Santa Cruz · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Santa Cruz public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Public access legacy of Celia and Peter Scott honored
Council approved a memorial plaque in Pogonip for the Scotts, whose decades of advocacy — including the Greenbelt Initiative and Friends of Pogonip — won the public the access it enjoys today.
Biarritz sister city exchanges
Delegates reported on the adult climate conference and junior guard exchange with Biarritz, France — including a possible future council commitment to a coalition for the sustainable use of AI and expanded youth exchanges.
Poet's Park Playground Improvement
A $130,195.63 playground contract was awarded for the beloved Beach Flats pocket park, with design shaped by community outreach.
Community Gardens Program
The city's community gardens face challenges but have built local partnerships and outreach events; gardeners' comment boxes are asking for restrooms.
Jinotepe emeritus status
With no recent activity, the Committee may consider giving the Jinotepe, Nicaragua sister city relationship emeritus status — a letter of notice will be drafted.
SculpTOUR curator selection committee appointments
The commission was asked to appoint one or more of its members to help select the SculpTOUR curator and, later, the SculpTOUR artists. This shapes the city's public art programming for 2026-2027.
Youth civic engagement
Three high school students presented yearlong projects on parks events, sustainable energy financing and free youth spaces, closing out the second year of the Youth Liaison Program.
Regional Library Services Agreement Extension
The city extended its library joint powers agreement with the County, Capitola, and Scotts Valley through mid-2032, keeping regional library funding and governance stable.
2026 Committee Leadership Elections
The committee was set to elect its Chair and Vice-Chair for 2026 and appoint subcommittee chairs — the people who will steer the sister cities program's priorities this year.
City Arts 50th Anniversary Planning
The Commission was scheduled to consider forming an ad hoc committee to plan the 50th anniversary of the City Arts program, a milestone celebration for public arts in Santa Cruz.