On January 28, the Murray Street Bridge partially reopened on a temporary basis to eastbound-only vehicles and bicycles. Two-way pedestrian access across the bridge was also restored.

The City will continue evaluating additional traffic operations, including a pilot to allow two-way vehicle and bicycle access.

The reopening marks the conclusion of the project’s longest full closure to date and is made possible by the completion of a key construction phase, including the installation of a new steel truss structure that supports a relocated underground utility line. Completion of this work, shown as Section 7 in the project visual guide, restores limited access while construction continues in other areas of the bridge.

A second full closure of the bridge is scheduled for June through mid-September 2026 and is expected to last approximately 3.5 months. This closure is required to relocate a regional wastewater pipeline on the south side of the bridge, which serves approximately 35,000 residents, and must occur during the summer, when wastewater flows are lowest. Two additional short full closures are planned later in the project: one week in February 2027 and two weeks in December 2027.

Construction continues on the Downtown Library and Affordable Housing Project, with structural concrete work underway through February, weather permitting. This phase includes increased equipment and crane activity near the site, and intermittent closures of Lincoln Street between Cedar and Pacific may occur during active concrete pours. Cedar and Cathcart streets are expected to remain open, and contractors will continue to minimize impacts whenever possible.

Parking update: Lot 8 is currently being used for construction staging; however, limited 3-hour paid parking remains available.

Many City offices, including City Hall, will be closed in observance of President’s Day on Monday, February 16, 2026. Offices will reopen on Tuesday, February 17, 2026.

Additional City services and facilities may have modified hours during the holiday. Please note that emergency 9-1-1 services are not affected.

The City is now hiring Beach Lifeguard I positions for the upcoming season. This is an opportunity to work outdoors, serve the community, and help protect our local beaches.

Applicants must complete one physical agility test on March 7, March 14, or March 21 and report to Lifeguard Headquarters at #1 Municipal Wharf at 7:30 a.m. with a completed job application and release of liability form.

The agility test includes a 1,000-meter swim, a 1,000-meter rescue board paddle, and a run-swim-run course. Wetsuits, goggles, and swim caps are allowed. Swim fins are not permitted.

Applicants who pass the agility test will be contacted with interview details. The pay range is $23.40–$28.44 per hour. Questions? Call (831) 420-5714

Loch Lomond Recreation Area will reopen for the 2026 season on Sunday, March 1. Nestled in the Santa Cruz Mountains and surrounded by protected watershed lands, Loch Lomond is the City of Santa Cruz’s only drinking water reservoir and a unique place where water supply protection and low-impact recreation coexist.

During March, the recreation area will be open Friday through Monday. From April through Labor Day weekend, Loch Lomond will be open daily (except Wednesdays). After Labor Day, the park will be open only on Saturdays and Sundays through the second weekend in October.

Visitors can enjoy boating, fishing, hiking, and picnicking. Leashed dogs are welcome on trails and picnic areas, though swimming is prohibited to protect water quality. Boat rentals will be available on a first-come, first-served basis, and interpretive programs and boat tours will resume later in the spring.

For current hours and visitor information, call (831) 335-7424.

The 45th annual Clam Chowder Cook Off takes place Saturday, Feb 21 and Sunday, Feb 22 at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. It is the largest and longest-running Clam Chowder Cook Off in the country. Join the fun and excitement as talented chefs from throughout the West Coast compete for the title of BEST CLAM CHOWDER. The atmosphere will be festive and fun as contestants prepare their finest ingredients outdoors along the Boardwalk to the delight of thousands of spectators. 

2-Day Event- Rain or Shine!

Amateur chefs will compete on Saturday, followed by professional chefs on Sunday! Join the delicious festivities as amateur and professional chefs prepare their finest clam chowder recipes along the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk!

Teams compete in the friendly competition, hoping to win prizes and bragging rights for the BEST Clam Chowder in the COUNTRY'S largest and longest running clam chowder competition! 

Chef Registration is now open!

The City has released the Draft 2026 Active Transportation Plan (ATP) and is inviting community feedback.

The ATP outlines proposed policies, programs, and projects to improve safety and access for people walking, biking, and using other small or human-powered transportation. The plan supports goals to increase non-motorized travel, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and improve public health. The City’s current ATP was adopted in 2017.

More than 80 community members participated in the final public workshop held in January at Gault Elementary School. The draft plan includes a prioritized list of proposed projects to guide future implementation.

Community members are encouraged to review the Draft ATP and Implementation Action Plan and submit comments by February 27, 2026. Email comments to Claire Gallogly, Principal Transportation Planner, at cgallogly@santacruzca.gov

The City will hold a second and final public hearing on February 19, 2026, as part of the process to establish an Enhanced Infrastructure Financing District (EIFD).

