June 21, 2024

Firefighter Recruits Prepare for Wildfire Season

During weeks 12 and 13 of the Santa Cruz County Regional Firefighter Academy, recruits completed wildland fire training.

The fire department partnered with local Cal Fire CZU Unit personnel to learn about wildland hose lays, fire shelters, hand line construction, heavy equipment such as bulldozers, and aircraft for fighting wildland fires.

Fire Department Hosts Local Girl Scouts for Special Tour 

Santa Cruz Fire Department hosted local Girl Scout troops as part of their tour of City Hall on Saturday, June 1st. The tour included fielding multiple questions and several stories from the scouts. The scouts concluded their tour with a display of the City's newest fire engine and equipment, followed by a close-up tour of the historic fire station number one, giving them a quick glimpse into the daily life of a firefighter in Santa Cruz.

Improving the Energy Efficiency of

Our Buildings 



As part of our Climate Action Plan 2030, the City of Santa Cruz is advancing efforts to enhance energy efficiency and curb carbon emissions in existing buildings. A new Energy Efficient Renovations Ordinance is in development, targeting energy improvements during major alterations or additions to residential buildings. 

You’re invited to provide feedback as we develop the ordinance.  

• Developer, contractor, or designer virtual meeting on June 27 from 3:30-4:30 p.m. Members of this community should have received an invite to participate in our virtual meeting. If you are a member of this community and would like to be included, please contact Amanda Rodriguez at arodriguez@santacruzca.gov. 

• Community virtual meeting on July 10 from 5:30-7 p.m. 

Everyone is invited to this virtual meeting. You may access the meeting using this link: Proposed Energy Efficient Renovations Policy Virtual Community Meeting. An online feedback form will soon be available for additional community input – stay tuned! 

For more details, visit the Decarbonization Policy page on the City’s website.  

Construction for the Front-Spruce-Pacific Sewer

Rehabilitation Project Begins in Early July

Construction for the Front-Spruce-Pacific Sewer Rehabilitation Project will kick off in early July, with completion expected by mid-September 2024.  



This essential project will restore a critical sewer pipe running from Kaiser Permanente Arena to Neary Lagoon. It is the largest influent pipe directing sewage to the City’s Wastewater Treatment Facility. As the pipe approaches the end of its operational life, its restoration is essential to maintain efficient wastewater treatment.  

The project will use the trenchless "cured-in-place" pipe method to minimize excavation and community disruption. Summer is the ideal time for this work due to low indoor water usage and lack of rainwater infiltration.  

For more information, visit www.tinyurl.com/front-spruce-pacific-sewer.  

Assemblymember Dawn Addis Tours New Aptos Library

Santa Cruz Public Libraries and the Aptos Branch Library welcomed Assemblymember Dawn Addis on Friday, June 14, for a tour of the new Aptos Library. Assm. Addis planned to join the festivities of the Aptos Branch Grand Opening on February 4, but the event was postponed due to a weather event. This was Assm. Addis' first visit to the Aptos branch.

Branch Manager Heather Pereira guided the tour along with Interim Director Eric Howard and Aptos Friends of the Library chapter members Gale Farthing and Jim Bourne. Assm. Addis expressed amazement at the library's architecture and "forest to ocean" concept, as well as the details of the interior decoration and artwork that embody the community it serves.

Assm. Addis was also impressed by the book collection and even checked out a book from the library. Lastly, Assm. Addis presented Branch Manager Heather Pereira with a Certificate of Recognition originally intended to be presented during the Grand Opening. Assm. Addis is hoping to return sometime in the Fall for another visit and an opportunity to meet incoming Library Director Christopher Platt.

Lieutenant Crofts Graduates from the Prestigious California Police Chiefs Executive Leadership Institute

Congratulations to Lieutenant Gregory Crofts on graduating from the California Police Chiefs Executive Leadership Institute. Developed by the California Police Chiefs Association and the Drucker School of Management, this intensive two-week program equips current and future law enforcement executives with a broad vision and practical management skills to lead their agencies to success.

The program covers leadership decision-making, crisis management, finance, women in leadership, accountability, high-reliability organizations, application of Drucker management principles, and more. This comprehensive curriculum equips Lieutenant Crofts with diverse skills and knowledge.

The Santa Cruz Police Department is committed to being a community-focused and service-oriented agency. We pride ourselves on delivering impartial law enforcement services, ensuring public safety, and empowering our staff at all levels with comprehensive training and high-quality education to effectively address today's complex challenges.

Parks and Recreation Events



June 22 Community Events

This Saturday, June 22, is not just any event weekend in Santa Cruz; it's a BIG one! We have Woodies on the Wharf, Liberation Paddle Out, Downtown Kids Day, and Neighborhood Night at the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History. The City event calendar has more information, so prepare for an exciting weekend!



Juneteenth at London Nelson Community Center

What a fantastic Juneteenth event! The amazing music, crowds, food, vendors, and weather made it a beautiful day. We couldn't have done it without the support and participation of our community. Huge kudos to the London Nelson Community Center event staff, who made it seamless and kept the joyful vibe going all day.

Parks Improvements



San Lorenzo River Levee

A heartfelt thank you to the Parks Division for organizing a highly effective "hit team" day last Thursday. The team's exceptional effort resulted in significant enhancements to the San Lorenzo River levee and Riverwalk.

Pogonip – Golf Club Drive

Last week, the Parks' Open Spaces/Greenways division completed critical and much-needed improvements to Golf Club Drive leading into Pogonip. The road, previously in disrepair and unsuitable for fire access, was restored. Vegetation clearing and roadway improvements now allow a Type 1 fire engine and other fire apparatus to access the open space, ensuring our community's safety. Thank you to Blake Woessner and the entire team for their crucial work!

Join Us for a Loch Walk at

Loch Lomond 



Our next Loch Walk is scheduled for Saturday, June 29, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Led by knowledgeable Santa Cruz Water Department staff, this guided walk promises an insightful discussion of aquatic invasive species and their impact on Loch Lomond's ecosystem. 

Attendance is limited to 25 people. While you can sign up at the park store on the day of the event, you can also make a reservation ahead of time by calling Loch Lomond at 831 335-7424. Entry fees to the park will be waived for walk attendees. 



More information about Loch Lomond and our Loch Walks 



City of Santa Cruz

City Manager's Office

809 Center Street

Santa Cruz CA 95060

santacruzca.gov

831-420-5010