Good news for the community! The Murray Street Bridge will partially reopen earlier than expected, with access returning by the end of January 2026. Originally scheduled for February, this milestone marks an important step forward in the project.

When the bridge reopens, one lane will be available for vehicles and bikes, and two-way pedestrian access across the bridge will be restored, improving connectivity between the east side, the harbor area, and surrounding neighborhoods.

Construction will continue after the partial reopening, and the City will keep working with the contractor to explore additional ways to improve circulation and access during ongoing work. The City is also evaluating potential short-term traffic and access adjustments following reopening, including temporary traffic control options and weekday flagging, with modified traffic patterns during evenings and weekends. Feasibility and funding are still being assessed, and updates will be shared as decisions are finalized.

Thank you to the community for your patience and flexibility during this phase of the construction. This closure represents the longest and most impactful closure of the project, and the City greatly appreciates the community’s understanding as this critical infrastructure work moves closer to completion.

On Saturday, January 3, City staff responded to a localized coastal bluff failure along West Cliff Drive near Getchell Street, on the ocean side of the pedestrian and bicycle path. There were no reported injuries.

To help keep the public safe, City staff installed barricades and water-filled barriers to create a buffer between the path and the bluff edge. The West Cliff pedestrian and bike path remains open in this area, with safety measures in place to maintain access while keeping people a safe distance from the unstable area. Pedestrian access will continue to be monitored and adjusted if conditions change.

Initial evaluation indicates the bluff failure is related to coastal erosion, and the area will continue to be closely monitored. City staff are conducting additional analysis to assess conditions and determine whether any further safety measures are needed. Updates will be shared as more information becomes available.

For everyone’s safety, please respect posted barricades and stay well back from coastal edges, especially during winter conditions when coastal areas can be unpredictable.

During the holiday closure, Santa Cruz experienced several winter storms that brought heavy rain, strong winds, large waves, and king tides. These conditions caused damage to the seaward end of the Wharf, downed trees throughout the city, and localized cliff failures along West Cliff Drive.

Thanks to the quick response of our city-wide teams, Parks and Recreation, Public Works, Water, Police, and Fire, hazards were addressed promptly, and public safety remained a top priority. Their efforts helped keep our community safe during challenging conditions. We appreciate the community’s patience as repair work continues, and we move into the New Year focused on recovery, resilience, and caring for the shared spaces we all enjoy.

The City of Santa Cruz is now accepting applications for several advisory bodies that help shape local policy and provide recommendations to the City Council on a wide range of community issues. Serving on an advisory body is a meaningful way to get involved and have a voice in City decision-making.

Unless otherwise noted, applicants must be City of Santa Cruz residents and/or registered City voters.

Application deadline: January 11, 2026
Appointments Announced: January 27, 2026, City Council meeting

Current openings include:

• Arts Commission
• Board of Building and Fire Appeals
• Children’s Fund Oversight Committee
• County Latino Affairs Commission
• Downtown Commission
• Historic Preservation Commission
• Parks
•  and Recreation Commission
• Planning Commission
• Sister Cities Committee
• Transportation and Public Works Commission
• Water Commission

The DP Foundation, a nonprofit focused on improving survival from sudden cardiac arrest, has donated 10 automated external defibrillators (AEDs) to the Santa Cruz Police Department and the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office, strengthening emergency response across the community.

The Foundation was created in memory of Daniel Phelps, who passed away from sudden cardiac arrest in 2015 at age 27. Through AED donations, heart screenings, and CPR and AED training, the DP Foundation works to expand access to lifesaving tools and improve emergency preparedness. This December marks ten years since Daniel’s passing, making the donation especially meaningful.

Police officers and sheriff’s deputies are often first on scene during medical emergencies. Having AEDs available in patrol vehicles allows responders to begin lifesaving care immediately, improving outcomes when seconds matter.

To date, the DP Foundation has donated more than 75 AEDs nationwide in support of community safety and emergency readiness.

The City of Santa Cruz is now accepting applications for its 2026 Master Recycler Volunteer Training Program. Over the course of eight weeks in February and March, participants will attend eight training sessions to become “Master Recycler Volunteers” in areas related to waste reduction and recycling. The interactive classes are taught by the City’s Resource Recovery staff and local discard management professionals.