The public hearing will be conducted by the Public Finance Authority and provides an opportunity for community members to learn more about the proposed financing district and share comments before the next steps are considered.

More information about the EIFD, including background materials, is available on the EIFD webpage. Meeting details and agenda information are also posted online.

On January 6, 2026, the Community Development Department received a formal application proposing the redevelopment of 407 Pacific Avenue. The project would demolish the existing buildings and construct a new eight-story, mixed-use commercial and residential building with 102 affordable housing units (100 percent affordable) and approximately 1,300 square feet of ground-floor commercial space on the 26,354-square-foot site. The property is located within the Central Business District and the South of Laurel Area of the Downtown Plan and is subject to Floodplain and Coastal Zone overlay districts.

The project is intended to provide off-site affordable housing required for the proposed redevelopment of 201 Front Street (CP25-0116) and is being pursued through the Downtown Density Bonus program established under the City’s recently adopted Downtown Plan Expansion.

The project is required to obtain ministerial Design Review and Density Bonus approval pursuant to the Affordable Housing and High Road Jobs Act (AB 2011), as well as Coastal Permit approval. A community meeting was held on January 27, 2026, with approximately 20 members of the public in attendance. Discussion topics included requests to reconsider the building name, reduce building height, encourage alternative transportation, address potential noise and shading impacts on adjacent buildings, relocate roll-up doors along the frontage, consider summer traffic impacts, explore alternative color palettes more reflective of the coastal environment, and incorporate sustainability features such as solar panels, green roofs, rooftop gardens, and green walls. Questions were also raised regarding unit affordability and benefits to existing tenants.

Both the ministerial review and the Coastal Permit will be considered by the Zoning Administrator at a public hearing. The ministerial review is not subject to CEQA and is not appealable. The project is also subject to replacement housing and relocation assistance requirements, which will be reviewed as part of the application. Timothy Maier is the planner assigned to the project.

Join the City for Community Climate Game Day, an interactive, hands-on experience that invites residents to explore the tradeoffs involved in managing a city’s sustainability goals.

Participants will play Green City Mayor, an immersive simulation where players make decisions about climate investments while balancing essential city services. The game encourages discussion, collaboration, and big-picture thinking about how communities can reduce emissions and build resilience.

Event details

• Date: Saturday, February 21, 2026
• Time: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Location: Downtown Santa Cruz Public Library

The game is complex, designed for adults, and not suitable for children. Space is limited to 30 participants and will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Participants are strongly encouraged to bring their own laptops, as only a limited number will be available on-site.

Whether you are new to climate planning or looking to dive deeper, this session offers a unique and engaging way to better understand the choices cities face in addressing climate change.

The City is offering a limited number of free self-defense classes for local residents through the Commission for the Prevention of Violence Against Women (CPVAW) Self-Defense Class Voucher Program.

The program helps increase access to personal safety training by covering the cost of self-defense classes offered by approved partner organizations. Eligible Santa Cruz residents may receive a voucher for a class at no cost.

How the program works:

• Residents complete the City’s Self-Defense Class Voucher Form.
• Vouchers are issued based on eligibility and available funding.
• Vouchers are redeemed with a registered partner organization.
• Participants attend a self-defense class at no cost.

Current partner organizations include Minorsan and JP Martial Arts. Vouchers are available on a first-come, first-served basis and will be offered until program funds are exhausted. The program is open to Santa Cruz residents.

Interested in a voucher or becoming a partner? Contact gliebig@santacruzca.gov
for more information.

The World Ballet Company brings the timeless classic Swan Lake to the Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium on Sunday, February 8, at 6:00 PM, with doors opening at 5:00 PM. Featuring 50 international dancers, more than 150 hand-sewn costumes, and stunning hand-painted sets, the performance highlights iconic choreography from the Dance of the Little Swans to the Black Swan’s famous 32 fouettés, all set to Tchaikovsky’s unforgettable score.

Based in Los Angeles, World Ballet Company presents classical ballet productions nationwide, showcasing dancers from more than ten countries and performing for audiences in over 300 cities.

The City has extended the application deadline for the 2026 Master Recycler Volunteer Training Program. Apply today!

The eight-session program, held in February and March, offers hands-on training in waste reduction, advanced recycling practices, food waste prevention, and zero-waste systems. Saturday field trips include visits to the City’s Recycling Center and the Grey Bears campus.

Graduates support community outreach at events, schools, and organizations and commit to 20 volunteer hours during their first year. Not ready for the full program? A free half-day Recycle Right Workshop is also available.

Space is limited, with priority given to residents and workers in Santa Cruz. Applicants must be at least 18 years old.