This year, the City is celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Resource Recovery Facility, a milestone that recognizes a century of protecting public health, supporting environmental stewardship, and providing essential services to the community.

Many people know the Resource Recovery Facility as the landfill, but its role extends far beyond waste disposal. Resource Recovery services include recycling, organics collection, household hazardous waste disposal, street sweeping, litter reduction, and waste diversion programs that help keep Santa Cruz clean, safe, and sustainable.

Throughout the year, the City will share stories highlighting the people, programs, equipment, and infrastructure behind 100 years of service. The campaign will also explore how the facility has evolved over time and the important role it continues to play in managing waste and protecting the environment.

As part of the centennial celebration, the City invites the community to help tell the story of Resource Recovery in Santa Cruz. If you have historic photos of the landfill, recycling operations, collection trucks, employees, or special events, we encourage you to share them. Your photos and stories may be featured throughout the campaign as we celebrate 100 years of service.

View the campaign kickoff video to learn more and submit your photos through the link below.

Community members have helped shape the conversation about the future of Santa Cruz's coastline. Now it's time to weigh in on strategies for the 30-Year Shoreline Adaptation and Management plans.

The City invites community members to participate in upcoming Resilient Coast Santa Cruz 2.0 workshops focused on West Cliff, Main Beach, Cowell Beach, East Cliff, and Seabright Beach.

Through an interactive tabletop exercise, participants will explore coastal resilience strategies, discuss options and tradeoffs, and share feedback to help guide future planning efforts.

Community Conversation Dates

• August 3, 5:30–7:30 p.m. at London Nelson Community Center (Main/Cowell Beaches and East Cliff/Seabright Beach)
• August 8, 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. at Bay View Elementary School (West Cliff)

Light refreshments will be provided. Registration is encouraged.

Tia Martin is one of the many people working behind the scenes to keep the Police Department running smoothly. She manages the department's hiring process, coordinating everything from background investigations and interviews to medical exams and onboarding new employees. As the department's Technology Coordinator, she also supports employees' technology needs and works closely with Facility Maintenance to ensure the building and surrounding grounds are welcoming and well-maintained.

Beyond her day-to-day responsibilities, Tia is dedicated to making employees feel valued and connected. She organizes holiday treats and staff appreciation efforts throughout the year and has led numerous fundraising activities supporting causes such as Second Harvest, Special Olympics, Pizza for a Purpose events, the Polar Plunge, and the upcoming Law Enforcement Torch Run.

Tia's willingness to step up, support others, and build a strong sense of community makes a lasting impact on the department. Thank you, Tia!

Santa Cruz voters approved Measure C to create a dedicated local funding source for affordable housing and homelessness prevention programs.

Community members are invited to learn more about how Measure C will be implemented during an informational webinar on Tuesday, June 30, from 5:30 to 7 p.m.

Measure C includes:

• A Workforce Housing Affordability Act parcel tax of $96 per year, beginning July 1, 2026.
• Low-income seniors, low-income, and nonprofit exemptions are available.
• A transfer tax on property sales over $1.8 million, beginning July 1, 2026.
• Several exemptions available.

The City is excited to partner with Cruzio to bring free outdoor public Wi-Fi to the Santa Cruz Wharf! Whether you’re visiting the Wharf for dining, shopping, fishing, or enjoying the ocean views, you can now stay connected while experiencing one of our most iconic destinations. This partnership reflects a shared commitment to improving accessibility, enhancing the visitor experience, and supporting the local community and businesses. We’re thrilled to make it easier for everyone to connect while enjoying the Wharf.

Photo Credit: Alison Lowenthal

The Loch Lomond Learning Series continues this summer with opportunities to explore the reservoir, learn about local wildlife, and gain a deeper understanding of the watershed that helps supply Santa Cruz's drinking water.

On July 11 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., community members are invited to participate in the Annual Secchi Dip-In, a special celebration of Lakes Appreciation Month. The program includes a guided boat tour aboard the Newell Jewell, hands-on water quality sampling, and a closer look at what helps keep Loch Lomond healthy.

Additional programs will explore Western Pond Turtle Conservation on August 8 and Fall Birding on September 12. Programs are free, but space is limited. Call 831-335-7424 to reserve your spot.

Join us for Community Climate Game Day! 

Come spend the afternoon at the Downtown Public Library exploring fun, interactive games all about water, climate, and our local environment. Whether you’re a strategy game fan, curious about climate resilience, or just looking for a fun way to connect with others in the community, this event is for you.

Downtown Public Library
Saturday, July 25
11 AM–1 PM

Make new friends, get strategic, and discover a new favorite game while learning more about climate and water in Santa Cruz.

We hope to see you there!

Santa Cruz’s coastline is beautiful, but it can also be unpredictable and dangerous. Large surf, strong rip currents, sneaker waves, coastal erosion, and rockfalls can all occur with little warning. Whether you’re visiting the beach, walking along West Cliff, or enjoying coastal bluff areas, please stay alert and use caution.

For your safety, always obey posted warning signs, stay on established paths, and never cross fences or barriers near bluff edges. Those fences are there for a reason. Cliffs and bluff areas can be unstable, and conditions can change quickly.

Before heading to the coast, check surf and weather conditions, keep a safe distance from the water’s edge and bluff edges, and never turn your back on the ocean. A little extra caution can go a long way in helping everyone enjoy Santa Cruz’s coastline safely.

Westlake Park is a great place to fish, relax, and enjoy nature. To help keep it that way, the City of Santa Cruz Parks & Recreation Department asks everyone who fishes at the park to protect local wildlife by practicing responsible fishing habits.

Please remember to pick up all fishing line, hooks, and other tackle when you're finished. Even small pieces of discarded fishing line can become tangled around ducks, birds, turtles, and other wildlife, causing serious injuries. Fishing line recycling stations and trash bins are available throughout the park to make proper disposal easy.

We're grateful to the many anglers who already help care for Westlake Park. By taking a few extra moments to clean up after each fishing trip, we can all help keep the shoreline clean, protect wildlife, and ensure the park remains a safe and enjoyable place for everyone.

Thank you for doing your part!