June 27, 2024

Fire Department Marine Division Prepares for the Summer Season 

The Marine Division hired 10 rookie Lifeguards who successfully passed all aspects of their medical training and lifeguard academy for the 2024 season. This consisted of ten days of training, with six of those days being the lifeguard skills portion of the academy. Those six days ran back-to-back and consisted of non-stop intense workouts and training to develop their rescue skills. Due to the successful hiring of the ten lifeguards, we were able to increase the size of the Junior Guard program, allowing 120 people on the waitlist to get an opportunity to do Junior Guards. 

At the start of the summer, we promoted four Lifeguard II's (Austin Vera, Luke Cahill, Owen deCossy, Kees Van der Meer) who will work in a lifeguard vehicle responding to calls for service in and around the beach area and along West Cliff Drive. Lifeguard Isaiah Mullen was added as a Beach Lifeguard Lieutenant to provide leadership and supervision during the summer season.  

Starting June 17, the on-call Marine Rescue Unit Members will be taking home a code 3 vehicle to use for water rescues, which will reduce the response time. The Marine Division's dedication to providing high-level training, increased staffing levels, and better equipment is being sought to increase the level of service provided to our community.  

Save the Date!

National Night Out is Happening August 6 📣

Santa Cruz Water Department Makes 2023 Water Quality Report Available in English and Spanish

The Santa Cruz Water Department is pleased to announce that the 2023 Water Quality Report is now available in English and Spanish.  

The report highlights that Santa Cruz's water meets or exceeds all state and federal drinking water standards. It includes detailed information about the sources and quality of our water supply, the results of water quality testing, and important health information. 

The reports are available on the Water Department's website and at the Customer Service Office, 212 Locust Street, Suite D, Santa Cruz, CA 95060.

Record-Breaking Attendance at the Annual Woodies on the Wharf and Other Successful Events this Weekend



Annually, Woodies on the Wharf weekend brings the highest attendance totals of the year to the Wharf! A big thank you and kudos to the entire Parks & Rec team for their exceptional planning, preparation, and coordination of a weekend packed with major events, including Woodies on the Wharf, Liberation Paddle Out, volleyball tournaments, soccer tournaments, and more. Special thanks to the Wharf Crew, Annalise Bryant, and the Parks team for ensuring the success of the Depot Park soccer tournaments.

This past Saturday, approximately 200 people participated in Black Surf Santa Cruz’s Fourth Annual Liberation Paddle Out, making their way across Cowell Beach. Thank you to everyone involved for making these events a success!

July is Parks & Rec Month!

July is Parks & Rec Month! This is a time when park and recreation agencies across the country come together to recognize the importance of their work with summer programs, events, contests, commemorations, and celebrations. 

The services that park and recreation professionals provide are not just important; they are vital for our communities — from protecting open space and natural resources to helping fight obesity and providing activities and resources for all people.

Parks Make Life Better Month is a call for everyone to reflect on the exponential value park and recreation professionals bring to communities. We invite you to explore the exciting lineup of Santa Cruz Parks & Rec “July Is” events and activities designed to make your summer even more enjoyable and memorable.

Upcoming Roadway Resurfacing and Traffic Striping in Downtown 

The contractor for the 100 Laurel Project, Nextphase Construction, Inc., will be performing necessary roadway resurfacing and traffic striping on Laurel Street (between Front Street and Pacific Avenue), Front Street (between Laurel Street and Metro Station), and Pacific Avenue (between Laurel Street and Maple Street). This work will take place between July 8 and July 17, weekdays only, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.  



During working hours, Laurel Street and Front Street will be reduced to a single lane. Expect significant delays and seek alternate routes. Pedestrian access will be limited, so please follow all posted detours. 



This essential work will improve road safety and extend the lifespan of our streets. 

The above video is from June 5, 2024.

Progress on West Cliff

• 920, 932, 1016 West Cliff
• The galvanized railing installation is coming soon!

• 944 West Cliff
• Granite will mobilize and begin work at this location soon!

• 1030 West Cliff
• Public Works is coordinating with PG&E on this project location to schedule work as soon as possible. 

• Bethany Culvert
• Granite will begin installing rebar for the wall.
• The Granite team will install the concrete formwork for the cutoff wall next week. The first concrete pour is expected on 7/3/24.



City of Santa Cruz

City Manager's Office

809 Center Street

Santa Cruz CA 95060

santacruzca.gov

831-420-5010