Santa Cruz · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Santa Cruz public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
General Plan alignment with Climate Adaptation Plan
The council accepted an update on sea level rise planning for Districts 2, 3, 4 and 6, including community engagement results. One commenter disputed the sea level rise projections, citing NOAA tide gauge data.
Landfill compactor rebuild
Rather than replace it, the city is spending $488,854 to rebuild its aging Caterpillar 826K landfill compactor with Peterson Tractor Company.
Hazard Mitigation and Climate Adaptation Progress
The council accepted an update on sea level rise planning for Districts 2, 3, 4 and 6, including community engagement results. One commenter disputed the sea level rise projections, citing NOAA tide gauge data.
Mobile recycling service at 200 Harvey West Boulevard
A new mobile recycling service (Recycle Depot) got permits to operate in the industrial zone. Before opening, the operator must submit a security plan addressing camping, after-hours drop-off, garbage, and loitering.
Offshore drilling and deep-sea mining protections
Santa Cruz is extending its 1980s-era "blue wall" ordinances to cover deep-sea mining, banning onshore support facilities and requiring voter approval for any reversal. Advocates say the coast's economy and ecosystems are at stake; second reading comes in two weeks.
Water Quality
Heads up, Santa Cruz! That chemical from the Erin Brockovich movie, hexavalent chromium, has been detected in your drinking water. Officials are monitoring the situation and will provide updates on potential impacts to your tap water.
Climate Action Plan 2026-2029 workplan
The city admitted it's not on track to meet its emissions targets, like most California jurisdictions, but adopted a new three-year workplan prioritizing actions the Spanish-speaking community helped identify.
Water Supply for University Expansion
UC Santa Cruz wants to expand, but the city needs to figure out where the extra water will come from. This could mean tough choices about our local water supply.