May 3, 2024

Say Hello To Your City Workers!

Next week, May 5-11, is Public Service Recognition Week. Throughout the year, rain or shine, our City crews advance projects or repair critical infrastructure to keep our community and environment safe.

Here’s a photo of Ron, a sewer collection mechanic, and Mayor Keeley. The Mayor stopped by on a walk to say hello to Ron when he noticed him repairing a fence that protects a sewer access point under the Water Street Bridge on Branciforte Creek.



Give our crews a friendly wave the next time you see them in action. They’ll appreciate it! 

Multi-Family Educator Workforce Housing for Santa Cruz City Schools Proposed at 313 Swift Street

On April 10, 2024, the Planning Department received a preapplication submitted on behalf of Santa Cruz City Schools, for a proposed multi-family educator workforce housing project. The four-story development would include approximately 80 residential units at 313 Swift Street, located in the P-F (Public Facilities) zone district. The proposal is intended to provide affordable housing for teachers and classified employees of the school district. Applicant Bogard Construction are joined on the proposed project by design team EHDD and Studio VARA.

Also on April 10th, the School Board voted to pursue an increase in residential units of the project, adding 20 units, for a new total of 100 units. Plans have not yet been submitted for the 100-unit concept.

The preapplication provides the opportunity for the applicant to receive

early feedback on projects submitted

for preliminary review.  The applicant expressed the intent to pursue the project as a planned development with a request for density bonus waivers and/or incentives/concessions related to height, among other potential development standard variances. The applicants indicated that lease rates are anticipated to be approximately 50- to 60-percent of market rate. The project is funded through two local bond measures. 

A community meeting on Zoom has been scheduled for May 6, 2024, from 6:30 to 7:30pm, in accordance with the City’s public outreach policy for planning projects. The applicant will present the project to the community and obtain early feedback. Zoom meeting information is available on the project webpage: cityofsantacruz.com/313swift. 

Timothy Maier is the planner reviewing the preapplication.

The City Council-approved Downtown Library & Affordable Housing Project includes these important elements:

✓ A modern library with resources for all

✓ A child care facility

✓ At least 124 units of very low-income housing

✓ A parking component that includes 235 parking spaces (reduced from 400

previously), including 25 level 2 EV charging stations that consolidates current surface parking lots and results in a net decrease in parking spaces in Downtown Santa Cruz

✓ Approximately 258 bicycle parking spaces, including varying sizes, bike lockers and e-bike charging

Santa Cruz Public Libraries Kicks Off Virtual Author Talks with Local Mystery Writer Nina Simon

Santa Cruz Public Libraries (SCPL) recently joined the Library Speakers Consortium to bring award-winning authors to Santa Cruz through free, monthly, virtual, live-streamed author talks. This partnership will provide all SCPL patrons with access to interactive online talks and discussions from bestselling authors and industry thought leaders. This is made possible with generous support from the Friends of the Capitola Branch Library,

On Wednesday, May 8, at 4pm, the kick-off event will feature Santa Cruz’s own Nina Simon, author of Mother-Daughter Murder Night. The Capitola Branch Library will host a watch party — register online for the watch party. To view the event from home or register for future talks, visit the SCPL website.

Each virtual talk is a live, one-hour interview with a best-selling author and includes a Q&A section. Questions are a mix of those submitted by attendees before or during the event and those prepared by the moderator. The Library Speakers Consortium has more than 250-member library systems ranging in size from less than 100 to more than 2 million patrons. Santa Cruz Public Libraries is thrilled to become one of its newest members.

Roll Through May with Bike Month Activities!

Have a persistent squeaky brake? Rusty chain? Flat tire? Have your bike checked by one of our mechanics for free! Book a time with us, and we'll help your bike out with minor tune-ups and repairs to get you rolling into spring! Join us for a Bike Repair Day on Tuesday, May 7, from 11am – 2pm at Ecology Action, located at 877 Cedar St UNIT 240 in Santa Cruz. Book a time slot online on the Bike Modo event website. If all appointment slots are full, please email tawn.kennedy@ecoact.org to be put on the waitlist.

Walk or Roll to School on Thursday, May 9, from 7 to 8:15am. Contact your school's principal for details on your school's event. Be sure to wear a helmet, wear bright-colored clothes, plan your route, and follow street signs to arrive at school safely.

On Saturday, May 11, at 7pm, join the Santa Cruz Bike Party at Depot Park, located at 119 Center Street. Santa Cruz Bike Party is a mobile party for riders of all ages, experience levels, and types to meet, ride, and play together in the streets. Rides are 7–10 miles long, with music and dance breaks along the way. Rides move at a relatively slow pace, and no one is left behind. Each ride has a theme, and riders are encouraged to wear costumes or decorate their bikes to fit the theme. Explore Santa Cruz Bike Party's website for more information.

Join Growing Greatness and Ecology Action on Saturday, May 11, from 12-3pm for a Women's Ride and Short Hike in celebration of Mother's Day. Bikes will available to borrow. For more information, please contact Kym at kymberly@growing-greatness.com. The hike and ride will be held at Pinto Lake County Park. No sign-up is necessary — just show up to join!

Head to letsmodo.org/bikemonth to learn more and join your friends and neighbors on a 31-day mission to bike more and drive less.

