new San Lorenzo River Lagoon Culvert Project was designed to eliminate flooding in these neighborhoods. Construction occurred July through November 2022. A final piece of the project was to be installed last year, but river flows were unusually high at the planned time, making installation impossible. Also, the January 2023 storms damaged the culvert. Given all this, breaching of the San Lorenzo River Lagoon is the only available method to control water levels.



The good news is that the City expects to complete the San Lorenzo River Lagoon Culvert Project in the first half of 2024. Thereafter, neighborhood flooding will be prevented. Please watch the San Lorenzo River Lagoon Culvert Project video in English or Spanish on the culvert project website.

The City greatly appreciates the community's patience and understanding as we work toward a permanent solution.

Jeff Kinney, Author of

Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Headlines Library

Fundraiser at the Civic!

Downtown was buzzing with excitement last Friday night as 2,000 kids and families came together to enjoy a spectacular game show event presented by Bookshop Santa Cruz, featuring none other than the renowned author, Jeff Kinney. The evening was not just about entertainment; it was a heartwarming celebration of community and support for our local libraries. Jeff Kinney and his team left a lasting impact on our community by generously donating $7,300 to our beloved local libraries. The evening was filled with fun and interactive games that allowed the audience members to participate and contribute to this fantastic cause.

Don't Forget to Complete the San Lorenzo

Park Redesign Survey!

Parks and Recreation has released an online survey for the San Lorenzo Park Redesign process. Based on community input, the City developed and refined concept plans to show possible options to best use and lay out the park. Please complete the survey to help the City zero in on a preferred concept plan for the park! The survey will close on Sunday, November 5, 2023. Click here to learn more about the project!

Spooktacular Fun Was Had by All at the

London Nelson Community Center!

Halloween in Santa Cruz is a special treat, and the London Nelson Community Center (LNCC) knows how to celebrate! We kicked off the spooky season with the 25th Annual Halloween Mask Making Festival on October 21, 2023. Families had a blast creating masks, enjoying creepy carnival games, dancing to Thriller in the park, and being treated to Halloween-inspired performances by All About Theater in the LNCC Auditorium.

Throughout the month, zombies took over the LNCC during our FREE Thriller dance classes and joined forces on the community zombie wall. To cap off the festivities, we crowned the 2023 Halloween Horrors Film Competition champions with two spine-tingling film screening events on Friday, October 27, and Sunday, October 29, 2023. The Original Horror Short film category saw a record number of entries, and the top prize went to the Santa Cruz Teen Center's submission.

Thanks for celebrating Halloween with us at the LNCC—it was a scream!



City of Santa Cruz

City Manager's Office

809 Center Street

Santa Cruz CA 95060

santacruzca.gov

831-420-5030