Great news! The City is celebrating the completion of repairs to the south end of the Santa Cruz Wharf, and full public access is officially restored.

Following storm damage in 2024, crews began work in November 2025 to restore this beloved community destination. Construction was carefully timed during the quieter season to minimize impacts on local businesses, visitors, and wildlife, while keeping much of the Wharf open throughout the process.

With repairs now complete, visitors can once again stroll to the very end of the Wharf, take in sweeping views of Monterey Bay, feel the ocean breeze, and spot sea lions below, one of Santa Cruz’s most iconic experiences.

The project reflects the City’s continued commitment to maintaining important coastal infrastructure while preserving the Wharf’s unique character as a hub for recreation, connection, and local commerce.

Join the Celebration!
Mark your calendar and celebrate the reopening with City leaders, staff, and neighbors. Enjoy brief remarks, family-friendly activities, and the chance to experience the refreshed south end of the Wharf.

Event Details

• Wednesday, April 29, 2026
• 3 - 5 p.m.
• South End of the Santa Cruz Wharf

Pedestrian and bicycle access has been restored along the east harbor access path. The access paths run beneath both the east and west sides of the Murray Street Bridge, connecting the north and south sides of the harbor.

As construction on the Murray Street Bridge project continues, sections of the harbor access path will temporarily close beginning in May to support ongoing work. Specific closure and reopening dates will be shared once confirmed.

Earth Day Santa Cruz is back this Saturday, bringing a full day of community, creativity, and climate action to downtown.

Join the celebration on April 18, from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Cooper Street, Pacific Avenue, and Abbott Square Market.

This annual event celebrates all things sustainability, with something for everyone.

Come explore:

• Interactive booths from local organizations
• Hands-on activities for all ages
• Live music and performances
• Environmental education and resources
• Opportunities to get involved in local climate action

Whether you’re looking to learn something new, connect with your community, or enjoy a lively day outdoors, Earth Day Santa Cruz is a can’t-miss spring tradition.

Stop by the City’s booths to say hello, connect with staff, and learn more about local programs and initiatives supporting sustainability across Santa Cruz.

Celebrate Earth Day with two free, hands-on opportunities to get riding at the Downtown Farmers Market.

On Wednesday, April 22, from 1-4 p.m., join Ecology Action, Bicycle Trip, Spokesman Bicycles, and BCycle for an afternoon focused on fun, practical ways to get around by bike.

E-Bike Test Rides
Curious about e-bikes? Test ride a variety of models at different price points and see how pedal assist can make everyday trips easier. Learn about available rebates and 0% interest financing options, and experience why e-bikes are transforming local transportation.

Free Bike Repair
Bring your bike in for a free tune-up while you shop the market. Sign up in advance to have a mechanic check your bike and take care of minor repairs, from squeaky brakes to flat tires, so you’re ready to ride into summer.

Event Details

• Wednesday, April 22
• 1-4 p.m.
• Downtown Santa Cruz Farmers Market (Cedar and Church Street)

Registration is encouraged for bike repair. Stop by to try an e-bike, tune up your ride, and pedal into a more sustainable way to get around.

Celebrate Arbor Day in action with Parks and Recreation on Wednesday, May 7, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at University Terrace Park.

Join us for a hands-on day of tree planting, community connection, and family-friendly activities. Whether you’re volunteering or stopping by to enjoy the event, there’s something for everyone.

Bring your friends and family, get your hands dirty, and help make our community greener.

Volunteer Sign Up
Help plant 60 trees with guidance from City staff and experts.

• Family-friendly. Minors must be accompanied by an adult.
• No experience needed. All tools, materials, and snacks provided.
• Wear sturdy shoes and clothes you don’t mind getting dirty.
• Arrive at 10:45 a.m. to check in and get your gear.

Community Welcome
Not planting? Join us to watch tree planting in action, meet neighbors, and explore interactive educational booths and activities. Drop in anytime between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Please register in advance so we can plan enough goodies for everyone. Volunteers should select “Volunteer - Tree Planting Participant,” and attendees should select “Community Welcome - Arbor Day Activities.” Minors must be accompanied by an adult.

The Water Department has released its 2025 Annual Water Quality Report, providing important information about Santa Cruz drinking water quality and the systems that deliver it.

As required by the State of California Division of Drinking Water, the report is issued annually and includes details about water sources, treatment processes, and the results of extensive monitoring conducted throughout the year. Thousands of tests are performed across the system to ensure compliance with strict state and federal drinking water standards and to protect public health.

The 2025 report confirms that Santa Cruz’s drinking water meets all regulatory requirements and highlights ongoing investment in infrastructure, source water protection, and system reliability.

A Spanish-language version of the report will be available soon.

The Community Development Department has received a Preapplication to redevelop the properties at 1501-1511 Mission St. The site is located on the south side of Mission Street, west of Trescony Street and east of Bay Street.

The proposal includes combining three parcels that make up the 18,076-square-foot site and constructing an eight-story, mixed-use building. The project would include ground-floor commercial space, 60 apartments, underground parking (42 spaces), a second-story courtyard, and a rooftop deck. The proposal also includes density bonus units, along with waivers and incentives/concessions as part of the density bonus request.

The project is subject to the City’s Objective Design Standards for Multi-Family Development. Because the site is located within one-half mile of a major transit stop, onsite parking is not required; however, the proposal includes parking as a voluntary measure.

A Preapplication is intended to assist an applicant in preparing a formal application and allows for initial staff review of a potential project. There is no public hearing or decision at this stage. A Community Meeting will be required in accordance with the City’s Community Outreach Policy for Planning Projects, and feedback received may inform future design changes.

