Santa Cruz Port District
Newsletter - March 2022
HARBOR NEWS
FY23 Budget Highlights
In February of each year, the Port Commission reviews, deliberates, and adopts the annual budget. The new budget year starts on April 1.

At its regular public session on February 22, 2022, the Santa Cruz Port Commission adopted the FY23 operating budget. The budget maintains service levels, meets reserve policy funding goals, and funds approved labor contracts. Additionally, it provides funding to address tsunami-related damage and aligns with identified Port District priorities by funding priority capital improvement projects in FY23, including:

  • Additional Security Cameras
  • Building Maintenance and Restroom Rehabilitation
  • Boatyard Marine Ways Improvements
  • Fuel System Upgrades
  • Paving Repairs
  • Sanitary Sewer Lift Station Equipment Upgrades

Capital Improvement Program (CIP) funding was utilized in the current budget year to complete an extensive list of projects, including:

  • Dock Upgrades: New Gangways in the Southeast Harbor
  • Pavement Repairs: Northeast Harbor Paving Project
  • Building Maintenance
  • Maintenance Work Boat Replacement 
  • East Public Pier Pile Repair
  • Boatyard Marine Ways Inspection and Pile Repair
  • Installation of Additional Security Cameras

3.2% Rate Increase
As part of the budget process, a 3.2% rate increase was approved for the following types of marina fees:

  • Slip Rent
  • Dry Storage
  • Rack Storage
  • Catamaran Storage

This increase will be effective April 1, 2022.

Please be sure to update your automatic payments to the new amount effective April 1, 2022, to avoid any late fees.
To increase boating opportunities for those currently without a slip, the FY23 budget continues the following programs:

  • Sliding fee structure which lowers the cost of vessel partnerships for the majority of participants (5% 1 partner; 10% 2 partners; 15% 3 partners).
  • Reduced sublet fee of 15% of slip rent for north harbor slips (previously 30%).

For additional information, the Port District’s operating budget and Capital Improvement Program are described in detail in the FY23 Budget Report, which is available for viewing on the District’s website.
New Harbor Patrol Boat
Harbor Patrol welcomed its new patrol vessel home on January 24, 2022. The new, 34' Moose patrol boat replaces the District's previous rescue vessel, Almar, which was acquired by the District in 1999.

The new patrol boat, which was funded by a one-time budget allocation in the amount of $530,000 from the State of California, greatly improves Harbor Patrol's ability to continue providing rescue services within the County.

A dedication ceremony for the new patrol boat will take place in May, in conjunction with National Safe Boating Week, which is scheduled for May 21 to 27, 2022. More details will be provided soon!
Site Visit
Congressman Panetta
Congressman Panetta was onsite on January 25, 2022, to assess impacts associated with the January 15, 2022, tsunami event.

Congressman Panetta provided critical information on federal funding opportunities that may be available to assist the District with tsunami recovery efforts. Staff has been working with the Congressman's office to lobby for available disaster assistance funding.

The Port District is extremely appreciative of the support received from local and state legislators after the tsunami event.
Pictured above, Congressman Panetta and his team with Port Commission Chairman Reed Geisreiter and District staff.
Looking for a flexible summer job?
Santa Cruz Harbor is seeking seasonal, part-time employees to assist with parking and launch ramp control, fuel sales, water taxi, passenger shuttles, and other customer-service related duties for Spring – Summer 2022.

Hourly Pay Starting at $15.00/hour.

Application Deadline: Open Until Filled

To apply, submit a completed Port District employment application. Application and full job descriptions are available on the Port District's website.
Marine Safety Instructor Training
Become a U.S. Coast Guard Approved Instructor!

AMSEA is conducting a five and a half-day U. S. Coast Guard-accepted Marine Safety Instructor Training (MSIT), May 23-27, 2022, in Astoria, OR. The MSIT provides practical, hands-on experience in marine survival equipment usage and procedures.

Click here for additional information or to register online.
The Santa Cruz Harbor Boatyard is gearing up for the busy season ahead!

Be sure to schedule your haulout soon, as the calendar is filling up quickly.

Call Today! (831) 475-3002
Waiting List
It's not too late to pay your 2022 waiting list renewal! Be sure to pay by March 20, 2022, to avoid being dropped from the list.

If you have any questions regarding your placement on the waiting list, please contact the harbor office at (831) 475-6161.
Parking Permits
Enforcement of 2022 parking permits began on February 14, 2022. Please ensure that your 2022 parking stickers are displayed correctly to avoid being issued a citation. If you are using the optional hangtag, it must be hung on the rear view mirror facing out.
Join Us!
Slip renters and members of the public are encouraged to attend the regular monthly Port Commission meetings to stay informed of harbor happenings!

Regular monthly meetings are held the fourth Tuesday of each month at 7:00 PM.

To learn more, visit the District's website and be sure to sign up to receive the monthly agenda.
New Port District Staff
Please join us in welcoming two new Deputy Harbormasters
to the Port District's Harbor Patrol team.
Deputy Harbormaster
Peter Melrose
Peter, a Santa Cruz native, has worked for the Port District in various capacities, including parking control and night security, for the past four years.

With his previous knowledge of the Port District’s operation and extensive background in providing security services, Peter brings a unique set of skills to the Harbor Patrol team.

Peter’s knowledge and understanding of the harbor community have allowed him to maximize field training opportunities and continue building relationships with slip renters and stakeholders alike.
Deputy Harbormaster
Parker Guy
Parker, also a Santa Cruz native joins the Port District with extensive first responder experience. For the last three years, Parker has worked as a paramedic and brings a valuable skill set to the Harbor Patrol team.

Parker began his field training in November 2021, and quickly showed the aptitude and keen communication style necessary for the position.

As an avid boater, Parker looks forward to honing his skills aboard the District’s new patrol boat and working with the harbor community and its stakeholders.