Session topics include the Six Rs of Sustainability; Food Waste Prevention; Diversion, Collection and Processing of Food Waste; Rethink Your Habits; and Green Businesses and Zero Waste. Saturday field trips will provide a behind-the-scenes tour of the City’s Recycling Center, where 30-50 tons of material is recycled every day, and a trip to the Grey Bears campus for a presentation on "Rethinking Your Purchases."

Applications will be accepted until January 30. Space is limited, and priority consideration will be given to those who reside or work within the City of Santa Cruz. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age.

If you have a live Christmas tree at home, there is time to recycle it. Curbside Christmas tree recycling is available through January 14. Place your tree at the curb on your regular collection day. Trees must be six feet or shorter, placed away from carts, and all ornaments, tinsel, lights, and stands must be removed. Please note that flocked trees cannot be recycled.

Additional recycling options are also available. Residents may trim branches to fit inside a green yard waste cart, making sure the lid closes completely. Live trees may also be dropped off for free at the yard waste area of the Resource Recovery Facility at 605 Dimeo Lane, where they will be mulched. Drop-off is available throughout January.

The Santa Cruz Water Department will begin its annual water system flushing this month as part of routine maintenance to support water quality and maintain a reliable water distribution system. Flushing is a standard industry practice that moves water through pipes at higher speeds to clear out naturally occurring sediment that can build up over time, helping ensure the long-term performance of the City’s water system.

Flushing will occur in phases across different neighborhoods and will continue over the coming months. During this work, some customers may notice temporary changes in water pressure or brief discoloration. These effects are normal and typically resolve quickly. If water appears discolored, running cold water for a few minutes should clear it. Residents may also see water being released from fire hydrants, which is a normal part of the flushing process. If you have questions or experience ongoing issues, please contact Water Customer Service at (831) 420-5220.

Following recent winter storms, Loch Lomond Reservoir began spilling over the weekend of January 4. A spill occurs when the reservoir reaches capacity, and excess water flows over the spillway. This is a normal, engineered safety feature and an expected part of reservoir operations during wet periods.

The spill reflects strong local water supply conditions resulting from recent rainfall. Loch Lomond is the City’s only drinking water storage reservoir, and a spill indicates that it is full. While this is positive news, the water system remains vulnerable during drought conditions, particularly in years when the reservoir does not fully refill or spill.

Once the reservoir reaches capacity, additional inflows cannot be stored and are safely released downstream as designed. A spill does not indicate a problem, does not affect drinking water quality or service, and does not pose a flood risk to the community. Water staff will continue routine monitoring of reservoir and watershed conditions as part of normal operations.

The City of Santa Cruz invites the community to review and share feedback on the draft Active Transportation Plan, which outlines proposed projects, programs, and policies to improve safety and access for people walking, biking, and rolling throughout the city.

Community members are encouraged to attend an in-person open house on January 28, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Gault Elementary School. Attendees will learn about the draft plan, ask questions, discuss project priorities, and hear directly from project staff about next steps.

Open House Details

• Date: Wednesday, January 28
• Time: 5 to 7 p.m.
• Location: Gault Elementary School, Multipurpose Room
• Address: 1320 Seabright Avenue

The draft plan is also available online for those unable to attend. Visit letsmodo.org/scatp to review the plan and learn more.

The latest edition of the Santa Cruz Municipal Utilities (SCMU) Review is now available in a new interactive digital format. This issue highlights an important milestone for Santa Cruz with the approval of the Anadromous Salmonid Habitat Conservation Plan, the result of more than 25 years of science, collaboration, and long-term stewardship. Inside, you’ll find stories that show how the City is caring for local rivers and watersheds while planning ahead to ensure a reliable, resilient water system for our community. The issue also includes helpful updates on customer programs, water quality, and everyday services. The printed edition will arrive in mailboxes this month.

Have you checked out the Parks and Recreation Winter–Spring Activity Guide? Registration opens Monday, January 12 at 8 a.m., featuring a new season of classes, camps, sports, and community programs for all ages.

From youth recreation and swim lessons to adult fitness, arts, and outdoor activities, there are plenty of opportunities to stay active, try something new, and plan ahead for school breaks. This season includes both new offerings and returning favorites.

Take a look at the guide, mark your calendar, and be ready to register when sign-ups open on January 12.