Additional updates will be provided if a formal application is submitted following the preapplication review process. The project planner is Rina Zhou.

On April 11, over 75 dedicated community volunteers came together to help clean and restore the San Lorenzo River and Riverwalk. Participants included local downtown businesses, community partners, Bridging the Gap, and the Coastal Watershed Council.

Together, volunteers removed more than 500 pounds of trash and recyclable materials from the area. In addition, Coastal Watershed Council volunteers cleared invasive plants across approximately 250 square feet along the levee, supporting the health and resilience of this important natural habitat.

Thank you to everyone who gave their time and energy to this effort. Your commitment helps keep our public spaces clean, safe, and welcoming for all.

Parks and Recreation, in partnership with Polco, is launching a Community Needs Assessment to better understand how residents use local parks, facilities, and programs, and to help guide future priorities for investment and improvement.

In the coming weeks, some Santa Cruz households will receive a postcard inviting them to participate in this survey. Households are selected at random to ensure the results reflect the community as a whole. If you receive a postcard, please follow the instructions to complete the confidential survey. Your participation is key to helping the City understand community needs.

Key Details

• Responses are completely confidential and not linked to individuals or addresses.
• Adults age 18+ in selected households are encouraged to participate.
• Mailed survey packets can be returned using a postage-paid envelope.

Water Week is underway, April 12–18, and the City is recognizing this national effort to highlight the essential systems and people behind our water.

From drinking water to wastewater and stormwater, these interconnected systems work together every day to protect public health, support our environment, and keep our community running.

Clean, reliable drinking water begins in our protected local watersheds, where it is carefully managed, treated, and tested before reaching homes and businesses. After it goes down the drain, wastewater is collected and treated through a complex system designed to protect public health. At the same time, stormwater flows through streets and storm drains directly to local creeks and the Monterey Bay, making pollution prevention a shared community responsibility.

Behind it all are the people who operate treatment facilities, maintain underground infrastructure, respond to issues in the field, and ensure these systems continue to function safely and reliably.

Thank you to the teams behind this work, keeping Santa Cruz flowing every day.

What brings you joy? Whether it’s diving into a new book, learning a new skill, or connecting with others, Santa Cruz Public Libraries invites the community to celebrate National Library Week, April 19–25.

National Library Week is a time to recognize the many ways libraries bring people together, spark imagination, and support lifelong learning. From books and digital resources to job assistance and creative programming, libraries play an essential role in supporting a thriving community.

Santa Cruz Public Libraries welcomes everyone to explore all the library has to offer. Services include free Wi-Fi, digital collections, storytimes, author talks, and more, ensuring access to resources that educate, inspire, and connect.

Special Events

• Book Bag Painting at participating libraries (see Library Calendar for details)
• The Librarians Film Screening and Discussion
  • Scotts Valley Branch Library | April 22, 5–7 p.m.
  • Capitola Branch Library | April 23, 6:30–8 p.m.

National Work Zone Awareness Week, April 20–24, highlights the importance of staying alert in roadway work areas.

Work zones are how streets are maintained, underground systems are repaired, and critical infrastructure continues to operate safely. City crews are often out early, preparing sites, setting cones, and coordinating work before traffic picks up.

Once work is underway, conditions can change quickly. Traffic patterns shift, equipment moves, and work takes place in close proximity to passing vehicles.

When traveling through a work zone, slowing down, following signs, and staying focused can make a meaningful difference. These simple actions help protect the people doing this work and everyone moving through the area. This week is a reminder of the role we all play in helping keep work zones safe.

Music legend Emmylou Harris returns to Santa Cruz for a special performance at the Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium on Saturday, April 18.

A 14-time Grammy Award winner with a career spanning more than four decades, Harris is known for her unmistakable voice, masterful songwriting, and lasting influence on country and Americana music. With more than 25 albums and countless collaborations, she remains one of the most respected artists in contemporary music.

Event Details

• Saturday, April 18, 2026
• 8 p.m. (Doors open at 7 p.m.)

Don’t miss an unforgettable night with one of music’s most iconic voices.

The City Arts Commission is proud to be a core sponsor of the Vive Oaxaca Guelaguetza cultural festival on Sunday, April 26, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Branciforte Small Schools Campus. City Arts funding helps support live music performances and local musicians as part of the event.

Presented by Senderos, this annual celebration brings the rich traditions of Oaxaca to Santa Cruz through vibrant dance, music, traditional dress, and regional foods. The Guelaguetza is rooted in Indigenous Oaxacan culture and centers on community, sharing, and cultural pride.

The event will feature live performances, cultural presentations, artisan vendors, and opportunities to experience the traditions and stories that continue to shape the region’s diverse community.

On February 26, 2026, a virtual public community meeting was held from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM, for the project application related to 1316, 1320 Pacific Avenue, Project Number: CP25-0138. Learn more about the project here.

The Commission for the Prevention of Violence Against Women (CPVAW), in partnership with the Santa Cruz Police Department, has released its 2025 Annual Report highlighting the ongoing work to prevent violence, support survivors, and strengthen community safety.

While the full report provides a comprehensive look at trends, data, and initiatives, it also tells a broader story: this work is happening every day across Santa Cruz through prevention, education, and strong community partnerships.

In the past year, CPVAW supported outreach and awareness efforts across the community, invested in youth safety and wellness programs, expanded prevention tools in local establishments, and continued collaboration with organizations that provide critical services to survivors.

The data also shows areas of progress, including long-term declines in domestic violence cases, while reinforcing the importance of continued focus, education, and engagement.

Creating a safer community takes all of us. CPVAW remains committed to this work and to building a Santa Cruz where everyone feels safe, supported, and seen.