Santa Cruz Public Works to Host Touch-a-Truck Event

Check out our impressive fleet of vehicles and learn about the tools and machinery that keep our City running smoothly.

When: Wednesday, May 22, from 12-2pm

Where: Center Street and Church Street (right by the Civic Auditorium)



Activities include:

• Touch-a-Truck: Climb aboard and explore a wide variety of vehicles up close! From heavy-duty trucks to specialized equipment, there's something for everyone to discover.
• Road-eo Skills Competition: Watch skilled operators demonstrate their precision and finesse in our road-eo skills competition. Cheer on your favorites as they navigate challenging tasks!
• Educational Program Booths: Visit our informational booths to gain insight into the vital role of Public Works in our community. Discover how we maintain critical infrastructure and enhance public health and safety.



Don't miss out on this family-friendly event with learning opportunities for all ages. Mark your calendar and join us to celebrate the hard work and dedication of our Public Works employees!

Free Paper Shredding Event This Weekend

Got stacks of old paperwork cluttering your space? Let us help you clear the clutter at our free Paper Shredding Event.

• When: This Saturday, May 4, from 9am to 1pm or until the truck is full, whichever comes first!

• Where: The City Hall Parking Lot (Chestnut and Church Street)

• What: Each resident can securely and responsibly dispose of up to 5 file size boxes per household.



Don't miss this chance to tidy up and protect your privacy!

42-Unit Affordable Housing Proposed for Vacant Property at 850 Almar Street

On April 9, 2024, the Planning Department received an application from CRP Affordable Housing and Community Development to combine the three vacant parcels to construct a three-story, 42-unit 100% affordable housing project.

The project will be located at 850 Almar Street, the triangular parcel fronting Rankin Street, Almar Avenue, and the railroad tracks. Proposed to encompass approximately 39,960 square feet, the three-story residential building will have 25 very-low-income units, 16 moderate-income units, and one manager’s unit, with a unit mix of one to three bedrooms, as well as 42 provided parking spaces.

Wildfire Community Preparedness Day

May 4, 2024 

Santa Cruz City Council and Mayor's proclamation recognizes May 4, 2024, as Wildfire Community Preparedness Day.

"As the Santa Cruz Fire Department, we're immensely proud to stand alongside the Prospect Heights and Highland Firewise groups as they receive this well-deserved recognition from the Santa Cruz City Council. Their dedication to organizing at the grassroots level, mobilizing work parties, and implementing crucial wildfire preparedness measures exemplifies the spirit of community resilience," said Chief Rob Oatey. 



Wildfire Community Preparedness Day encourages people and organizations everywhere to take action to raise awareness, promote prevention efforts, and reduce wildfire risks. Take time to remove dried vegetation and check the outside of your home for needed repairs. 

Let's stand together as a community to make our neighborhoods safer and more resilient.

Claraty Arts at the London Nelson Community Center

The Claraty Arts Project supports and advances the development of a new, positive, collective identity for developmentally disabled adults through arts education, training, expression, and production. 

Join us for the First Friday Santa Cruz Claraty Arts Reception on Friday, May 3, from 5-8pm. 



Big Dogs Rule! Half Price Adoptions for Large Dogs through May 5

The adoptable dog kennels at Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter (SCCAS) are full, and larger homeless dogs generally have to wait longer to find their “second-chance” homes.

To celebrate National Adopt-A-Shelter Pet Day, SCCAS wants to make it easier for folks to adopt by offering a special for dogs who weigh more than 40 pounds through Sunday, May 5. Adoption fees for big dogs are reduced to just $75 and includes spay or neuter surgery, vaccinations, a microchip, and a dog license if you live in the county.

SCCAS has a huge range of personalities in large packages —from snugglers like Sam I Am, Akira, or Jackie to goofy guardians like Swayze or Seamus to adventuring co-pilots like Bohdi, Choco, or Logan. Find your next best friend at www.scanimalshelter.org.

About Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter

An open-admission shelter that welcomes animals in need, Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter is a humane resource for the community, providing a safety net and a second chance for local animals. The Shelter is a government entity but relies on donations and adoption fees to provide excellent care and programs for animals and the entire Santa Cruz County community. Located at 1001 Rodriquez Ave, Santa Cruz 95062, SCCAS is open from 11am to 6pm daily.

Santa Cruz Police Volunteer Appreciation

In honor of National Volunteer Appreciation Week, the Santa Cruz Police Department extends its heartfelt gratitude to our dedicated volunteers, the VIPS (Volunteers In Policing Services). These community members selflessly contribute their time to enhance public safety and bolster our department's capacity to meet the diverse needs of our community. Their unwavering commitment is invaluable, and we are deeply thankful for their service. 

Through their efforts, we are better able to deliver essential safety resources, conduct educational outreach, support seniors, prevent crime, patrol neighborhoods, assist with traffic management, and offer various other forms of public safety support. Santa Cruz PD and the City sincerely appreciate volunteers who serve our community. Their dedication to the safety and well-being of the City of Santa Cruz does not go unnoticed, and we are truly grateful for your invaluable contributions. 

If you'd like to learn more about the volunteer opportunities with SCPD, learn more.



City of Santa Cruz

City Manager's Office

809 Center Street

Santa Cruz CA 95060

santacruzca.gov

831-420-5010