The City is proud to celebrate the reopening of the south end of the Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf, a beloved community landmark and California’s longest public pier. More than a year after significant storm damage in December 2024, the Wharf once again welcomes residents and visitors to experience its iconic views, vibrant businesses, and connection to the coast.

More than 100 community members joined City leaders, regional partners, and local organizations for a ribbon-cutting celebration on April 29 to mark this milestone. The event featured family-friendly activities, educational exhibits, and moments that reflected the community’s resilience.

This reopening reflects the dedication of City staff, engineers, contractors, and partners who worked together to restore and strengthen this historic structure. The reconstructed section was designed to match the Wharf’s historic character while improving its ability to withstand future coastal conditions.

The Wharf is more than a destination. It is a vital economic engine that supports local jobs and businesses and a place where generations have created lasting memories. From sea lion sightings to ocean breezes, it offers an accessible way for people of all ages and abilities to connect with nature.

The city extends its gratitude to the community, partners, and funding agencies for their continued support. The public is invited to help shape the future of the Wharf through upcoming engagement opportunities.

The City is beginning the process of updating its City Charter, the foundational document that outlines how the City of Santa Cruz is governed.

Proposed amendments focus on modernizing the Charter, improving clarity, and aligning with current state law. Updates include gender-neutral language, clearer election and meeting procedures, and removal of outdated or conflicting provisions.

A public hearing will be held on May 26. Community members are encouraged to review the proposed changes and share input ahead of the November 2026 ballot.

Comments can be submitted to City Clerk, Bonnie Bush, by noon on May 25 at
bbush@santacruzca.gov.

On April 28, the City Council received the annual update on the 5-Year Roadmap for West Cliff.

The Roadmap continues to advance the 50-year Community Vision for West Cliff by guiding priority projects, aligning City planning efforts, and supporting adaptive coastal management. Developed through community input, guidance from the West Cliff Implementation Committee, and coordination with regulatory agencies, the Roadmap identifies five key projects for implementation.

This year’s update provided an overview of progress on these five City Council–approved projects, highlighting key milestones and outlining next steps. The presentation also included a summary of additional projects and planning efforts underway or recently completed in the West Cliff area outside of the Roadmap.

A new episode of Science, Solutions, Santa Cruz from the Seymour Marine Discovery Center explores the future of Santa Cruz’s coastline.

In the episode, “The Great Coastal Debate: Deciding the Next 30 Years of Santa Cruz’s Shores,” Sustainability and Resiliency Officer Tiffany Wise-West discusses the City’s 30-year roadmap to preserve and adapt its shoreline. The conversation covers a range of strategies, including nature-based approaches such as enhanced sand dunes, as well as structural improvements to address sea-level rise and coastal impacts.

The episode also provides helpful context for the City’s Shoreline Adaptation Management Plans and serves as a primer for upcoming community workshops this summer.

Holding onto boxes of sensitive documents? Not sure what to do with shredded paper at home? (Shredded paper is not accepted in curbside recycling.)

Bring your confidential documents to a free Paper Shred Event on Saturday, May 9, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the City Hall parking lot (corner of Chestnut and Church Street).

Event Details

• Open to City of Santa Cruz residents only
• Limit of 3 standard-size banker boxes per household (10″ x 12″ x 15″)
• Paper will be shredded on-site and responsibly recycled

The event runs until 1 p.m. or until the truck is full, whichever comes first.

Join Parks and Recreation for a hands-on Arbor Day celebration on Wednesday, May 7, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at University Terrace Park (369 Meder St.).

This is a great opportunity to get outside, connect with neighbors, and be part of a community effort to plant 60 trees. Stop by to watch tree planting in action, explore interactive booths, and enjoy family-friendly activities. Drop in anytime between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Want to Join the Planting?
Volunteers will help plant 60 trees under the guidance of City staff and experts. No experience needed!

• Check-in begins at 10:45 a.m.
• Wear sturdy shoes and clothes you don’t mind getting dirty.
• Bring gloves and a water bottle.
• Tools and light refreshments will be provided.
• Minors must be accompanied by an adult.

Just Stopping By?
Swing by anytime to watch, connect, and enjoy the park.

Registration is encouraged to help with planning, but not required. Everyone is welcome.

Get ready for an afternoon of big equipment, big skills, and big fun at Touch-A-Truck! Join us on Wednesday, May 20, from 12–2 p.m. at 526 Seabright Ave. (Day’s Market Liquors and Deli parking lot).

This free, family-friendly event invites the community to get up close to the vehicles and equipment that keep Santa Cruz running. Climb aboard, explore, and meet the crews behind the work.

Enjoy live demonstrations and cheer on Public Works staff during the Equipment Road-e-o skills competition, showcasing precision driving and operating skills.

What to Expect:

• Hands-on exploration of City trucks and equipment.
• Equipment Road-e-o skills competition.
• Meet City staff.
• Family-friendly, drop-in event.

Registration is not required, but signing up in advance is encouraged to receive event updates and help us plan for attendance.

Hosted in the Seabright neighborhood, this event supports local businesses during nearby construction.

May is Bike Month, and Santa Cruz is celebrating with Bike Fest, a monthlong series of rides, events, and activities that promote biking as a fun, safe, and sustainable way to get around.

