City Hall will be closed on Thursday, November 27, and Friday, November 28, in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday. We will reopen for regular business hours on Monday, December 1.

The City of Santa Cruz is once again proud to support Second Harvest Food Bank’s Holiday Food and Fund Drive, providing healthy meals to families across Santa Cruz County.

Together, we can make a real impact. Join us by donating today, and help ensure that every family in our community has food on the table this holiday season.

Join the City and Bookie’s Pizza on Tuesday, Nov. 18, from 12 - 8:45 p.m. for a pizza fundraiser benefiting Second Harvest Food Bank.

Dine in or take out. 20% of all sales will go toward feeding neighbors in need. Let’s turn pizza night into a good deed!

Bookie’s Pizza
1315 Water St, Santa Cruz

With storm season underway, the City encourages residents and businesses to pick up free sandbags to help protect homes and property from flooding. Sandbags are an easy, effective way to divert water, reduce erosion, and keep low-lying areas, such as doorways, garages, and driveways, dry during heavy rain.

Empty sandbags are available for pickup at several City locations, and self-serve sand stations are open daily so you can fill bags at your convenience. Residents should bring their own shovel and may take up to 10 bags per household or business.

The Santa Cruz Surfing Museum recently received a welcome refresh, thanks to the Public Works Facilities Maintenance team. As part of our ongoing efforts to beautify and maintain treasured public spaces, crews replaced aging support posts and refinished the museum’s wooden benches.

These improvements brighten the area, enhance visitor comfort, and help preserve one of Santa Cruz’s most beloved coastal viewpoints. Whether you’re stopping by to explore local surf history or simply to take in the sweeping ocean views, the upgraded seating and refreshed surroundings offer an even more enjoyable experience. See the enhancements firsthand on your next visit!

The City has one of four prime Downtown Kiosks available. The service space is approximately 60 square feet on bustling Pacific Avenue.

Bring your unique, high-quality food concept to the heart of Downtown and stand out among top restaurants, boutiques, and Abbott Square Market.

Highlights:

• High-traffic area with strong lunch, evening and weekend crowds.
• Affordable lease: $300/month or 6% of sales (whichever is greater).
• Perfect for grab-and-go, specialty, or reheated/refrigerated food concepts.

Applications are due by November 30, 2025. Apply now to make your mark on Pacific Avenue!

The Economic Development Department has been working with businesses in the Midtown commercial district to explore the potential formation of a Business Improvement District (BID).

Staff have been working with the Midtown BID Steering Committee to conduct outreach on this proposed district and began the formation process in September with a presentation to City Council and approval of the Resolution of Intention. Following that meeting, the official notification was mailed to all businesses in the district area to alert them to the intention to form the district and levy assessments. City Council was scheduled to review the ordinance establishing the BID and proceed with the formation process on October 28, with the final public hearing scheduled for November 18.

Prior to the October 28 meeting, the City received increased engagement from businesses in the proposed district, and the City Council decided to continue the item to a later date to provide additional time for staff to engage with businesses on the proposed district.

Were you or someone you know affected by the 2023 or 2024 California floods?

You may be eligible for up to $300,000 in forgivable second-mortgage homebuyer assistance through the ReCoverCA Homebuyer Assistance Program, administered by the Golden State Finance Authority (GSFA) and funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) through the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD).

The program helps eligible renters and families purchase a primary residence in California. Applications open November 10, 2025. During the first 60 days (Nov. 10 – Jan. 12), priority will be given to households that can demonstrate they were impacted by a flood event.

Help keep our natural spaces clean, healthy, and thriving! Visit Santa Cruz County and Yoso Wellness Spa are teaming up to host a San Lorenzo River Habitat Restoration and Cleanup on Saturday, Nov. 22, from 10 a.m. to noon, and all community members are invited to roll up their sleeves and make a difference.

Volunteers will meet at 9:45 a.m. at Yoso (740 Front St.) to register and pick up supplies before heading out to collect trash and recyclables, plant and maintain native seedlings, and help improve the river’s habitat for wildlife and future generations.

After the work is done, stick around for a Volunteer Appreciation Lunch sponsored by Woodstock’s Pizza. We hope to see you there!