Hosted by Ecology Action and Modo, Bike Fest brings together community partners, including the City, to support bike safety and active transportation. Residents can join the Bike Challenge and take part in events across Santa Cruz throughout the month.

One highlight is Pedal Palooza, a free, family-friendly bike festival co-sponsored by the Santa Cruz Police Department on Saturday, May 16, from 1-4 p.m. at Bay View Elementary School.

Enjoy bike safety activities, a bike rodeo and skills stations, e-bike demos, group rides, and a chance to win a free bike provided by Ecology Action.

Pedal Palooza is funded by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Explore Bike Month events and join the Bike Challenge at letsmodo.org/bike-fest.

May is Motorcycle and Bicycle Safety Month, and the Santa Cruz Police Department is reminding everyone to stay alert and share the road.

Motorcyclists and bicyclists are more vulnerable on the road and rely on drivers to stay attentive and follow traffic laws. Common causes of crashes include unsafe speed, improper turning, right-of-way violations, and unsafe lane changes. Speeding remains a leading factor.

Safety Tips for Drivers

• Check mirrors and blind spots for motorcycles and bicycles.
• Signal when changing lanes or turning.
• Give riders space and avoid following too closely.
• Slow down and use extra caution at intersections.

Safety Tips for Riders

• Wear a helmet and protective gear.
• Use lights and reflective materials to increase visibility.
• Signal clearly and ride predictably.
• Follow traffic laws and watch for turning vehicles.

These programs are funded by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Curious how the City budget works? Join us on Tuesday, May 19, from 6-7 p.m. for a closer look at how funding decisions are made and how resources support City services.

Hosted by the Finance Department, this webinar will share information on the proposed Annual Budget and guide participants on how to use the City’s interactive budget tool.

Drinking Water Week, celebrated May 4-10, is a time to recognize the vital role clean, safe water plays in our daily lives. It also highlights the dedicated City staff who work behind the scenes to keep our system running and ensure reliable access to high-quality drinking water.

From protected local watersheds to treatment, testing, and delivery, City teams work every day to provide safe and dependable water to homes, businesses, and essential services.

Drinking Water Week is an opportunity to learn more about where your water comes from and how we can all help protect this essential resource for the future.

The Santa Cruz Fire Department (SCFD) hosted its 7th Annual Awards and Promotion Ceremony on April 18 at the Santa Cruz Elks Lodge, recognizing staff achievements, promotions, and dedicated service. The event celebrated the department’s tradition, excellence, and camaraderie.

The ceremony also recognized several team members for recent promotions across the department.

SCFD includes approximately 60 full-time staff and 70 seasonal lifeguards, all working together to serve and protect the community. Events like this highlight the people behind that work and the commitment they bring to public safety every day.

During National Volunteer Week (April 19-25), communities across the country recognize the individuals who give their time and talent to strengthen and support others.

The Santa Cruz Police Department (SCPD) marked the occasion by celebrating its volunteers with a thank-you breakfast and sparkling cider toast. Together, this group has contributed more than 27,000 hours of service, representing thousands of moments of dedication, care, and community impact.

Volunteer Appreciation Week is a time to recognize the vital role volunteers play in building strong, connected communities. Thank you to the volunteers who support SCPD and help serve Santa Cruz.

On April 9, the City’s Business Services team hosted its largest Brokers’ Breakfast to date, with more than 30 commercial real estate brokers attending at the RiverRow Clubhouse.

The program included updates on City projects and a presentation from Charles Parker of The Retail Coach, the City’s retail attraction consultant. Parker shared data-driven insights on retail demand and market trends specific to Santa Cruz. The event also featured a roundtable discussion on current commercial leasing activity.

The event concluded with a tour of RiverRow, Downtown’s newest mixed-use development, featuring 175 residential units and nine ground-floor retail spaces. Developer Owen Lawlor highlighted the project as a public-private partnership between the City, the Coastal Watershed Council, and local investors, with a focus on enhancing access to the San Lorenzo River.

These events provide an opportunity for the City’s Office of Economic Development to connect with local brokers, gain real-time market insights, and support continued economic vitality Downtown.

As the 2026 World Cup approaches, Santa Cruz is preparing to capture the excitement. The County is creating a list of local businesses that plan to show matches, helping residents and visitors find places to watch throughout the region.

Businesses are invited to share which matches they’ll be screening, along with their hours and business type. This information will be featured on the Visit Santa Cruz website to promote watch party locations across the county.

For some businesses, matches may fall within regular hours. Others may choose to open early or stay open later. Sharing your plans helps ensure the community knows where to go and when.

Santa Cruz County beaches are gaining national recognition, with Natural Bridges State Beach, Main Beach, and Capitola Beach nominated in USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards for Best Beach in California.

The annual awards highlight top destinations across the country, with winners selected by public vote. Known for scenic views, surf culture, and accessible coastline, Santa Cruz’s beaches continue to stand out among California’s best.

Community members are encouraged to show their support by voting in the online poll. You can vote once per day until voting ends on Monday, May 18 at noon ET. Winners will be announced on Wednesday, May 27.